Author: fvmun

MockMUN 2025: A day of life-size diplomacy

On Wednesday 11 June 2025, the Lycée international de Saint-Genis-Pouilly was transformed into a veritable UN microcosm. Students in impeccable suits, fiery speeches and rigorous debates: the MockMUN, a training conference for FerMUN reserved exclusively for delegates from the Lycée, offered an intense and formative simulation for young future diplomats.

The day began with an opening ceremony chaired by Manon Grivotet, Deputy General Secretary in charge of the Presidents. General Secretary Abdul-Salam Antwi opened the speeches with a reminder of the importance of this training event. Manon Wolniak, Deputy General Secretary in charge of delegates, encouraged everyone to get fully involved in the debates and reminded them of the important impact of this conference, its formative and emancipating side, just a few days away from the anticipated French exams for some.

Charlotte Brandon, Head of Interpreting, underlined the richness of multilingualism at FerMUN, highlighting the special role of Committee 3, the only trilingual committee. Speeches were also given by Ms Anquez, the lycée’s Deputy Headmistress, and Mr Launay, before the two chairmen of each committee presented their issues. Finally, an opening video produced by the press team was shown, officially launching the simulation day.

In Committee 1, devoted to the protection of journalists, there were lively exchanges on sensitive subjects such as a system for classifying journalists and the place of religions in media thinking. Tensions, alliances and diplomatic reversals animated the debates, demonstrating the complexity of the issue.

Committee 2 on the Environment was notable for its constructive atmosphere. Led by Sierra Leone, a resolution served as the basis for collective amendments. Delegates proposed innovative solutions, such as taxes on non-renewable energy or crop diversification, following the example of Côte d’Ivoire.

Within Committee 3, dedicated to the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, two visions of the world clashed: one inclusive, led by the Netherlands and co-signed by France and Brazil; the other conservative, represented in particular by Nigeria. The opposition between the two blocs led to intense debates, revealing the global divide around these issues.

Finally, Committee 4, on the militarisation of space, brought together five major powers for a technical but lively debate. Despite limited representation, the dynamism of the delegates enabled a balanced resolution to be adopted, rejecting militarisation while promoting scientific cooperation.

The closing ceremony, chaired this time by Manon Wolniak, was an opportunity to pay tribute to everyone’s work. Manon Grivotet thanked the chairmen for their commitment and dedication throughout the day, as well as during their training sessions. The other two chairmen of each committee in turn praised the commitment of the delegates and the decisions taken leading to constructive resolutions.

Livia Cauderan and Octave Nesme Jacolino, responsible for translation, expressed their gratitude to their teams. Ruben Buchot, Head of Press and Communications, thanked his journalists before launching the closing video.

Léna Seidenbinder and Adèle Philippon, in charge of the Admins and the Solidarity Fund, emphasised the importance of mutual logistical and financial support to the success of FerMUN. Finally, Mrs Baudry concluded the ceremony with a tribute to Mrs Ruez, MUN teacher, for whom this was her last lecture alongside the students.

MockMUN 2025 gave all the teams an opportunity to prepare under real-life conditions and served as a reminder of what FerMUN stands for: a collective, multilingual, demanding and deeply human project.

Ruben BUCHOT

Translated by Livia Cauderan

How Do the United Nations Guarantee Freedom of the Press?

May 3rd is World Press Freedom Day, an ideal opportunity to reflect on the various actions undertaken to protect journalists.

“The press is the only bulwark against tyranny,” said George Washington. This famous quote underlines the importance of a free press, both economically and ideologically. Yet today, press freedom is in decline across the globe. According to Anne Bocandé, editorial director of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), “without economic independence, there is no free press.” More and more media outlets are being bought by investors who use their control to spread their ideologies. In addition to this issue of independence, journalist safety is increasingly at risk: in 2024, 122 journalists were killed in the line of duty. According to UNESCO, “86% of crimes against journalists remain unpunished,” and over 1,700 journalists have been killed in total. How is a free press even possible when countries like the United States have dropped to 57th place in RSF’s global press freedom index and are now considered “problematic”?

First, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has launched several awareness-raising initiatives. Chief among them is the establishment of World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd, 1991, following the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration. This day aims to inform the global public about the risks journalists face to keep the world informed. It also led to the creation of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, named after a Colombian journalist assassinated for exposing Pablo Escobar’s influence in politics. The prize annually honors an individual, organization, or institution that defends or promotes press freedom worldwide.

But what exactly is the Windhoek Declaration? Drafted in May 1991 by around sixty African journalists at the end of a seminar on developing an independent and pluralistic African press (organized by UNESCO and the United Nations), it is considered the foundation for all subsequent UNESCO texts and declarations regarding press freedom. The “Windhoek Process,” a global movement of awareness following the declaration, had several concrete outcomes:

  • The creation of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), a global alert network that reports violations of international standards and supports journalists in danger;
  • Support from the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), which helps private media outlets maintain financial independence.

The United Nations also adopted a Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. This plan is built on six pillars: raising awareness; defining strong international standards; implementing specialized national policies (which have already strengthened legislation in over 50 countries, according to UNESCO); monitoring and reporting; strengthening protection and legal aid mechanisms; and conducting research. The plan also led to the creation of the Coalition for the Safety of Journalists (CSJ), which fosters international cooperation to end impunity.

Finally, a partnership with the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights (University of Oxford) enabled the creation of global online training courses (MOOCs) on freedom of expression and journalist safety, aimed at members of the judiciary. The first course ran from May to June 2021. It helped legal professionals better understand the relevant legal frameworks and featured case studies, including on gender-based violence against women journalists. As a result of this MOOC, 23,000 judicial actors and civil society representatives from 150 countries have been trained on these fundamental issues.

In conclusion, UNESCO works closely with many state and private actors to defend freedom of expression and ensure the safety of journalists. The risks faced by journalists are global: for example, Juan Dayang was assassinated on May 13th in the Philippines, while Hilmi Al-Faqawi and Ahmed Mansour were killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on May 7th, 2025. Press freedom remains a vital and urgent battle for human rights.

Elio Do Vales Martins

FerMUN 2026: at the heart of the committee chair selection process

When the assembly is in the middle of a debate and a delegate suddenly calls out: “Motion to move to voting procedure!”, a general “Seconded!” rings out. At this point, all the committee chairmen exchange a look of panic and uncertainty. However, with a simple nod from Manon Grivotet, then General Secretary in charge of training, it was enough to reassure them. One of the participants takes a breath and announces in a firm voice: “So now we’re going to move on to the voting procedure.” At the final plenary session of the FerMUN 2025 resolution, fourteen apprenticeship presidents, who had successfully passed the first stage of the selection process, were given the opportunity to prove themselves to the assembly in the open debate and then in the closed debate, supported by the four confirmed full presidents.

Demanding training, total commitment

Being a committee chairman at FerMUN is no easy task. At the heart of the UN simulation, committee chairmen have a key role to play: overseeing debates, guaranteeing procedure and  maintaining a rhythm, while remaining attentive to delegates. For FerMUN 2026, the selection process was once again rigorous. Supervised by Manon Grivotet, the presidential candidates first went through an initial selection process. Then came the real-life situation: during the debate on the FerMUN 2025 resolution, these students were able to practice under live conditions, co-chairing an assembly full of MUN participants.

A trainer committed to the chairs

For Manon Grivotet, this mentoring role is all part of the FerMUN journey. She confides: “It’s very important for me to accompany them in their training, because I’ve been extremely lucky to have received advice and knowledge from our former DSG Chair Jasmine. I hope to share my knowledge and to be at their side throughout the preparation and at the conference. I’m sure they will also bring me a fresh perspective on the role of chair, and I look forward to forging strong links with them!”

A team of experienced presidents to guide newcomers

This year, four student presidents have been appointed: Leya Petitjean, Lena Quéguiner, Filip Drozd and Jasmine Eugene, whose experience and rigor serve as a benchmark. Alongside them, the fourteen apprentices form a promising group of students who have already experienced the responsibilities of a committee: Blaise Arenales-Schwartz , Maya Baines , Eulalie Bohler , Elisa Bourguignon , Charlotte Dauchez , Grégoire Oury , Laurent Kogej , Clara Nguyen , Mathilda Rey , Hanae Schwebel , Nicky Taylor , Typhaine Tchognia Djamen Gnikeu Yoke , Harriet Onyango and Aimie Quéguiner.

