Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
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Month of the United Nations Due to the organization of WorldMUN 2009, United Netherlands will not be organizing MOTUN in 2008-2009. MOTUN will be back in 2009-2010. Below is an overview on what MOTUN entails. |
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Summary MOTUN November-December 2007 has finished. There will be new programs in 2009. Please keep track of the website for information! The Month of the UN is an intensive four week course which will give you an insight into the science of diplomatic relations. You will be taught the skills of public speaking, debating and negotiating as well as lectures on international politics, law and economy. These trainings and lectures will be provided by experts and renowned lecturers in their field. You will finally be tested on your extensive personal development through a one-day Model United Nations (MUN) simulation, to be held here in the university. Each week you will attend two tutorials. The first half will be a lecture provided by a visiting lecturer or expert on the topic area. After the short recess you will be given trainings on personal development by expert trainers. These evenings will conclude with the chance to practice your new skills in a bar in the city. If you apply you will be part of a fun group of students with a wide range of disciplines. It will furthermore give you an unique insight into multilateral institutions and the difficulties of international negotiations. |
The Culture of peace
`Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.' This is the first sentence of the UNESCO constitution several countries declared in 1945. It suggests that peace is in our hands. But it is not so easy at it seems. According to Hans Morgenthau, the famous International Relations theorist, `...the statesman must think in terms of the national interest, conceived as power among other powers.' In this vision, world peace seems far away. On the other hand, Immanuel Kant's vision of an eternal peace is still influential in political theory. Following the German philosopher it might be possible to attain a state of perpetual peace. The UN tries to foster a culture of peace through education. Through a humanizing process of teaching and learning, peace educators facilitate human development. But, political conflict seems inevitable, because states may have different interests. How can violence be prevented? How can the effects of poverty, prejudice, discrimination, rape be counteracted? And last but not least, how should peace be achieved: through peace-keeping, peace-making or peace-building? War is biologically possible, but not inevitable, as evidenced by its variation in occurrence and nature over space and time. There are cultures which have not engaged in war for centuries, and there are cultures which have engaged in war frequently at some times and not at others. This means that the lectures and workshops will be focused around this theme, as will the Model UN conference. Not only will you get an indepth knowledge of general international academic disciplines, but you will be provided with these 'knowledge bursts' by professional educators of peace! |
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Program The Month of the UN is organized by United Netherlands and the Soeterbeeck Programme. You will attend two evenings a week, consisting of a lecture and a training.
Dates When?On Mondays and Wednesdays starting Monday November 12th until Monday December 3rd Where? Radboud University, Nijmegen (Rooms to be announced) Who? Any students enrolled at the Radboud University, Nijmegen And Finally? To cultivate your knowledge and skills acquired during Month of the UN you will take part in a one-day Model United Nations simulation.Where? Radboud University, Nijmegen When? December 7th 2007 Who? Participants of Month of the UN |
The theme of the Autumn 2007 Month of the UN was the 'Culture of peace'.