University of Birmingham United Nations Society

Welcome to Welcome Week!
Good luck to everyone moving to Birmingham this weekend.

It's time for us to announce our events for the first few weeks - we've got lots coming up for you to get involved in. There are more details for each event on their FB pages which I'll link below.

Welcome Week: Fresher's Quiz
https://www.facebook.com/events/1389923471211960?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A5%2C%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22main_list%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%5C%22[]%5C%22%22%7D]%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D

Week 1: Taster Model UN
https://www.facebook.com/events/912057929285600?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A5%2C%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22main_list%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%5C%22[]%5C%22%22%7D]%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D
Freshers' Party
https://www.facebook.com/events/767258533871124?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A5%2C%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22main_list%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%5C%22[]%5C%22%22%7D]%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D

Week 2: Taster Model UN
https://www.facebook.com/events/854766848612162/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A5%2C%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22main_list%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%5C%22[]%5C%22%22%7D]%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D

Week 3: Social
https://www.facebook.com/events/376049153792251/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A5%2C%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22main_list%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%5C%22[]%5C%22%22%7D]%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D

Week 4: Crisis
https://www.facebook.com/events/1094314627689841/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A5%2C%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22main_list%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%5C%22[]%5C%22%22%7D]%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D

As always if you have any questions feel free to message us!

Lastly, it’s time to introduce our president - Anna! Anna is a 4th year (technically a fresher once again this year!) MSc Computer science student.

Her favourite countries for MUN are: “Canada/Sweden as it reminds me of my first two sessions and if in doubt I can just go with having the moral high ground on most issues” 🇨🇦🇸🇪

We’re coming to the end of our committee introductions which means welcome week is coming - make sure to like our fb page for event details!

Kieran is our Vice-President! He’s a second year politics and international relations student. In his words “I quite like representing western countries as I enjoy the task of defending hypocritical ideologies!”

Today’s committee member is Gideon - he’s a second year ancient history student and our Secretary. His favourite MUN country is Turkmenistan which can be traced back to one of our drunk debates where he started a Stan alliance. 🇹🇲

(This photo is from our trip to just before lockdown!)

Today we’re introducing Ratnadip, our treasurer 💰Ratnadip’s second year liberal arts, majoring in international relations.

“I don't really have a favourite country for MUN because I love representing different views on whatever's the topic but I did have a lot of fun being The Holy See once talking about alcohol prohibition!”

Our next committee member is Yernur! Yernur is a 3rd year Anthropology and Political Science student and an mun mastermind.

In his own words:
"I don't have a favourite country for MUN. I enjoy the challenge of finding ways in which any country, however small or seemingly insignificant, can have a huge impact on world politics. If I were to name one however, Russia is the country I can represent most effectively."

Introducing Michelle! 🇺🇸⠀
⠀
“I’m studying International law and Globalization and I’m going to my final year. My favorite country to be in MUN is the USA, probably because I am American, but also because it’s thrilling to practically get away with anything using the VETO power”

Today’s committee member is Fiona, our Deputy Secretary General! Fiona is a 2nd year International Relations student. She’s is a flexible MUNer who doesn’t have a preferred country to represent 🇺🇳 much like her role on committee where she helps us all out!

Hello everyone! It’s that time of year again - committee introductions 🤗

I’m Eleanor, a second year liberal arts student. I run all our socials media. I’ve asked committee to give me their favourite country to represent at model United Nations. Mine is probably Australia because their perspectives on topics often surprise me 🇦🇺

Congratulations to everyone receiving their A Level results today! Everyone has so much admiration for you all who have had to finish sixth form in a global pandemic 👏🏻 we’re excited to meet you all in September!

Thank you everyone who came to our summer party - it was lovely to see that members old and new rival each other pretty well in a quiz 😂

Looking back on the year, we’ve had some great evenings: from Christmas markets, to societies’ night to fancy Edinburgh hotels. There’s been something for everyone! @ Guild of Students, University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham United Nations Society is in full solidarity with Black Lives Matter.

One of the core purposes of the United Nations, as laid out in Article I of Charter of the United Nations, is:
“promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, s*x, language, or religion”

As a UN society, this is our responsibility too. As a society we will work to become actively anti-racist. We encourage our members to educate themselves, donate where they can, sign petitions, and stand with the movement.

