• Question of data privacy and national security among refugees

• Question of economic interest and ethical standards within trade relations

• Integrity in NATO regarding security breaches and surveillance across national borders

During my mentor interview as the sole internal chair in the EU, I had the privilege of engaging with Mr. Joseph Christie, who served as our committee mentor. Mr. Christie is an experienced IBDP Biology and Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) teacher at UNIS, where he has taught for six years. He shares his life with his wife, a middle school science teacher, and their daughter. Mr. Christie appreciates living in Vietnam, as it offers a fulfilling lifestyle for his family.

His career path is notably diverse; beyond being a science educator, he has worked in various roles, including in coffee shops and as a personal trainer over the past two decades. 

Mr. Christie is particularly passionate about global issues relevant to his field, such as biodiversity and climate change, which have intrigued him since his university days. He is also keenly interested in technology's implications on education and society. He often shares engaging stories related to these topics to inspire his students, hoping they resonate and motivate them.

With extensive experience mentoring for MUN, Mr. Christie possesses a solid understanding of its dynamics. When discussing the theme for the upcoming March conference—“What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?”—he expressed some uncertainty due to its broad nature and distance from his primary field of expertise. However, he reflected on its application in scientific contexts, particularly regarding developing safe and sustainable energy solutions.

In conclusion, while Mr. Christie did not provide specific advice on addressing these complex themes, he offered valuable suggestions for delegates seeking to deepen their understanding of the topics. He recommended utilizing AI tools for clarification and research, emphasizing that AI can provide precise answers and assist in locating credible sources for their work. He hopes to be a MUN Masterclass speaker one day, sharing his journey and work with students. 

Thank you, Mr. Christie, for your help!

During my mentor interview with Mr. Alexander Best, I learned much about his extensive teaching experience and interests. Mr. Best has been a teacher for over 22 years and has spent the last two years at Unis, where he teaches Middle School Individuals & Societies and serves as a Homebase Mentor. He is married to a high school English teacher and has two children. Before joining Unis, he gained valuable experience as a Model United Nations (MUN) Director in other schools. Mr. Best is passionate about sharing his knowledge and interests, particularly regarding the decolonization of Western influences, a topic that fascinates him and one he hopes to explore with his students.

In our conversation, Mr. Best posed some intriguing questions about the conference theme, “What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?”, noting the complexity of the terms involved. He shared various interpretations of integrity and its relevance to the theme, recognizing that it can mean different things in different contexts. Mr. Best was particularly interested in the topics chosen for the European Union committee.

Regarding the first topic, which addresses data privacy and national security among refugees, he raised important questions about how refugees can attain national security without citizenship status and expressed concern about the amount of data theft occurring in various countries. For the second topic, concerning economic interests and ethical standards within trade relations, Mr. Best discussed how countries sometimes impose import and export bans based on ethical considerations in trade agreements. Finally, on the topic of integrity in NATO regarding security breaches and surveillance across national borders, he reflected on Article 5 and what could happen if it is not upheld.

To conclude our discussion, Mr. Best shared numerous ideas about these topics and offered practical advice for delegates wishing to research further. He suggested reaching out to Ms. Moore and Mr. Borrowik for support and emphasized the importance of not hesitating to ask teachers for help while conducting research and taking notes. Mr. Best aspires to become a masterclass speaker at MUN Masterclasses, eager to share his passion and knowledge with others. 

Thank you for your help!

Greetings honorable directors, fellow chairs, esteemed delegates, and distinguished guests, 

My name is Olivia Sohn, and I am a junior at Concordia International School Hanoi. The upcoming UNISMUN March marks my seventh conference–my fourth as a chair. This is my third year in participating in Model United Nations, and I am also the Vice President of our school’s MUN program. It is my utmost pleasure to serve as the Head Chair of the European Union for the event.

The conference theme, “What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?” serves as an important reminder of the complex relationship between practical governance and ethical principles. It inspires us to reflect on the ways we can uphold our values while navigating the complexities of modern diplomacy. Personally, I believe that integrity is what grounds us when faced with difficult choices. It aligns with the European Union, a body constantly required to adjust between the two factors through foster economic growth while ensuring national security from other member nations. 

