• Question of the EU Membership of Ukraine

• Question of the protection of asylum seekers and refugees

Honorable directors, distinguished delegates, fellow chairs, and esteemed guests,

My name is Hyunchan Cho, a junior at St. Paul American School Hanoi (SPASH), and it is my utmost honor to participate in the 2024 November UNIS MUN Conference as the Head Chair of the European Union. I am currently serving as the leader of SPASH MUN, and this conference marks my 6th conference, as well as my 3rd experience as a chair.

The theme of the upcoming conference is “How can we use regional cooperation to promote equitable development?” While many MUN delegates may be used to representing just a single country, the cooperation among multiple nations within a regional organisation–or even across regions–enables countries to strengthen their common goals while pursuing their own national interests.

The European Union (EU) is one such regional organisation, the political and economic alliance of 27 member states located in Europe. As one of the leading entities in world trade and economics, the EU holds a significant role in the global trade system. Also, its efforts to promote peace and security have been particularly emphasized through its response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

During this conference, this council will explore two critical issues: the “Question of the EU Membership of Ukraine” and the “Question of the protection of asylum seekers and refugees.” As aforementioned, the EU has a crucial stake in the ongoing Russo-Ukranian Conflict, actively addressing violence and supporting humanitarian efforts. The EU in this conference will also address the “Question of the protection of asylum seekers and refugees.” Furthermore, as one of the regions that experience an increasing influx of refugees, the EU’s action regarding world’s population movement would have a profound impact on not only Europe but also the global community as a whole.

I strongly believe that this conference will be a meaningful experience for all delegates as well as me as a chair.

Thank you, and see you in November!

Greetings distinguished delegates,

My name is Thanh Mai, an 12th grader at BVIS Hanoi. It is my supreme honor to be a part of UNISMUN 2024 as a Chair of the European Union (EU). 

This year, the conference is grounded based on how ‘regional cooperation can promote equitable development,’ which I firmly believe will play a vital role in advocating towards United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal. By strengthening regional institutions, promoting international trade whilr addressing social and environmental concerns, nations can create a more just and sustainable future for all.

Meanwhile, as a representative of the European community,  the EU's work is developed based on international cooperation, human rights, and sustainable development. We are tasked with formulating policies and recommendations that contribute to the EU's overarching goals of peace, stability, and prosperity.

Coming to the conference, delegates are expected to address the EU Membership of Ukraine whilst fostering protection for refugees and asylum seekers. While the former topic raises important questions of future integration among EU Member States, the later one is a humanitarian imperative that requires our immediate attention. Ultimately, both topics target the EU's relationship with its neighbours, regional stability and equitable rights for all.

For me, MUN is a more than valuable chance for all delegates to gather, discuss and learn. By representing a delegated nation and taking the stance that might differ from your own, students can take a step back to acknowledge the matter through different lens. After attending a few Conferences, it is obvious that every single speech is so memorable, every single person has so much potential and every day with MUN is more than valuable.

Fellow chairs, wonderful directors, distinguished delegates, and esteemed guests,

My name is Theo Steil, and I am a junior at the United Nations International School of Hanoi. I have been a member of the UNISMUN community since 2022, and have participated as a delegate in 4 conferences so far. It is a great honour for me to be the procedural chair for the European Union this November.

The theme for this conference is “How can we use regional cooperation to promote equitable development?” In today’s world, inequality and disparity is unavoidable. This can bring a multitude of challenges, whether they be to global economies, stability and relations, or environmental sustainability. By consociating on a multilateral level with other delegates, particularly those sharing a region, countries and societies are given the opportunity to develop strong policies and take action on a larger, more powerful stage, propelling development and closing inequalities.

The European Union has been and continues to be a regionally consequential organization, helping to standardize and strengthen policies across the continent, as well as handling cross-border issues. This is particularly important for the topics this committee will address: the question of EU Membership of Ukraine and the question of protection of asylum seekers and refugees. The membership of Ukraine has been a hugely important and widely debated topic throughout the EU since its first application just 4 days after Russia began its invasion. Protecting asylum seekers is comparatively a much more long standing issue, but is especially relevant as global conflicts continue mass displacement towards an abundance of European nations. This requires reciprocation and collective organization from all members.

 These topics have real weight for global communities and international regions. Due to this, this conference will expectantly lead delegates towards various perspectives and promote deeper analysis of these current issues.

With all that said, I am delighted to be your procedural chair and I will see you this November!