From the Secretariat
Rights, Recognition, Responsibility.
On behalf of the entire 2012 Secretariat, welcome to the 18th Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference (AMUNC), hosted in Melbourne, Australia by the Bundoora campus of La Trobe University.
Both AMUNC and La Trobe University have a proud tradition of debate, ideas and innovation. Bringing the Asia-Pacific’s best and brightest tertiary students to La Trobe University for a conference like AMUNC will allow an unparalleled social and educational experience in a week of high diplomacy and dialogue. During the day exercise your inner diplomat by resolving some of the UN’s most vital issues in committee simulations, surrounded by La Trobe’s beautiful gardens. At night let loose and socialise amongst your fellow delegates at AMUNC’s renowned social events.
This year the conference is being held in Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia. AMUNC2012 will showcase the best of Melbourne: its café culture, laneways, art, music, coffee, and trams amongst other highlights. The city also has a proud tradition of public discussion and debate, from John Curtin’s corner lectures in Brunswick circa 1910, to La Trobe University’s distinguished ‘Ideas and Society’ programme, and the ‘Centre for Dialogue’. Expect to see varied and passionate debate throughout the week.
AMUNC’s theme for 2012 is ‘Rights, Recognition, Responsibility’. In the spirit of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the conference will address the issue of refugee rights, a topic that is central to the Asia-Pacific region. The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees is one of the most important instruments in international law. The convention is a binding treaty that dictates how signatories must treat asylum seekers and remains one of the greatest achievements of the UN. It is in this spirit that we will undertake AMUNC2012. Refugees have rights, recognition of those rights is essential to UN principles, and we have a responsibility to see them enforced. AMUNC2012 will be an exceptional example of realising these principles through youth empowerment and leadership.
Welcome to AMUNC2012. Delegation registration opens on March 5, 2012. We look forward to seeing you in Melbourne in July.
Sincerely,