Dear all,
We greatly look forward to hosting our 19th annual MUN conference in May.
“Strength: Seeking Solutions through Shared Humanity” is this year’s topic. What is strength though? How should strength be used? Is it even something noble?
These questions could not be more prevalent, as we see an alarming number of actors blatantly disregarding human rights and international law to prove their supposed strength. The view that strength is the ability to act independently and assert one’s own set of rules grows in popularity. This view quickly spirals into the belief that only a chosen group should be in possession of this strength. Strength to preserve one’s own traditions and values, strength to rule over others, strength as a means to show one’s own apparent superiority.
The United Nations is based on the foundation of acknowledging humanity in all human beings. While this may sound redundant, we are seeing how many humans discriminate and kill others. We are seeing how humans shut others out, treating them as foes, instead of individuals with shared humanity and a common future.
Strength. Strength to admit faults and be open to learning from one another. Strength to not look away from atrocities, just because we do not feel directly impacted by them. Strength to help others in need, not because we seek reward, but because we are all the same. Humans, all looking for peace and safety.
Strength. Strength to look each other in the eyes and acknowledge our differences while never forgetting: They are human beings too, just like me and they have the same human rights, just like I do.
As participants of this BALMUN conference, remember to stay curious. What can I learn from others? For curiosity reminds us to be aware of the limits of our own beliefs and to strive to understand differing perspectives.
Only by doing so can we create solutions through shared humanity that can make a positive change for every citizen of this world.
Sincerely, Eunsu Kang and Frida Lafrentz