"I represent the Czech Republic in this conference. Even though it's not necessary to consider the position of the country we represent, my partner and I still did some research on (the country). It used to be ruled by some countries; therefore they may take a sympathetic attitude to Haiti," said Wu Nian-shiun, a student from Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School.
The simulation conference is held at National Taiwan University's Department of Public Health by Global Youth Institute, an exchange program hosted by Des Moines Public Schools and The Friendship Force.
"The main objective is to investigate the issue of global consequences, to share perspectives from different countries, to research the problems and to learn about the alternatives approaching the problems," said Dr. Thomas Forsgren, the director of Global Youth Institute.
"The scenario in Haiti is similar to the scenario in Lebanon. You can translate it into Lebanon's situation. Should the United Nations be involved? How should it get involved?" he asked.
GYI, started in 1991 in Des Moines, Iowa, is celebrating its 16th year. The program, which has been hosted world-wide ─ including Germany, Australia, Austria, Russia, Italy, Germany, Brazil and Taiwan ─ holds as its essential objective the development of the concept of a global village.
The entire GYI program lasted close to three weeks, from July 10 to 28. The student members were introduced to the U.N. conference regulations by the NTU's MUN club in the second week. After that, every two students were assigned one U.N. nation at random. They then had to research all the information needed.
