Most students know that Model United Nations is a student group that simulates the United Nations. However, most students do not know all of the impactful events that are orchestrated by MUN at Portland State.
Graduate student Jim Mignano formed model UN two years ago. Students attend conferences under four committees: General Assembly, Fifth Committee, International Atomic Energy Agency and United Nations Environmental Programme.
MUN is trying to foster awareness and activities at a local level for the UN Millennium Development Goals, explained Secretary General of MUN Tasia-Jana Tanginoa.
Model UN events
On Oct. 4, PSUMUN hosted Ralph Nader to speak about healthcare. It was one of the biggest events organized by MUN this month. Nader focused on healthcare reform, specifically, single-payer healthcare.
“Although MUN is a nonpartisan organization, we believe that Nader’s single-payer healthcare is congruent to what is stated in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” Tanginoa said.
MUNs all over the world are joining hands for the next event entitled, “Stand Up and Take Action—End Poverty Now!” Groups are campaigning to achieve one of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, which is to eradicate poverty by the year 2015.
At Portland State, the “Stand Up” event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at Hoffman Hall and Walk of the Heroines, located at Southwest 12th and Harrison Street.
Elizabeth Furse, the first African-born candidate to win an election to the United States Congress and a representative of Bread for the World will discuss the key points about Millennium Development Goals at the “Stand Up” event.
The other local organizations joining MUN in the event are World Affairs Council, These Numbers Have Faces, Oregon Food Bank, Bread for the World, Jubilee, Portland Area Global Aids Coalition, Mercy Corps and Portland Roasting Company.
A suggested donation of $10 is requested. Attendees are invited to grab a lunch bag, enjoy Zambian dances and learn about legislation needed to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
The event will also feature performances by pianist Thomas Lauderdale, African drummer Chata Addy, Middle Eastern ensemble Al Andalus and African storyteller, Loveness Wesa.
Achievements
Tanginoa spoke proudly of the various achievements of PSUMUN.
“We attended a Model UN Cascadia Conference in the 2007-08 year in Vancouver, B.C., where we brought home the gold for Best Delegation,” she said. “Last year, we attended the Model UN of the Far West, which is the oldest Model UN simulation in the country. Both of our delegations brought home certificates of Outstanding Diplomacy.”
PSUMUN is currently forming a delegation for 2009-10 where students for the first time will have a chance to sit as a judge on the International Court of Justice.
“We are always looking for more delegates and people who are passionate about international issues,” Tanginoa said.
MUN hopes to foster awareness and activities on a local level of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals:
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership
Stand Up and Take Action—End Poverty Now!
Saturday, Oct. 17
12:30 to 3 p.m.
Hoffman Hall
Performances by:
Thomas Lauderdale, Loveness Wesa, Al Andalus and Chata Addy.
$10 suggested donation to be split between Mercy Corps and the Oregon Food Bank
Video of last year’s event at: www.tinyurl.com/MUN2008