• Question of urbanization and challenges of internal migration

• Question of border management and humanitarian response to sudden migration flows

• Question of private military companies in migration management 

Mr. Cannell, who is my environmental science teacher, is the first mentor I have interviewed with and gave me a lot of insights regarding Population Movement issues. During the interview, I had the opportunity to ask him several questions about all of the themes that would be debated in the conference. In addition, we discussed the UNISMUN March 2025 Conference theme, "What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?" which he emphasizes the importance of ‘Do the right thing.’ and ‘Make good choices.’ as it is Unis Hanoi values.

Out of all the topics discussed, Mr. Cannell felt the most connection with the first topic–The question of urbanization and internal migration–as the topic requires policy in urban areas and connects to the high density housing topic. The internal migration to big cities can make the mass transportation and efficient space utilization feasible, which significantly reduces the overall carbon footprint and sets environmental principles. Nevertheless, internal migration still poses a potential problem such as inequitable distribution of advancement, overpopulation issues and unequal pay. These problems are mainly due to the mismanagement and weak policy governance. 

The second topic–The question of border management and humanitarian response to sudden migration flows–Mr. Cannell spoke from his experience living in the UK about the living conditions of migrants in the UK being concerned that people often overlooked these issues. He also mentioned the border and migrant management in the U.S. being the foundation of the country's economy as well. Mr. Cannell viewed that accepting refugees can expand a country’s labour market and economic activity but at the same time threaten the country's national security.

Lastly, The question of private military companies in migration management, which is the third topic. Mr. Cannell doesn’t have much perception on this particular topic. Though not an expertise field, Mr. Cannell gave a very insightful suggestion on research tips regarding human rights instruments. He advised us to look at the UN migration observatory and look through the report from International Organization for Migration (IOM) when doing research. In terms of NGOs, he suggests delegates to look at Crisis Group which is part of Open Society Foundation. They operate regionally and sometimes produce paper related to migrants. Therefore, delegates, do take notes from him!

Thank you Mr. Cannell for his time and intuitive recommendations!

Ms. Klein, MSHS English teacher, is one of the teachers who is really passionate about particular  global issues like equity and justice which is one of the prominent issues still remaining in the contemporary era no. During the interview, Ms. Klein responded to all the questions regarding the Population Movement Council and March conference 2025 theme with enthusiasm and excitement. 

In regard to the first topic–The question of urbanization and internal migration–Ms. Klein viewed internal migration to urban areas as a pattern from millenia as it is natural for the population from rural areas to move to places with more people. Places with more people means there is higher technological advancement and more access to a lot of things (e.g. health care). The growth of human innovation, on one hand, creates more opportunities for people both urban and rural. However, the inequitable distribution of technology in rural areas is still not being represented enough at present. Additionally, Ms. Klein pointed out that carbon footprint from urbanization is also a crucial key issue in this topic. She mentioned that growth does not necessarily have to be based on technology and industrialization as long as we can be innovative and resourceful at the same time. 

According to Ms. Klein, the second issue–The question of border management and humanitarian response to sudden migration flows–is highly relevant to each states’ national interest. While nation states need to prioritize their national security, migrants also help boost their economic activity and they also have to comply with humanitarian laws as well. Ms. Klein emphasized that the notion of citizenship is very complex in many aspects. It can grant access for someone over others, which is why delegates should consider coming up with the solution on how to access resources in the way that all can benefit and how to make sustainable migration practical. 

Ms. Klein interpretation on–The question of private military companies in migration management–centered around who can afford private firms that enforce the border control. It is typical that people are trying to go to wealthier countries in order to use the resources they don’t have access to. The private military then plays a role in the migration management. It is a weaponized way to separate people although there’s a peaceful way which delegates should come up with to resolve the issues. 

Mr. Davis, a design teacher coupled with UNIS robotics teacher, has an extremely strong interest in the issue of warfare around the world particularly proxy war and cold war as well as the technology and AI development. I got a great opportunity to listen to his perception on the MUN March conference 2025 theme and Population Movement Council topics. 

Mr. Davis highlights the importance of integrity in creating governance systems. Integrity should be at the heart of the system otherwise the system is a failure. He suggests a case study from the Syrian refugee crisis in Hungary where the nationalist politician won the election with the policy of keeping the refugee out of the country with force. Mr. Davis pointed out that without aid from other nations, war refugees will face a struggle and this will lead to chaotic society having impact on the global scale.

In the first topic, The question of urbanization and internal migration, Mr. Davis identifies internal migration as a sign of a country moving to middle and upper middle class level. Vietnam is one of the countries that is facing this stage currently. States can either enforce or slow down their manufacturing and focus more on IT enhancement like China and U.S. respectively. 

Mr. Davis’s responses are very thorough and he gave lots of case studies for delegates to research about the topics. In the second topic, The question of border management and humanitarian response to sudden migration flows, Mr. Davis has an experience of being a first hand witness in Turkey during the Syrian refugee crisis and recommends delegates to look into this case study. At that time, both EU and middle east countries did not want Syrian refugees to enter their border which Mr. Davis emphasizes that it creates a long term effect such as creating political stress on the children that got separated from their parents and got sent to the orphanage. Another case study from Mr. Davis is the U.S. border management, a good example of border management and stakeholders.

