the quest times issue iii

THE QUEST TIMES | Issue II 1

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Dear Delegates

Quest MUN is a vehicle for youth participation in global discourse, and represents an opportunity to integrate the views of youth into decision-making processes the world over. Young minds are known for new ideas and these ideas may when applied, can change lives of millions of people.

Scientists tell us that the world of nature is so small and interdependent that a butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon rainforest can generate a violent storm on the other side of the earth.

This principle is known as the "Butterfly Effect." Today, we realize, perhaps more than ever, that the world of human activity also has its own "Butterfly Effect" – for better or for worse. In a world more inter-connected than ever, it would be reckless to believe that we can be indifferent to any country’s traumas or let narrow national interests persuade us to stand back. This will require us to look beyond the framework of States, and beneath the surface of nations or communities. In this conference, we must focus on improving the conditions of the individual men and women who give the state or nation its richness and character. We must begin with the young Afghan girl, recognizing that saving one life is to save humanity itself. Therefore it is important that by the end of the conference we must develop a vision, groundbreaking solutions and a holistic yet creative approach on the issues discussed in the various committees.

One day you will inherit this world, and as its future leaders, you have the responsibility to shape its future. I hope this conference enables you to recognize that beneath the surface of states and nations, ideas and language, lies the fate of individual human beings in need. Answering their needs must be the mission of the United Nations in the century to come.

On behalf of the Quest MUN staff and our advisory team Brainwiz, I wish all the delegates all the best!

Sincerely,

Bhavana Bhasin

Chargé d'affaires QuestMUN ‘13

Message from the Chargé d'affaires


No Where Near a Conclusion

With crisis looming in every corner, Day 2 satisfied the International Press with the crisp debate. Heated arguments sprang up every then and now, the debate had suddenly reached a new level of excitement. Anusuya and Vi jeata report live from the General Assembly.

The committee commenced with a delay in the debate leading to a chaotic informal session. The most controversial topic that came up during the discussion was that of the crisis that occurred in Afghanistan changing its statement leading to a change in his own quoted statement.

Showing their helpfulness, Delegates of Poland and Cuba yielded their time to the other delegates who were clueless about the debate.

The debate proceeded with the Delegate of Kenya discussing the merits of Private Military Contractors stating that PMC’s not only boost the efficiency but also make an important contribution to the state security by inexpensively protecting the business, individuals and embassies enabling prosperity.

The motion for the moderated caucus raised by the Delegate of Japan for the Moderated Caucus passed in countable attempts of votes with the topic being the “Legality of issues for PMC’s”

A key player of the committee, the Delegate of U.S.A. believed that the extradition of mercenaries is what that matters. The committee elapsed in an unmoderated caucus discussing the two working papers formed by hardworking delegates.

After not such a disappointing day for the International press, let’s see what Day 3 has in store for us.


Silent remained WTO; Flustered- the CEO of Bain Capital. The education of Mr. Babacan questioned; Yet, Ambani and Duke stole the spot light.

Meghna Gulati reports live from the Bilderberg Committee.

After allowing the members to be informal on the first day, the Steering Committee hoped that the members of the Conference would show better organization on the second day. The Committee began with each member speaking about what they expected to be discussed on day two, which ranged from labor laws which were discussed on the previous day, to patent laws, which most of them considered to be the topic requiring the most attention. A heated discussion took place as Mark Parker was continuously questioned on his “goodwill” –which was met with an overall positive response by the CEO of Nike. Thereafter, once it was decided (on Day One) that they would change their company policy, Mike Duke pressed on the fact that laborers need to be treated properly for profit in the long term. This led to Sir David Rockefeller highlighting the fact that since Chase Manhattan Bank heavily invested in Walmart, it would lead to a tremendous change in the stocks, which further led to a vehement discussion. After much discussion for an hour, the Conference members had decided that they had had enough of Labor Laws. While Mr. Ambani gave a closing remark regarding the laws that they are required to follow, and some, that they should follow; Mr. Duke caused quite an uproar once he declared that it is most likely that Walmart would fire Goldman Sachs as their financial advisor. In conclusion, while the debate was fruitful, the fun factor was undeniably at an all-time-high.

