Month of the United Nations

United Netherlands will be organizing the next MotUN in November 2010.

What is the Month of the United Nations?

The Month of the UN is a 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 at the Radboud University.

Each evening is split up in two parts. The first half you will attend a lecture provided by a visiting expert on the topic area. After dinner you will be given trainings on personal development by expert trainers.

If you apply you will be part of a fun group of students with a wide range of disciplines. It will furthermore give you a unique insight into multilateral institutions and the difficulties of international negotiations.

To Govern or to be Governed

The theme of the Autumn 2009 Month of the UN will be the right to self government. In the United Nations charter it states all peoples have the right of self-determination. Self-determination is defined as the freedom of the people of a given territory to determine their own political status or independence from their current state. The right to self-determination is a complex concept with conflicting definitions and legal criteria for determining which groups may legitimately claim the right to self-government. This often coincides with various nationalist movements. The phenomenon of self-government, separatism, and the striving for national sovereignty has always been a root cause of conflicts and provides a lot of work for the UN.

The lectures and workshops will be focused on this theme, as will the Model UN conference. Not only will you get an in-depth knowledge of general international academic disciplines, but you will be provided with these 'knowledge bursts' by professionals.

Program of the Course

What?

• 17.00 - 18.30: A lecture by an expert on a relevant international topic. From multiple angles you will get an insight in the theme for this Month of the UN. This will give you the opportunity to look beyond your own field of study.
• 18.30 - 19.15: Dinner with fellow participants in the Refter (at one's own expense).
• 19.15 - 21.30: A training by an experienced trainer to provide you with all the skills you will need to be a successful diplomat.

When?
Monday November 9th until Monday November 30rd from 17.00 till 21.30 & December 4th from 10.00-17.00

Where?
Radboud University, Nijmegen (Rooms to be announced)

Who?
Any student enrolled at a university in the Netherlands

And Finally?

What?
To cultivate your knowledge and skills acquired during Month of the UN you will take part in a one-day Model United Nations simulation. This model will be further explained during the course.

When?
December 4th 2009

Where?
Radboud University, Nijmegen (Rooms to be announced)

Who?
Participants of Month of the UN