DPIR plays host to politics conference casting the spotlight on national self-determination

DPIR has recently hosted a global political conference organised and chaired by Oxford students and attended by students from around the world.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Oxford International Model United Nations Conference (OxIMUN) was held at the start of the month and organised by the Oxford University United Nations Association, featuring seven committees covering a broad range of topics, with a spotlight on national self-determination.

Some of the sessions were held at DPIR’s Manor Road building as well as various other venues around the city and the committees involved included the United Nations Human Rights Council, the World Health Organisation and the Economic and Social Council.

Themes covered included ‘The right to self-Determination in the Context of Climate Change’, ‘Urbanization and Smart Cities: Building Sustainable and Resilient Urban Environments’ and ‘Climate Change and Health: Protecting Populations from Climate-Related Health Risks.’

Delegates of the European Union also discussed the dual questions of ‘The Question of Introducing the European Deposit Insurance Scheme’ and ‘The Question of Reforming the Common European Asylum System.’

And advanced delegates opted for one of three crisis committees where they had to resolve quickly evolving crises - either historical or modern – such as the collapse of the Qing dynasty and unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The event provided an opportunity for attendees to learn more about international relations and practice their debating and diplomacy skills.

Silvia Andreoletti, President of the Oxford United Nations Association and a current BA in PPE student at DPIR, said: 

“The overall mood at OxIMUN 2024 was hopeful, with delegates and chairs all feeling optimistic about the future of the United Nations. 

“The sense that the world, and especially its political leaders, had somewhat lost hope in the UN was widespread – making the mission of rebuilding trust in its authority all the more urgent. 

“We believe the UN is an invaluable tool for cooperation, especially in the fragmented world we live in now, and that with reform it can be a powerful way to bring states and its people together.”