Day Two at UNSC, fails to be crisp, and does not suffice to one’s expectations. Albeit, with a new update at hand, the premiers of the world’s nations continue to hush below their breath, read between the lines, and in the quite committee, manage to get heard. Journalist Nikita Biswal reports live from United Nations Security Council.

The Committee is off to a shuddery start, with possibilities of being truncated due the absence of two delegations. The United States of America has publically declared its shift from DefCon 3 to DefCon 2. This implies being arbitrarily pushed on the brink of catastrophe and nuclear war, as for the delegates of Cuba, Union of Soviet Socialist

Republic and Romania.

Plus, the Warsaw Pact is holding another meeting, with a classified location and agenda. This offers a vulnerability to USSR’s rivals. The delegate of France elucidates on its inference, stating that it believes that secrecy and ambiguous alliances form the base of world war.

The Ambassador of USSR raps, and wags his hand, in such a grassing situation as well, never failing to accuse the USA. Blame show sticks under the spotlight, in the relatively dawdling council.

The USA defines its actions as a prerequisite to protect the Western Hemisphere, and preparation against USSR’s aggressive hamper. Updates fill the committee’s debate cup, but the Ambassadors turn their face away, refusing to help themselves.

The United Nations Security Council is one of a kind, for all the wrong reasons however. It is a pity that the Ambassadors do not understand the drum-beat the crisis offers, that they do not see with par the scope of war, and the predicament it poses. From pre-conference to Day two, the International press still waits to erase its conundrum, to savour feasible and intellectual debate, and to plummet away the anxiety our unanswered questions are embroiling.

Most of the delegates participated with enthusiasm and zeal that added to the betterment of discussion. It was indeed a delightful experience for all delegates and members of the Executive Board, as it seemed like they could go on with the discussion all day.

The thwarted International Press wishes the General Assembly luck for Day 2, hoping for a fruitful debate.

Of Questionable Good-will and Nervous CEOs..

-Meghna Gulati

One Committee, Assorted Opinions


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Conquering the Crisis As the committee meets for the second day, the highlights include heated debate over a prospective invasion in Cuba, and the convening of a meeting with NATO members, after the convening of a meeting with the Warsaw Pact by the CCCP. The Executive Board reveled seeing more participation than before. Tanya Dutta reports live from the USNSC.

The committee moves on to the next day, 25th October 1962. Negotiations continue as matters become even more delicate. The switching of conference halls marked the start of the day. The silence was deafening. The quiet was such, that the photographer’s camera’s shutter was the only sound interrupting the otherwise calm quiet.

As the day progressed, an update informed the committee about an emergency Security Council meeting at the New York Headquarters, where China, supported by the Soviet Union and the USA, vetoed a resolution regarding the withdrawal of Soviet missiles from Cuba on the condition that USA withdraws the quarantine.

While the delegates deliberated on the update, their demeanor suggested that they were slightly more laid –back than the first day, as the committee rarely witnessed funny moments. Much to the delight of the Executive Board, they were successful in invoking more participation from the delegates. Mr. Rusk and General Taylor engaged in a war of egos raising the bar of the debate. The delegates debated over the pros and cons of a Cuban invasion with extreme opinions being presented for both sides.

Mr. Dean Rusk equipped with stacks of research, provided reports to the committee which stated that the Soviets had started building fuelling stations, which facilitated the deployment of missiles in under 8 hours, pushing the committee into a panic mode. The council received yet another update regarding the CCCP calling for a meeting with the Warsaw Pact, which led the council to discuss a prospective meeting with NATO members.

All in all, at the rate the committee is moving, with constant debating over different approaches, the solution, although seemingly elusive, shall be formed, and the crisis will be resolved on the Day 3 of the conference.


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Crisis All Over Again -Pravisha Mittal

With all the ideas and mastermind plans of the Soviet leaders, Day 2 resumed with the leaders pondering and deliberating on the plan of action for the crisis proposed on the Day 1 of the session.