These apprentice presidents will still have to prove themselves over the coming months, notably at MockMUN, where they will be entrusted with the chairmanship of committees. A final selection will be made at the end of the school year, prior to the FerMUN 2026 conference. For them, the objective is clear: to embody the neutrality, benevolence and mastery for which FerMUN chairs are renowned. More than a role, a responsibility.

FerMUN 2026

A new Board for a new ambition

Following the undeniable success of FerMUN 2025, which brought together nearly 700 students from the four corners of the world to the International Labour Organisation to debate diplomatic issues related to work, FerMUN 2026 is now getting underway. The first essential step: the formation of its new Board of students. Made up of nine determined members, this council is ready to mobilise all its skills to make the 2026 edition as memorable as its predecessor. Let’s find out more about this new team!

At just 16, Abdul-Salam Antwi is the Secretary General of FerMUN 2026. He is a student at the Lycée International de Ferney-Voltaire, where he is studying Mathematics, Physics and NSI. A football fan since childhood, he has followed Arsenal’s performances faithfully.

What drew him to join the board was the desire to play an active part in organising a major event. He was deeply inspired by the emotion felt by the members of the 2025 board at the closing ceremony. It convinced him to get involved in this ambitious project.

For this edition, he wants to create a dynamic, friendly and enriching atmosphere. His main objective is to make FerMUN 2026 a fully trilingual event. As general coordinator, he will ensure that all the teams function smoothly and that every participant has a memorable experience.

Finally, Abdul is keen to encourage delegates to get fully involved in the debates. For him, FerMUN is a truly international stage, where every speech is a stone added to the edifice of global dialogue.

Manon Grivotet, 16, a student in 11th grade at Ferney-Voltaire high school, is Deputy Secretary General in charge of the Presidents. As a Franco-Japanese student, she grew up in Japan and Hong Kong. A keen dancer, musician and debater, she discovered FerMUN as a translator in 2024, before becoming Chair in a committee in 2025.

This experience convinced her to join the board. Inspired by the speeches of former SGs and the team spirit of the board, she sees FerMUN as a space for personal growth. She wants to form a close-knit, motivated and confident team of chairmen capable of leading high-quality debates.

Manon also wants to strengthen the Jean Calas initiative, which raises awareness of international issues among primary school students, by adding rules for debate and more interactive exchanges.

Available, a good listener and committed, she wants to act as a guide for the presidents, supporting them in their doubts, organising exchanges with external presidents, and making FerMUN 2026 a learning experience as rich as it is unforgettable.

Manon Wolniak is this year’s Deputy Secretary General in charge of the delegates for FerMUN 2026. A student at the lycée in Saint-Genis-Pouilly, she is passionate about sport, travel and reading. Above all, she loves discovering new experiences, and FerMUN is one that she considers to be particularly memorable and rewarding.

From the very first time she attended, she was won over by the unique atmosphere of the conference, the open-mindedness of the participants and the diversity of the debates. Joining the board was an opportunity for her to become more actively involved in a large-scale collective project, while developing her own skills.

Convinced that FerMUN is above all a place for exchange, dialogue and human relations, she wanted to focus on developing the delegates’ oral skills. Her ambition is that each participant should feel comfortable expressing themselves, debating with confidence and asserting themselves within the debates. She also aims to create a caring environment where all delegates, whatever their level of experience, can progress and enjoy debating. She plans to organise dynamic training sessions, to encourage delegates to help each other and to ensure that everyone finds their place in the FerMUN adventure.

For Manon, dialogue and listening are essential elements, more necessary than ever to build a better world. By joining the Board, she hopes to pass on her passion and provide the best possible support for future delegates.

Léna Seidenbinder, 16, is this year’s head of admins and the solidarity fund for FerMUN 2026, working alongside Adèle Philippon. Passionate about climbing, motocross and music, she enjoys taking on new challenges and getting fully involved in her projects. Inspired by her predecessors on the boards, she wanted to take her turn in organising such a demanding and rewarding conference.

