UNSC: Inside the River Room
In the large, open, room of the UNSC committee, delegates had a riveting stream of discussions surrounding the future of peacekeeping operations. The delegates, thirsty for a fruitful debate, had already thrown themselves into the discussions of addressing the future of peacekeeping operations. Although this is an issue which may leave individuals frozen, these delegates bravely dived in.
Ireland started off with explaining that “peacekeeping is a proud Irish tradition”, and that they understand that to achieve a shared goal, we need to work collaboratively, [as we are all in the same boat]. Especially as the United Nations peacekeeping operations are submerged with challenges from financial strains, as there is a lack of contribution from UN member states.
“Peacekeeping missions are where the UN can truly save succeeding generations from war”, ehtnusiastically stated the delegate of France. They explaining that although peacekeeping is becoming evermore difficult due to poor governance, France is not drowning in this issue, but is hopeful for future peacekeeping reforms.
Considering the nature of the UNSC committee, which is considered to be the most tension-filled-to-the-brim committee, arguments between delegates were inevitable. However, many delegates at this point in the debate seemed to agree with each other. The delegate of Ghana shared an insightful quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson to start the flow of their speech. “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” The delegate’s stream of speech focused on the fact that conflicts are multi-faced, and there needs to be a greater training of troops who can work with local forces so that others are aware of the good that peacekeeping can do. The delegate of the UAE gushed on to explain that there is a bubbling need for a UN monitoring and evaluation framework, as this currently does not exist.
During the unmoderated caucus, I drifted over to the presidents table and poured out a few questions.
If you haven’t had the chance to meet the wonderful presidents of UNSC, please meet Yusif Suleymanov from Azerbaijan, Terry Batnasan from London, and Eric Bazail-Eimil from Florida.
They had a tidal wave of positive words to describe their committee. Yusif dived in with “aspiring, empowering, and engaging”, Eric enthusiastically shared “dynamic, quick-changing, and aspirational” and Terry passionately stated “interesting, heated and tense.”
The presidents spent the weeks leading up to the conference writing their capititvating study guide, which I am sure delegates found as interesting as I did. After asking them about their current discussion topic, they explained that it will be a mission topic that is inclusive of all nations, as each nation has a part to play in and something to say.
Eric added that it is important for delegates to be aware of the conflict between different countries, and the countries which may have different degrees of conflict, as this would be useful in their research portfolio.
After asking them for advice that they could pass on to delegates, Terry wisely said to have fun. “At the end of the day at the end of the conference, it's not the debate that we're concerned about or remember, it’s the people that you meet… experiences that you have. [So] have as much fun as you can.”
Eric spurted the insightful practical advice of “never read off the page.” He further explained that even if it is a bad speech, it would be more impressive if you just say it straight out. “Definitely worth a shot” - Eric LIMUN 2022. “I’m ready, rain on me” - Lady Gaga, 2020.
Thank you to all the delegates and presidents in UNSC, wishing you a refreshing and thirst-quenching debate!