In terms of the third topic, The question of private military companies in migration management, Mr. Davis stressed that private military don’t abide by the same rule as governmental companies which led to the humanitarian issues and raising numerous ethical concerns. A case study that Mr. Davis suggests delegates look at is the blackwater company case in Iraq who opened fire on civilians raising significant legal questions and identifying the negative effects from private companies.

Lastly, Mr. Davis specifically recommends delegates to watch a short video of a Syrian girl’s birthday ruined with aerial bombing. A story of a Syrian girl's birthday was ruined by aerial bombing, highlighting the devastating impact of ongoing conflicts in the region. The tragic event, which left her with severe injuries and memories, highlights the indiscriminate nature of modern warfare and the human cost of war, particularly for children.

Greetings distinguished chairs, honorable guests and fellow delegates,

I am Bhirada (Lina) Yongpiyanon, currently a junior at UNIS Hanoi. It is my utmost pleasure to serve as a Head chair for the Population Movement Council in this upcoming UNISMUN March conference. This conference will mark my fifth conference in Model United Nations and second experience as a chair. This being said, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to witness the work of Model United Nations from a different perspective as a Head Chair.

The theme for this March conference states, “What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?” Lack of integrity remains a cause of poor governance in a highly globalized era. Strong moral principles and the collective collaboration of nation states are essential to address any global issues. Hence, I cannot wait to see delegates’ contribution to integration and uprightness in this conference and look for a fair resolution.

The aim of the Population Movement Council is to secure the safety and well-being of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers globally. Resolving the key issue of population movement not only relevant to international security but also encompasses social, economic and cultural aspects as well. 

In this March conference, the topics we will be discussing are the question of urbanization and challenges of internal migration, the question of border management and humanitarian response to sudden migration flows and the question of private military companies in migration management. 

The first topic presents both opportunities for economic development and significant challenges that require comprehensive planning and policy responses. 

The second topic involves the creation of flexible resource allocation, strong efficient processing systems and most of all, commitment and coordination of nations states in fostering change. 

The third topic is highly relevant to human rights. The involvement of private military companies raised ethical and legal questions to ensure that migration policies uphold humanitarian principles.

I am very grateful to be chairing for the Population Movement council. Should you have any questions or concerns please reach out to the chairs. I look forward to seeing you all at the conference!

Greetings honourable chairs, distinguished delegates, esteemed directors and guests, 

My name is Bao Lam Nguyen, currently a sophomore at Reigate Grammar School Vietnam. I extend my most sincere welcomes to you as your deputy chair for the Population Movement Council in the upcoming 2025 March conference. This will be my third UNISMUN conference, and my first as a chair. I’m extremely grateful and excited to experience Model UN through the lens of a chair. 

The March conference’s overarching theme, “What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization”, resonates with the missions of the PMC, as this council aims to address international security and the well-being and safety of asylum seekers, migrants and refugees due to economic or climate-related population movements. Hence, the PMC encompasses security prioritization, with regards to ever-changing developments across the globe affecting social, economic, political and cultural facets. 

The theme underscores the importance of integrity in diplomacy, the governance of countries, and in other aspects of our world. It is critical that we approach the pressing and highly nuanced issues that population movement poses with integrity. 

Our committee’s topics: ‘The question of urbanization and challenges of internal migration’, ‘The question of border management and humanitarian response to sudden migration flows’, and ‘The question of private military companies in migration management’ all corresponds to the theme with an emphasis on development and security prioritization. 

The first topic highlights economic development and the subsequent need for urban planning and comprehensive responses to combat the challenges that arise due to urbanization and internal migration. 

The second topic connects to the quickness in response to an influx of people, underlining the need for member states to coordinate and commit to championing change. 

The third topic holds importance with respects to human rights, the privatization of migrant management could potentially infringe upon humanitarian principles. 

I eagerly await fruitful discussions, multi-faceted resolutions and collaborative efforts. Delegates are encouraged to make use of chair reports and other available resources, especially the UNISMUN manual. I look forward to meeting everyone and helping facilitate a memorable conference. See you in March! 

Honorable Chairs, directors, distinguished delegates, and fellow guests,

My name is Soleil Wiersing, and I am a freshman at the United Nations International School in Hanoi. It is my pleasure to serve as a procedural chair for the Population Movement Council at this year's UNISMUN conference, which will be held in March. This will be my second MUN conference and my first conference as a Chair. With this opportunity in mind, I am very grateful and excited to participate and play a role in making this conference as great as possible, making many memories along the way.

The theme for the March conference is “What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?” This theme works to look for a way where integrity can work to act as a bridge between development and security. It also helps to make sure that communities can grow together while creating a fair environment.

Acting as a chair for PMC will help broaden my knowledge of the world as this council is about keeping migrants, refugees and asylum seekers all around the world safe. This council helps to find solutions for issues such as population movement which can affect social, economic, and cultural development.

There are three main discussion points we will dive into in this years March Conference. The first topic is the question of Urbanization and challenges of internal migration, which connects to challenges that humanity has to face, and the economic development behind it. The second topic is the question of border management and humanitarian response to sudden migration points, referring to how flexible a country is when it comes to quickly relocating migrants due to wars or natural disasters. Lastly, the third topic is about the question of private military companies in migration management. This links to human rights, and how private militaries need to follow ethical and legal questions, that guarantee humanitarian principles will uphold migration policies.

I look forward to helping all delegates with my role, and I am excited to work along with my fellow chair mates to make my committee as engaging as possible!

Thank you,

Soleil Wiersing