The European Union plays a critical role in fostering regional stability and global governance. As an economic and political union, it bridges the interests of 27 nations within the United Nations. The European Union works in close cooperation with the United Nations in such areas as peacekeeping, development, human rights or humanitarian assistance. Therefore, I look forward to the innovative solutions that will be formed through peaceful cooperation in the EU.

Our first topic, “Question of data privacy and national security among refugees,” addresses a fundamental issue that calls for navigation in safeguarding data about refugees under strict laws like GDPR while ensuring safety of the vulnerable populations. The second topic, “Question of economic interest and ethical standards within trade relations,” seeks to establish solutions regarding the balance between economic growth and ethical trade practices, as it has been a contentious issue globally. The final topic debated upon our committee is “Integrity in NATO regarding security breaches and surveillance across national borders.” Previously in the 2014 Ukraine Crisis, NATO faced cybersecurity challenges, highlighting the vulnerability in the alliance. This topic therefore explores the maintenance of trust among NATO allies while ensuring safety in national sovereignty and the privacy of citizens.

That said, I once again look forward to serving as the Head Chair for the UNISMUN March Conference. I hope delegates engage in insightful cooperative actions and come up with meaningful solutions. See you in March!

Greetings honorable directors, fellow chairs, distinguished delegates, and most esteemed guests,

My name is Donggyu Han, a sophomore at St. Paul American School Hanoi, and I am wholeheartedly honored to serve as a deputy chair of the European Union in the upcoming 2025 March UNIS MUN Conference. This conference marks my 7th MUN conference overall, 4th UNIS MUN conference, and my first conference as an external chair.

The theme of the 2025 March conference is “What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?” This is a significant global issue that aligns with 3 topics of the EU committee as the EU is often required to balance and sacrifice certain aspects of national security to achieve greater economic progression.

The European Union is the political and economic alliance of nations all across Europe, consisting of 27 member nations. It plays a key role in Europe's economy and national security. Furthermore, the EU is a key stakeholder in global diplomacy that has been constantly contributing to global peace and trade.

For the upcoming conference, the EU committee will be debating on 3 topics:

Our first two topics, “Question of data privacy and national security among refugees” and “Question of economic interest and ethical standards within trade relations,” require the delegates to balance out the issues regarding national security with economic progression. It is crucial for the delegates to understand the interconnectedness of these factors to form a viable solution. The other topic, “Integrity in NATO regarding security breaches and surveillance across national borders,” addresses the issue that is currently at stake, especially in the time of conflict regarding NATO. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, NATO has faced multiple national security issues that still haven’t been fully resolved, resulting in the uncertainty of the authority of NATO. This topic therefore would require extensive research into the current status of related conflicts.

I hope all of you will have memorable experiences during the conference, and I look forward to seeing fruitful discussions and insightful solutions. See you in March!

Greetings, esteemed delegates, fellow chairs, and distinguished guests,

My name is Clara Pham, and I am a freshman at UNIS Hanoi. I am thrilled to serve as the chair for the March 2025 conference. Over the past few years, I have actively participated in several Model United Nations (MUN) conferences as a delegate. This marks my second year in MUN, and I am honored to take on the role of Chair for the European Union. I look forward to facilitating engaging and fruitful debates during our conference.

The theme for this March conference is "What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?" This topic is particularly significant in today's global landscape, as it emphasizes the necessity of balancing international development with the imperative of ensuring security for all individuals.

The European Union holds a special significance for me, as I spent eight formative years in Germany before returning to Vietnam. The EU is a vital committee that not only promotes peace and solidarity within its member states but also enacts laws that are applicable across all EU nations. It develops common policies addressing social, environmental, and regional issues, among others. My connection to the EU has fueled my interest in its workings and its impact on daily life.

During this conference, we will go into three critical topics: data privacy and national security among refugees, economic interests and ethical standards within trade relations, and integrity in NATO concerning security breaches and surveillance across national borders. The first topic addresses the pressing challenges faced by refugees in the EU regarding their data privacy and security. The second topic highlights the importance of ethical standards in trade relations. Finally, our discussion on surveillance across national borders will explore its implications for maintaining a robust union. I find topics two and three particularly compelling, as they invite rich debate, and I eagerly anticipate your insights.

In conclusion, I am committed to supporting everyone on this committee, so please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. I am confident that our time together will be both enjoyable and enriching, leaving us all with lasting memories from this conference. I look forward to seeing each of you there.

Thank you,

Clara Pham