Her vision for this year’s conference is one of kindness, openness and respect, all of which are fundamental values at FerMUN. A key objective for her this year is to increase recognition of the role of the admins, who are often underestimated even though they are essential to the smooth running of the event.

She sees herself as a mentor for new admins, ensuring that they have a stimulating and rewarding first experience. She is also actively involved in the solidarity fund, organising sales and actions to facilitate access to the conference. For Léna, every member deserves full recognition, because it’s together that FerMUN can shine.

Adèle Philipon, student at the Saint-Genis site, is head of admins and the solidarity fund this year, alongside Léna Seidenbinder. A keen traveller, reader, skier and dancer, she enjoys sharing her time with others. Once held back by her shyness, she gradually gained confidence through FerMUN, culminating in joining the board, which represented a real personal challenge.

She has explored a number of roles in previous editions, and joining the board was the ultimate experience for her. This edition is an opportunity for her to contribute to in-depth debates, while cultivating the conviviality that is FerMUN’s strength.

Together with Léna, she wants to raise the profile of the admins and make the conference more accessible thanks to the solidarity fund. She sees the admins as the future pillars of FerMUN, and wants to offer them an unforgettable first experience, full of learning, laughter and discovery.

Ruben Buchot, 17, is a Year 11 student at Ferney-Voltaire high school, and is FerMUN 2026’s head of press and communications. A theatre fan for over ten years, he is also interested in literature, geopolitics, swimming and writing. It was this last passion, combined with an interest in computing, that led him to consider a career in journalism.

Fascinated by the press team from the moment he first joined FerMUN, he has followed its development with admiration. Today, he wants to bring his own vision to FerMUN: a press that is committed, creative and rigorous.

His aim is to produce quality articles that faithfully reflect the intensity of the debates and the richness of the conference. He also wants to spread the word about FerMUN beyond its walls through a variety of media: articles, videos and social networks.

For Ruben, the press plays an essential role: a discreet but omnipresent witness, it immortalises the event and transmits its spirit, enabling everyone to keep a living record of it.

Charlotte Brandon is the Head of interpretation for FerMUN 2026. Enthusiastic, open-minded and curious, she loves getting involved in collective projects where exchange, respect and the desire to progress together reign supreme. Joining the Board was a unique opportunity for her to become more involved in a conference that she has long admired.

Her objective is clear: to offer interpreters a caring and stimulating environment, where everyone can develop their skills and gain confidence. She wants to maximise the team’s efficiency while introducing Spanish as a third official language, alongside English and French. In her view, this would enhance inclusion and open FerMUN up to a wider audience.

Charlotte also wants to encourage the interpreters to push themselves to the limit, in a motivating and supportive atmosphere. Outside FerMUN, she is passionate about skiing and trains regularly at Villard, with the ambition of becoming an instructor. As in the mountains, she sees FerMUN as a human adventure where you learn to progress together, step by step.

Livia Cauderan, a French-Americain student at the International school of Ferney-Voltaire, is head of translation in English for FerMUN 2026. Passionate about languages and convinced of the crucial role of communication in an international event, she is determined to deliver a quality translation and ensure a smooth experience for all.

Livia joined the board to contribute to the success of FerMUN and to be part of an event that goes beyond the borders of Ferney-Voltaire to bring together delegates from all over the world. She wants every participant, whether they’re a delegate, interpreter, translator or admin, to be well prepared and involved.

She makes it a point of honour to ensure that exchanges take place in a clear and precise environment, while ensuring that translation teams are supported and trained.

Convinced that trilingualism is the key to inclusion, Livia hopes that this edition will encourage a truly international dialogue. Her mission is to ensure that the debates flow smoothly, so that every voice can be heard, whatever the language.

Octave Nesme Jacolino is head of Translation in Spanish for FerMUN 2026. He has a passion for Spanish and decided to join the board to strengthen the trilingual dimension of the conference and increase the representation of Spanish-speaking countries, which are still under-represented. For him, this commitment represents the culmination of his learning of the language, in which he has invested a great deal of time and effort.