The committee began on a subtle note with a delay in the proceedings of the conference. Initially, there were diverse opinions and the conference led to no common consensus. The level of debate eventually took a turn heating up the discussions. The committee was undecided on drafting a telegram to the Head of United States, John F. Kennedy and breaching the Quarantine line.

Foreign Minister, Andrei Gromyko drafted a telegram, which was never delivered to John F. Kennedy. The plan of action comprised of souring the relationship between China and U.S.A. by bombarding the Convoy of the U.S. Ambassador to China.

Several ways to assassinate the Convoy were proposed by the Ambassadors. The committee also put forward a way to destroy the Convoy by making use of the sniper. But unfortunately, the ambassadors had an epiphany that there were no high-rise buildings to shoot from. General Malinovsky suggested to explode the Embassy. Vladimir Yefimovich proposed to use suicide bombers but unfortunately (or fortunately), the plan was rejected.

The Vice President reminded the committee about the fact that the ships will keep moving because they don't respect the Quarantine Line. If there is a sudden, unforeseen attack, the Warsaw countries are on high alert. The Finance minister faced questions regarding the unknown financial implications on Cuban Land. With the end of Day 2, the International Press wonders what conclusion the meeting reaches after the fruitful deliberations.


Droning. Digressive. Repetitive.

Aarohi Narain reports on the UNODC, and its truly revolutionary move as a council redefining the abbreviation “DDR” for the world community, most notably.

On day 2, the UNODC commenced with a lack of a Executive Director, and the International Press feels her leadership was missed in committee, as the delegates launched into one unmoderated caucus after another, even choosing to forego a segment of teatime.

Resuming the General Speaker’s List, Iran catapulted into an unfeasible argument in suggesting that organizations may be formed for each post-conflict area to assess the vulnerable groups against the martial milieu of residual violence, disorder and illegal activities. On the other hand, Afghanistan presented a speech so pitifully generic that it could have been used in the context of almost any agenda, we feel. Perhaps one of the International Press’s favorite moments in committee on day 2, however, was when a motion proposed by the USA failed, and miserably at that- what a twist of fate pioneered by the UNODC. Meanwhile, Korea’s motion to discuss the intricacies (and we mean every single tiny little minutia) of the DDR was passed by the committee; the Associate Director even felt it imperative to mention Gangnam Style because, of course, what else but a sickeningly viral video of a bespectacled –ahem- gook doing a variation of the cowboy dance move could be more pertinent in council?

The UNODC went on to debate the DDR in high-res detail… and on… and on… and on… -a few millennia later- …and on… and on… and on…

When the council finally exited its DDR discussion loop, it dived straight into two consecutive unmoderated caucuses, with little to no output. The Executive Director then traipsed in on royal blue stilts: a welcome arrival by all means, as she ensured that the UNODC stopped being utterly droning, digressive and repetitive in nature. Hopefully, Day 3’s discussion will bear fruit, instead of just spiny ennui.


Tête-à-Tête with Neha Dewan

Special correspondent Kartik Maini unfurls the somber side of the otherwise ebullient Neha Dewan as he interviews the only Chairperson of the fairer sex of Quest MUN’13.

Question. Being a challenging committee with a vast agenda and seemingly high number of delegates, your committee is one of the highlights of QuestMUN’13. How do you feel about presiding over a committee like The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)?

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, having a joint session of the CCPCJ and the CND is an unprecedented committee and marks the success note of QuestMUN’13. The agenda pertains to a very complex issue, and the deliberations encompass everything from indigenous people and issues to International Law. I’m elated to preside over a committee like the UNODC as it provides ample scope of growth to not only the delegates, but also the Executive Board members. The delegates, as of yet, have put their best foot forward to answer ultimate questions of universal jurisdiction and conflict of laws, and I’m quite trepidant and excited about what they’ll make of this agenda and whether they’ll be able to do justice to the same.

Question. How has the debate been and how do you expect it to be in the day that’s left?