Here is a list of resources:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SGgHa6-VlBO-QgirITwCTugSfKie5Fs/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwAR0qkOZ49FGoQoNylMnjvKebzYiWHf-wJW1ypBhXdrDJcq3C1Y1NvQANshM
https://gal-dem.com/bookmark-this-what-should-we-do-with-videos-of-police-brutality/?fbclid=IwAR0dmMOXB5edFD0MxkVGb5L0Gh82Pg2rWQChGmApmLm7Zn9cHK0Gd7Un6mo
https://sojo.net/articles/our-white-friends-desiring-be-allies?fbclid=IwAR2Z6WVwSlfQgnIAoZzugAoTKc4yiBZ11a6_6_Iz7zXnuy5TbkBGrLSA-So
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rkd3WNqPAJ5P-Ha2sg23AWRaidwKL0dG/view?usp=sharing
These are books that are available as ebooks from findit@bham:
https://twitter.com/eleanorreads/status/1268172475503988738

Petitions you can sign (there are so many more):
https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/

Here is where you can donate:
https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/

Anti-racism resources for white people This document is intended to serve as a resource to white people and parents to deepen our anti-racism work. If you haven’t engaged in anti-racism work in the past, start now. Feel free to circulate this document on social media and with your friends, family, and colleagues.

The results from the election are in. The UN Society Committee for 2020/21 will be:

President - Anna Clee
Vice President - Kieran Stephens
Secretary- Gideon Gabriel
Treasurer - Ratnadip Das
MUN Coordinator - Yernur Niyetkaliyev
Socials and Internals - Eleanor Thomas
Secretary General - Michelle Oduro
Deputy Secretary General - Fiona Cox

Congratulations to you all! The society is in brilliant hands for next year! Further updates will follow.

Also, massive thank you to everyone who stood for a position. Our memembership is what makes our society strong so please be assured - even if you weren't elected, your continued contribution is always wanted and needed!

You have until 4pm today to cast your vote! Use it wisely ⬇️
VOTING NOW OPEN 💥

https://www.guildofstudents.com/elections/guild-elections/

Guild Elections 2020 - Guild of Students Registered Office: University of Birmingham Guild of Students, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham, B15 2TU. Registered Charity Number: 1137548. Registered in England. Company Number: 6638759

VOTING NOW OPEN 💥

Calling all UN members!

Vote for your new committee by clicking the link below ⬇️

Remember you must be a paid member to vote. Polls close on Wednesday at 4pm.

https://www.guildofstudents.com/elections/guild-elections/

Guild Elections 2020 - Guild of Students Registered Office: University of Birmingham Guild of Students, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham, B15 2TU. Registered Charity Number: 1137548. Registered in England. Company Number: 6638759

The Guild has extended the nomination period for committee positions until 6pm tonight. So if you were thinking of running for committee but missed the deadline or didn't go for it - NOW'S YOUR CHANCE!

https://www.guildofstudents.com/elections/guild-elections/

Guild Elections 2020 - Guild of Students Registered Office: University of Birmingham Guild of Students, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham, B15 2TU. Registered Charity Number: 1137548. Registered in England. Company Number: 6638759

Online AGM announcement

Today at 3pm, all declared candidates for committee roles will be available for an online Q&A session. Anyone is welcome to join the discord server at:

https://discord.gg/jKncX9

Join the UoB UN Discord Server! Check out the UoB UN community on Discord - hang out with 20 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.

💥NOMINATIONS OPEN 💥

If you'd like to nominate yourself for a committee position in the society you can do so now by clicking on the link below ⬇️

To nominate yourself you must be a paid member of the society. To buy membership please go to the Guild website and search United Nations Society.

You can nominate yourself for as many positions as you like! Please let the society know what you nominate yourself for so we can plan a Q&A session with candidates next week.

Nominations close on Friday.

If you have any questions for the current committee please get in touch by messaging this page - Good luck!

https://www.guildofstudents.com/elections/guild-elections/

Guild Elections 2020 - Guild of Students Registered Office: University of Birmingham Guild of Students, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham, B15 2TU. Registered Charity Number: 1137548. Registered in England. Company Number: 6638759

Hi everyone,

In light of the latest advice from the Government and the Guild, it is with regret that we will have to cancel all society events and meetings, until at least the summer term, effective immediately. The AGM will be rescheduled or carried out online, further details to follow. Reimbursements for ScotMUN will now take a little longer to reach you as Guild operations are stopped.

We'd like to thank all those who have made this year an extremely successful year for the society. Hopefully we'll be able go meet in the summer term. For our members who won't be returning to uni next academic year - best of luck in your future endeavours and please stay in touch!

Take care of your self guys and hopefully see you in the summer.

- Jonathan and the Committee

EDIT: Donuts are now sold out! Thank you to everyone who helped raise money :)

Hey everyone !
MUN society is raising money for the Animal Welfare Institute to help animals in Australia.
We're selling Krispy Kreme donuts on wednesday on campus from 11-4.
We'll be at the guild, in the library and go mex.
We're selling each donut for £1.50 or 2 for £2.50
Please come along and buy yourself a treat to support this wonderful cause :)

TICKETS ARE ON SALE

Hi everyone, the tickets for UoB MUN are on sale! You can purchase them form https://www.guildofstudents.com/events/7483/4411/

UoB MUN is a 1-day Model UN conference where delegates get to represent countries' positions on current issues and work together to come up with resolutions! You do NOT need prior MUN experience to attend!

