THIMUN XLIX Day 4: First Day of the Conference

All participants had an incredibly packed day today filled with lobbying, meeting new people, and ending with the grand Opening Ceremony. Lobbying consists of delegates from each committee informally getting together and sharing ideas with the aim of drafting a resolution to a world issue. Stephanie, representing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in General Assembly 2 (GA2), said that she really enjoyed listening to what other participants in her committee had to say on issues and socialising with the other Ambassadors in her committee. Bassem, representing the IMF in GA5, felt conflicted, as it was his first time as the main submitter of a resolution! Lobbying started all delegates off on the right note toward productive collaboration and the reconstruction of resolutions to help solve issues plaguing regions all over the world.

Toward the end of the conference day, there was a Opening Ceremony which included speeches from a representative from EUROPOL, the Dutch Ministry, THIMUN Board of Directors, and the Secretary General. There was also a special choir and band that performed during the Opening Ceremony.  All speeches and performances had something to do with the conference theme, "Borders in a Globalized World". The speakers were insightful and their perspectives eye-opening. They really got participants thinking about the major issues being debated for the rest of the week. Serving as Deputy Secretary General, I (Chea-Mun) had a really enjoyable time in preparing for the Opening Ceremony alongside the Secretariat team. Stephanie also did a great job as a flag bearer during the massive flag procession.

The end of the day consisted of all of us heading down to Graavenstrat via tram. All of us went to a really tasty burger place called BIT. Sam and Chea-Mun attended the Student Officer Dinner in La Lanterna afterward We are looking forward to another great day tomorrow!
~Chea-Mun Tan