The debate over the last 2 days has increased impressively. Initially, on day one, the level of debate wasn’t at par with our expectations, leaving us dejected as we blamed the mikes and then ourselves. However, after the lunch break, something in the delegates changed. Call it satiation of their hunger or renewed motivation, the delegates put forth excellent points, and raised various points of order during the proceedings as the level of debate catapulted, not only meeting our expectations but also superseding them, to some extent. It was gratifying to see the effort each delegate was putting in, and I can say, on my and my Executive Board members’ behalf, that the level of debate was quite impressive and we look forward to the day knowing that our delegates have the potential to do justice to the agenda in hand.

Question. What’s your advice to the delegates?

The sole purpose of an MUN is to make you feel inspired to do more, achieve, and to develop yourself with the MUNs that you do. It’s imperative to remember that learning never stops. Nothing and no one is perfect. Therefore, every person who attends an MUN needs to be humble and know that there still is scope for improvement. Every person must set goals and strive to achieve the same no matter how many accolades he/she has won. If one is humble and willing to work hard, there is nothing that cannot be achieved. Always remember, it’s not about winning; it’s about wanting to win.

Question. How will your experience help you to preside effectively?

Having done all the MUNs as a member of the Executive Board in the position of Chairperson, I know how imperative it is to make every Executive Board member feel involved in the proceedings. I realize that delegates in the committee look up to their Executive Board, and with every MUN, I strive to be the best I can be.


Dear Delegates

It was a great pleasure and honor to host Quest MUN 2013 from 19th to 21st July!

As we surge ahead in this 21st Century, people all over the world are benefitting with technological innovations and advancements on one hand, whereas on the other hand life is getting inflicted with serious issues like drug abuse, terrorism, human rights violation etc. Hence, it becomes the need of the hour to sensitize our students to these serious issues of global concern. Also, it becomes imperative to provide them with opportunities to create a world full of peaceful co- existence for all.

QUEST MUN ’13 provided such a platform where young delegates debated on global issues and engaged in spirited discussions in 5 different committees. This helped in broadening the mindset of the students and created an understanding in them about the comprehensive process of economic and social development. Students, as global citizens, in various simulations in their respective committees realized their responsibilities to make the world a better place to live in.

I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our beloved chairman Ms. Soni to provide us with this beautiful platform. Our dear principal Ms. Suman for her constant support and guidance, Ms. Bhavana, our core team members and most importantly our conference staff to make QUEST MUN 2013 a huge success.

Looking forward towards taking QUEST MUN to a new height with each passing year.

Regards

Anjali B. Acharya

P.G.T. Political Science

(Incharge QUEST MUN)

Message from the MUN Coordinator


Managing Committee (from Left to Right)

Bottom Row: Atijav Dua, Bhavya Tejwani, Shreya Jaiswal, Mrs. Bhavana Bhasin (Chargé d’affaires), Mrs. Anjali Acharya (MUN Coordinator), Sakshi Mathur, Kiki Marlam and Ananya Bhasin.

Middle Row: Joyee Bhattacharya (USG International Press), Puja Raghavan (USG Public Relations), Maria Suhail (USG Logistics & Conference Affairs) and Ayush Gupta.

Top Row: Mridul Kataria (Deputy Secretary General), Taufique Shoogufan (Secretary General) and Zohra Abdullah (Deputy Secretary General).


International Press (from Left to Right)

Bottom Row: Sejal Sethi (Cartoonist), Nikita Biswal (Reporter), Rukma Singh (Editor), Purvasha Mansharamani (Head of IP), Rhea Guliani (Editor), Joyee Bhattacharya (USG IP), Pravisha Mittal (Reporter) and Anusuya Chakraborty (Reporter).

Middle Row: Aviral Babber (Photographer), Meghna Gulati (Reporter), Vedant Puri (Photographer), Tanya Dutta (Reporter), Kanika Sahijwani (Special Correspondent), Aman Srivastava (Layout Designer), Vijeata Balani (Reporter) and Viraaj Sharma (Photographer).

Top Row: Arpan Sagar (Photographer), Chaitanya Dadhwal (Photographer) and Kartik Maini (Special Correspondent).


With the Rain God happily showering us with his blessings.

Official Advisors

the quest times issue iii

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