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Best,

The committee

UOBMUN Conference 2019

Hello all,

Societies night is back on Wednesday 20th November (sports night but for societies). We're thinking of going as a society and giving our members a discount. If you're interested in going please like this post BY FRIDAY NOON so we have an idea of numbers.

Thanks,
Jonathan

EGM & PIZZA - Reminder that tonight is our EGM and Committee elections in Nuffield G13. You can run for as many positions as you like, but you must be a member to run and vote. We've also doubled our pizza order from last week! See you there!

*TICKET SALES LIVE*

Hi everyone!

Please purchase your UoB MUN ticket here: https://www.guildofstudents.com/events/7483/4411/

We will email you regarding your country and committee choices individually due to some technical GDPR difficulties.

Best,

The Committee

Committee topics:
Security Council:
1. Renewing nation-wide ceasefire in Syria.
2. Tackling the causes of 'climate refugee' phenomena.

Disarmament and International Security:
1. The question of civilians in armed conflicts.
2. Question of arms embargoes as political tools.

Economic & Financial:
1. Addressing global 'digital divide'.
2. Combatting tax evasion by international corporations.

Social, Humanitarian & Cultural:
1. Addressing the threat of antibiotic resistance.
2. Furthering women's issues and gender equality.

Special Political & Decolonisation:
1. Reviewing peacekeeping operations.
2. Ensuring fairness of democratic processes.

Environmental:
1. Combatting global desertification.
2. Protecting life below water.

UOBMUN Conference 2019 Hi everyone! Due to some GDPR difficulties, we will email you personally regarding your country and committee choices. We will keep you updated if anything changes! In the meantime, please purchase the ticket as there is a limited number! Best,

Hello everyone!
UoB MUN is a conference organised and run entirely by students for students – that’s why we need enthusiastic delegates, as well as a set of enthusiastic committee chairs and the secretariat.

Therefore we are pleased to announce vacancies for following positions:

1. Committee Chairs (x12);

2. Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General (EGM).

Role descriptions are as follows:

1. Committee Chairs:
• To be familiar with the conference’s Rules of Procedure
• To research your committee topic(s) and write a study a guide for the delegate pack;
• Moderation of your committee’s debates in an impartial manner to debates not only fun and entertaining, is also respectful, productive and informative;
• Keeping debate moving with conference timings in mind;
• To judge a “highly commended” and a “best” delegate from your committee.

2. Secretary General:
• To be responsible for organisation and delivery of the conference;
• Leading the team of Chairs and the Secretariat;
• Allocation of conference funds;
• To address any problems and concerns which may arise on the day;
• Opening and closing of conferences;

3. Deputy Secretary General:
• To be Acting Secretary General if the former is unavailable;
• To assist the Secretary General in all their conference responsibilities.

If you would like to get involved, please come to Nuffield G13 on Wednesday 23rd October at 4pm to our EGM to run for Secretary General or Deputy SecGen.
Please stay behind (after 6pm) to get involved as a chair. Thanks for your attention.
- The Committee

TICKETS ON SALE TUESDAY

Hello everyone,

Due to some miscommunication with the Guild, we must delay ticket sales until Tuesday.

Due to data protection guidelines, the Guild needs to review the application process for UoB MUN, however this shouldn't take too long.

What we can deliver though is an update on UoB MUN! We are currently finalising topics for the committees and chair/secretariat positions. Look out for our update tomorrow for information on those.

We'll keep you updated!

The Committee.

Hello all! We're very happy to announce our first conference of the year, the UoB Model UN! If you want to get involved in conferences later in the year, MUN is a great chance to get used to conference procedures in a friendly and inclusive environment. More details regarding positons will be avliable soon, and tickets will go on sale Monday.

We'd like to thank everyone for coming to our first meeting of the term, and we hoped you all had a good time!

The second meeting and a taster session will be held next Wednesday 9th October at University House G-06 at 4pm,

You do not need to be a paid member to attend, as we're still running these sessions to let people get used to how we work.

The topic for next week is going to be around the recent Hong Kong protests and political tension, so if you've a particular country in mind then please let us know.

We look forward to seeing new and returning faces, and hope to see you there.

Hello everyone! If you're interested in joining a society that deals with international issues and current affairs, then The United Nations Society might be for you! We'll be at the Societies Fair on Friday the 27th September, and Committee members will be there to answer any questions you have, as well as help you get to know us. Meeting locations for the first few weeks will be confirmed soon - see you there!

Just a reminder: there will be no weekly debate tonight as we are busy preparing for UBIMUN this weekend! For those of you attending this weekend we can't wait to see you there!

We will resume our weekly debate next Tuesday - details will be available soon.

Thanks,

The Committee