Opening of Model UN 2021

19 April 2021

April 19th, MGIMO hosted the opening ceremony of the XXII Vitaly Churkin Moscow International Model UN (C-MIMUN 2021).

The ceremony began with a welcome speech by the Rector of MGIMO, Chairman of the Russian Association for the promotion of the United Nations A.Torkunov. He noted that this year's agenda covers a very wide range of topics, closely linked with the current situation in the world. The Rector highlighted the main topics to be discussed including the problem of migration, space exploration, and education of various groups of the population in the field of agriculture. The speaker remarked that delegates from 31 countries are taking part in C-MIMUN this year. A.Torkunov also related to the audience the history of the Moscow V.Churkin International Model UN and emphasized its international reputation. Vitaly Ivanovich Churkin was himself a highly respected figure in the international community. In conclusion, the Rector wished the delegates success in their work and productive debates.

C-MIMUN was moderated by the First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Association for the promotion of the United Nations, Head of the UNESCO Chair, A.Borisov. He noted that the Model was dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the Russian Association for the promotion of the United Nations, as well as the 75th anniversary of the UN. C-MIMUN is supported by the Russian Peace Foundation, the A.M.Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund, as well as grants of the Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy of the city of Moscow for socially oriented NGOs allocated by the Mayor of Moscow.

V.Kuznetsov, Director of the UN Information Center in Moscow, read out a message from Antonio Guterres to the participants of the XXII Model UN. In his letter, the UN Secretary General noted that the world faces a number of serious challenges: a health crisis, an economic disaster and a human rights emergency. “The United Nations is committed to being your ally in the quest to build a more sustainable and just world for people today and for generations to come,” concluded Antonio Guterres.

The Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Chairman of the Board of the Russian Peace Foundation Leonid Slutsky also addressed the guests, noting that C-MIMUN is a project of interest for Antonio Guterres.

The Director of the Department of International Organizations of the Russian Foreign Ministry P.Ilyichev shared with the audience a letter from the Russian Foreign Minister S.Lavrov, in which he stresses that participating in a Model UN helps broaden horizons, acquire new knowledge, skills and contacts. Then P. Ilyichev spoke of ecology and climate change, underlining our responsibility in changing the world and citing the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change as an example.

As the opening ceremony came to a close, Yulia Delyukina, Secretary General of the Vitaly Churkin 2021 Moscow International Model UN, made a speech. She expressed confidence that, despite the limited preparation time for C-MIMUN 2021, the Model would be remembered by the participants for its fruitful meetings and exciting discussions. Then she announced the opening of the Moscow V.Churkin International Model United Nations.

This year, the agenda of the Moscow International Model UN comprises a number of issues of major importance to the world community related to development, security, and overcoming social and financial problems. The model will run until April 23rd and over 700 delegates from 31 countries will work in 13 committees in the six official languages of the United Nations.

Within the framework of C-MIMUN, a round table dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the UN and a conference devoted to the UN Sustainable Development Goals were held.

Opening of Model UN 2021


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