His aim is to provide a fluid and accessible translation for participants, to ensure quality exchanges. As head of translation, he wants to encourage translators to work together in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

Outside of FerMUN, Octave enjoys tennis, drawing and photography – passions that fuel his creativity and sense of observation. For him, each project is an opportunity to push his limits and explore new perspectives, just as in translation, where he seeks to make each text a bridge between cultures.

Diplomacy and dialogue: an interview with M. Jérôme Bonnafont

The Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, Jérôme Bonnafont, has been working in diplomacy for over 30 years. Students from the Model United Nations (MUN), who are experiencing diplomacy, had the opportunity to engage with him. Following this exchange, the press team had the honor of being granted an interview.

The students participating in FerMUN (Ferney MUN) took part in a unique workshop organized on May 15, where they had the opportunity to discuss and learn from French diplomat and ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont.

Jérôme Bonnafont’s impressive diplomatic career began in 1986 and has taken him all around the world, from New Delhi to New York. Whether working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, serving as a spokesperson for the Elysée Palace, or as France’s ambassador to different countries, Mr. Bonnafont has demonstrated his monumental level of expertise in diplomacy. On Wednesday, May 15, he shared his wisdom with the MUN club of the Ferney-Voltaire International High School. The students, already passionate about diplomacy and international relations, had the chance to deepen their knowledge of the diplomatic world and its workings through a dialogue with Mr. Bonnafont, guided by Adrienne Husny, our Secretary-General.

From education to security, all aspects of the diplomatic career were addressed. Mr. Bonnafont’s published book, Diplomate pour quoi faire ? (Diplomat, for what purpose?), was read by many students, which gave them the opportunity to ask questions about specific concepts covered in the book. Furthermore, many students had the chance to have their copies signed by Mr. Bonnafont after the dialogue. The press team was then given the opportunity for an in-depth interview with Mr. Bonnafont. Continue reading to dive into the interview!

Do you think clubs and associations like FerMUN are effective in engaging young people in diplomacy?

“Projects like FerMUN introduce young people to the world, allowing them to understand that others think and act differently,” says Mr. Bonnafont. Whether you become a diplomat or not, FerMUN allows you to acquire valuable skills by immersing yourself in the situation that real diplomats face: adaptation. You need to adapt your various skills, including creativity, knowledge, and discipline, to succeed at MUN. Whether in debates, interpretation, or writing an article, you learn to utilize your skills to be as productive, efficient, and effective as possible.

Among all the roles you have held, which one left the biggest impact on you?

“It’s hard to say because a diplomatic career leads you to change your life and responsibilities every three or four years,” says Mr. Bonnafont, who has held dozens of different professional roles as a diplomat. For him, “each role is a new adventure to live […]. Some are easier, of course, others more difficult.” A diplomat faces a colossal challenge: they must adapt to the economic and political circumstances of a country or region, whether it’s a dictatorship or a democracy, economic prosperity or recession. Even though some experiences can be negative and others positive, as long as you maintain curiosity about these events, you’ll realize that these memories – good or bad – are irreplaceable.

Do you believe that, in the current geopolitical situation, the world can survive without diplomacy?

As regrettable as it may seem, war still rages in all parts of the world. Therefore, a diplomat must “try to foresee upcoming conflicts, minimize the negative effects of ongoing conflicts, and plan for reconciliation.” Contrary to what many people think, diplomacy is not just about war; many important issues debated at the international level today concern economic exchanges, climate change, and migration. These discussions require “teamwork between diplomats who know how to maintain international relations and experts specialized in their fields,” emphasizes Mr. Bonnafont.

What advice would you give to a young person who wishes to become a diplomat?

“You need to be driven by curiosity about the world […], having a genuine desire to discover the world,” says Mr. Bonnafont. For the experienced diplomat, “diplomacy is fundamentally the search for how our societies work and how they interact.” This curiosity is essential for understanding the events happening around us and knowing how to act.

(End of the interview)

Needless to say, the workshop allowed MUN students to enrich their diplomatic knowledge, which will be useful for the upcoming Mock MUN conference. The event, scheduled for June 12, will allow participants to explore new roles in the MUN diplomatic world!

