THIMUN XLIX Day 3: Student Officer Day/ Homework Day

After wandering around the streets of Amsterdam the day before, many of us went to bed early and still woke up late. The day started off slowly with several of us able to sleep in. After eating a delicious hearty breakfast, some of us took walks, started on homework assignments, and working on opening speeches. Sipping on hot chocolate with marshmallows, we finished up our work and talked amongst ourselves until the early afternoon. Chea Mun and Samuel had to be at the conference all day preparing for the first day for delegates, which is tomorrow. Chea Mun is a Deputy Secretary General, and works on helping the conference to run smoothly. Samuel is President of the Advisory Panel on the Question of the Near East (APQ-NE), and spent the day preparing to run this committee, which is the only one that meets today for opening speeches. I (Daniel) will be attending the afternoon session to give an opening speech on behalf of the European Union, whom I am representing.

Later in the afternoon, Sam and I went to the World Forum to begin opening speeches in the APQ. The President and Deputy-Presidents briefed us on APQ debating procedures, and many of us got to socialize and get to know each other. Students from Russia, Kazakhstan, France, Singapore, Egypt, Brazil, and other places attended, representing still more countries and non-government organizations (NGOs). Strong views and opinions were presented early in many of the opening speeches, hinting to a fruitful debate to follow in the next few days. With more opening speeches yet to come, excitement is brewing in the APQ-NE!

In the evening, all of us ventured forth into the crisp air to find a place to eat dinner. Little did any of us know that almost all of the restaurants we attempted to go eat at were full! In one case, we were told that there were simply no more tables. After meandering through the narrow streets, we came across a Chinese restaurant where we finally were seated and enjoyed a warm dinner after the briskness of the night air. We talked and reflected on our day over bowls of steaming soup, dim sum, and fried rice. With full stomachs and an eagerness for debate in the coming days, we returned to the hotel to prepare for an early morning. ~ Daniel Chavez

Daniel and Sam did a fantastic job today with the start of APQ! Looking forward to seeing more great speeches and debate! Chea Mun was very busy getting into her leadership role all day, and then enjoyed getting together with some old friends at the Secretariat Dinner this evening. Everything has been going very smoothly, and the kids seem to be really enjoying themselves. Hope you all are enjoying the pictures and updates! You can see even more pictures on the drive at HERE. ~ Ms J