FerMUN 2025: Back to school under the banner of continuity and innovation

Following the success of MockMUN in June, FerMUN was back in action on Wednesday 18 September. This first session brought a breath of fresh air with the arrival of Madame Ruez, the new MUN Director, and discussions on the challenges facing the next conference, to be held from Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 January 2025.

On Wednesday 18 September 2024, FerMUN made its comeback with an eagerly awaited first meeting. After a pre-briefing for board members and presidents, Madame Baudry opened the official meeting by introducing Madame Ruez, the new MUN Director. Ms Ruez is a maths teacher at the Ferney site, but she is no stranger to the MUN world. As a former MUN director, she has already founded a MUN club at the École Française de Dakar in Senegal, and led it to take part in FerMUN.

In an enthusiastic speech, she recalled her passion and commitment for MUN, which was one of her main motivations for returning to teaching at the lycée, before handing the floor over to Adrienne Husny, the Secretary General of FerMUN 2025. The SG outlined the challenges of the forthcoming conference, while detailing the organisation she is coordinating alongside her two deputy general secretaries, Jasmine Benlechhab and Waliya Said Abasse.

The meeting then continued with the presentation of the different roles by the members of the board, each explaining the crucial function of their team in ensuring the smooth running of the conference. The translation team, the interpreting team and the press team, in particular, explained to the new members the tasks and responsibilities they would have at the conference.

Finally, each pair of chairs introduced their respective committees, addressing the official issues that will be debated at FerMUN 2025. These issues, which are available on the official fermun.org website, cover a wide range of subjects which are all equally fascinating to discover.

This first meeting reinforced the students’ motivation to make FerMUN 2025 another success. With new challenges to meet and teams that are more motivated than ever, this autumn is shaping up a promising conference!

Historic retrospective: looking back at how the UN has helped achieve peace

August has arrived! As the the buzzing summer comes to an end, the students of FerMUN prepare to dive back into the sea of diplomacy , exchanging their swimming suits for conference suits as they await the return of weekly MUN sessions in September. Apart from the chairs who spent much time researching and preparing for the debates, most students took a short vacation from the diplomatic world. To ease their return and remind everyone about the importance of the UN, we have prepared a collection of  interesting case studies which highlight the importance of global cooperation and compromise in the goal of achieving peace. 

“The United Nations was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell” . This quote, pronounced by Dag Hammarskjöld, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations, perfectly captures the role of the UN in our contemporary world. It is important to recognize that despite ongoing wars, violence and conflicts, the UN remains an irreplaceable pillar in ensuring security and justice . Without further ado, lets open up our history books and look at how the UN helped the following three nations to establish peace.

Guatemala, 1997

This Central-American republic endured 36 years of brutal civil war fought between left-wing groups, notably the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (UNRG), and the right-wing military dictatorship and later elected government.  Violence reigned during these decades as 200 000 Guatemalan lives were lost and numerous human rights and international laws were violated by both sides. The UN intervened in 1994 to support the several peace accords signed by the UNRG and the government. They deployed human rights monitors, legal experts and police all over the country to de-escalate violence while they assured ethical negotiations between the two groups for more permanent peace agreements over the course of the next three years. This permanent peace was finally achieved in 1997, when the UNRG guerillas demobilised , as demanded by the permanent peace accords signed in 1996 . Thanks to the cooperation promoted by the UN , a permanent ceasefire was signed in Oslo (fourth December 1996) as well as an Agreement on a Firm and Lasting Peace , which was signed in Guatemala city ( twenty-ninth December 1996) . 

Sierra Leone, 2002

Lasting a decade, the civil war in Sierra Leone was a violent and dividing conflict for the people of the west-african nation. The rebel group  Revolutionary United Front (RUF) initiated an armed rebellion against the government in 1991 and tensions rose to an all time high as they captured the capital, Freetown, in 1997. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was deployed instantly to host negotiations , which resulted in the Lomé Peace Accord being signed by the rebel group and the government in Togo in 1999. To guarantee peace as well as the de-armament of combat groups, the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) was called upon to deploy for a peacekeeping operation. This operation encountered many difficulties, as the RUF continued to resist disarmament and continued the conflict. In 2000, the Security Council declared that the RUF was the cause of the continuing conflict and UNAMSIL declared its support for the Government of Sierra Leone in its campaign against the RUF. A permanent ceasefire was finally signed in November 2000 as the Sierra Leonien army , alongside British and UNMSIL troops, forced the RUF to negotiate. The next year , a large-scale Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration process occurred and the war which took 70 000 lives and mutilated 20 000,  was officially declared over in 2002. 

El Salvador, 1992 

The Salvadoran civil war lasted 12 years as the Salvadoran government fought against the Frente Farabundo Martí para la Liberación Nacional (FMLN), a coalition of left-wing rebel groups. After 10 years of brutal civil war which took 75 000 lives, both parties formally requested that the UN help with peace negotiations aimed to end the violent conflict. Within a year, an accord was signed by both groups to ensure respect for human rights and the security council established the United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador (ONUSAL) to see over the correct execution of this agreement. The ONUSAL was also called upon a year later to monitor the implementation of the Peace Agreements of January 1992, which were organised by the Secretary general and put a definitive end to the conflict which spanned more than a decade. 

Hopefully, these case studies have been interesting to read about! 

These examples allow us to learn more about a country’s history of peace and war , and learn more about the UN’s diverse strategies to achieve peace in different parts of the world. 

Marta Prokopchuk

Discovering an essential actor of the Model UN ecosystem: a deepdive into the role of chairs

 

Ferney-Voltaire Model United Nations (FerMUN) is a vast and rich ecosystem , where each role is unique and contributes to the diplomatic experience in different ways . One of the most complex roles which can be taken on by the young students is the role of a chair . In this article , we will discover everything that there is to know about this fascinating position, with insights from FerMUN 2025 chairs!

FerMUN’s goal is to bring together young students from all over the world to participate in diplomatic simulations that resemble the real United Nations as much as possible. All UN conferences are structured by several assemblies or committees . Each assembly or committee is presided by one or several individuals, typically referred to as chairs. At the heart of the debate, the chairs carry considerable responsibilities which determine the outcome of the debates, and therefore the conference as a whole.

“In my opinion, a chair is simultaneously implicated in the debate and also the organisation. Indeed, a chair has to know how to manage a debate well: speaking, points and motions, lobbying, amendments, the list goes on.  But at the same time the chair has to be invested and implicated in the organisation of the conference, by writing a research report linked to an issue that will be debated later on by the delegates” – Rayan, a chair in terminale 

Long before debates commence, chairs begin their hard work by preparing the issues that will be debated . They meticulously research the topic assigned to them and formulate two questions that the delegates will debate on. Once the questions are formulated, each chair consolidates their research and acquired knowledge by writing an in-depth research report . This report is an essential resource used by the delegates to understand the issue and begin forming their delegation’s position for the debate. It is an indispensable step of preparing the conference, the base that the debates are built on. 

“Chairs are here to make sure that the debate moves forwards in a respectful environment in order to have the most successful exchange possible between the delegates.” -Mina, a chair in terminale

Once the conference has started, the chairs take on a new, difficult responsibility: managing dozens of delegates as well as the admins, translators and interpreters in their committee for three days . Chairs have to keep their eye on the clock to make sure that there will be enough time for icebreakers, lobbying, amendments, speeches and votes. Time management isn’t their only responsibility: they have to help their delegates in the right direction so that they can come up with innovative and interesting solutions to the issue at hand, all while collaborating with other delegates and having constructive debates as differences arise. 

“Maintaining order is of course a priority of a chair , but a chair also has to remain friendly and polite towards everyone – no matter their role- and be reassuring if there are any issues .A good team is formed with a strong bond and trust between the members.” -Rania, chair in première.

All good chairs will agree that an encoraging and polite attitude is essential for a chair to have in order to have a successful conference. Indeed, a chair has to make sure to be friendly and sociable with their delegates, co-chairs, admins , translators and interpreters, as well as the other members of the board and FerMUN directors. By building connections and positive relationships with everyone, the chairs ensure that the conference unfolds smoothly in a calm environment , where each individual can make the most of a spectacular conference !

Marta Prokopchuk

FerMUN´s Board revealed !

As the curtains draw to a close on the unforgettable FerMUN 2024 conference , the eager MUNers can’t help but to start thinking about FerMUN 2025. As we look back on the passionate debates, inspiring exchanges and triumphant teamwork of FerMUN 2024, we ask ourselves how to make the next conference even better than the last. This great responsibility is taken on by our amazing MUN directors, who are also responsible for selecting students for a special executive team: the board. Let’s unmask this team and their roles in this article!

MUN conferences are, of course, the product of months of hard work and dedication, orchestrated by the students, MUN directors and the Board team. The MUN directors (Mme Baudry, Mr Launay, Mme Zory, Mr Konieczny and Mr Robson) are the engines that keep the FerMUN machine running : they are the organisers, guides and mentors of the young diplomats of FerMUN. They also select the Board, a team of students which implements the organisation and planning set out by the FerMUN Directors. This team is assembled in the spring as the preparation and training for the next FerMUN conference begins.

Without further ado, let’s meet the FerMUN 2024 board!

Secretary General : Adrienne HUSNY

I am German, Austrian and Dutch and have moved to France in 2020 after living next to Munich for 10 years. In my free-time, I love to read, dance and crochet, as well as spending time with my family and friends. As this year’s SG, my goal is to bring people from all over the world together to learn more about their cultures, traditions, countries and history. I want to understand their points of view, find new friends and to get a great experience out of this conference.

Deputy Secretary General in charge of delegates: Waliya SAID ABASSE

Hello, I’m Waliya Said Abasse, a high school student at the Lycée de Ferney-Voltaire in Saint-Genis-Pouilly. I am of Comorian and French nationality. I love reading, discovering new languages and practicing taekwondo. This year, I am Deputy Secretary General for the delegates. My aim is to prepare them as well as possible so that they can make the most of their exceptional ideas!

Deputy Secretary General in charge of chairs: Jasmine BENLECHHAB

I’m French, German and Moroccan, and I’ve always lived in Gex. In my spare time, I do a lot of sport, especially mountain biking and cross-country skiing. For FerMUN 2025, I’m in charge of preparing the committee chairs. My priority is to make sure they feel as comfortable as possible and that everyone spends a great year!

Heads of Admins and Solidarity Funds: Julie CARVAILLO and Noah PENGLOAN

Julie Carvaillo: I am in the British national section of Ferney-Voltaire. I have lived in the Pays de Gex for approximately ten years now. As much as I love MUN, I am also a big movie fan. As head of admins, I am really looking forward to building a great team for the FerMUN 2025 conference, which seems miles away, but will be arriving very fast.

Noah Pengloan: I am French but I speak both English and French. I’ve traveled a lot in French speaking countries during my youth (Belgium, Switzerland and France). Out of school I love reading, playing video games and hurting my fingers while playing guitar. During this year’s seating at the board, my goal is to revalue the admins role and develop the solidarity fund sector to unite our MUN group.

Head of Press: Marta PROKOPCHUK

I’m a proud Canadian and Ukrainian who’s called the Pays de Gex home since I was 11. I love geopolitics, reading good books (preferably something philosophical) , and volleyball. As this year’s Head of press, my mission is to capture every unforgettable moment of the FerMUN 2025 conference, turning them into articles, videos, and photos that will stand the test of time.

Head of Translation: Marcos VALLÈS CORTÉS

My name is Marcos, and as you might have guessed it, I am French and Spanish. I also learned English after listening to a lot lot lot of music (it’s amazing). Since I’ve always loved reading and writing I decided to work on trilingualism. As I use all three languages on a daily basis, I really want to see all of them used for the most noble goal: finding a consensus. This is my main aim for FerMUN 2025.

Head of Interpretation: Giulia DEL MAESTRO

My name is Giulia, I’m originally Italian and I speak three languages (for now). In my free time I write poetry and (unfinished) novels. My goal for FerMUN 2025 is to perfect the training of interpreters, so they too can enjoy the full FerMUN experience, and ensure seamless communication between the three official languages. This opportunity and this freedom is what I strive towards, above all.

Written by Marta Prokopchuk