Important Messages
IMMUNS 2012 Opening Speech by Secretariat Advisor, Ms.Marisa Aguilar:
Good afternoon.
WELCOME AGAIN!
The MUN program began at ASFM in the early 1990’s, but for the last five years I have had the joy and challenge of guiding the Secretariat through the planning of IMMUNS.
I want to thank my Secretariat and my MUN classes, and you once again for the effort and interest that you demonstrate by participating in this event. We know that being here represents hard work, planning, organization and serious commitment towards yourself, and your school.
I have stood here in the past and encouraged you to show passion, leadership and active participation. However, I want you to take one vital element into consideration as you perform these tasks.
Today I want you to add one more word to keep in mind as you forge your path towards becoming future world leaders: Together!
Together you can debate.
Together you can dialogue.
Together you can make a difference.
Together you can vent problems, anxieties, confusions.
Together you can fight for ideals, and causes.
Together you can change the world around you!
For once, envision yourselves not as distinct member states, not as delegations divided by the face of the placard, but as a whole. One, equally powerful, with equal rights of representation.
The Secretariat demonstrated, in its recent trip to The Hague, how strong bonding evolves into motivation and hard work within a group.
Remember to bond and work together these three upcoming days, and make sure to summon the complete power and potential of a group, turning it into a group of people that actively participates in making the world a better place!
Don’t look for excuses. "Make it happen”
IMMUNS 2012 Opening Speech by IMMUNS Secretary General, Cristina Gutiérrez:
Welcome to IMMUNS 20-12! I want to start by thanking everybody who is seated here today – newcomers and those who are back again this year: thank you for your motivation, for your commitment and your dedication. I would also like to thank my fellow Secretariat members and especially our advisor for helping make this simulation possible.
IMMUNS is a place where people come to discuss international issues and interact with classmates from other schools. More importantly, however, people come to IMMUNS to gain knowledge: knowledge about the problems that are prevailing in our world, knowledge about diplomacy, and knowledge about the importance of cooperating with others to achieve a common goal. Knowledge is, without a doubt, a very useful tool – but it also comes with responsibility. It is not enough to gain knowledge; we must learn to act on that knowledge.
As an example, for many years, the rumors of global warming and other sustainability issues were heard around the world. These problems were known, but were also disregarded and ignored. For a while, we continued to live comfortably and consumed resources at an incredibly fast and unsustainable rate. Now, unfortunately, we are faced with severe problems: we must acknowledge that our resources are limited, and some of them are already becoming scarce. Knowing there is a problem does not mean it will be solved; as a society we need to do more than acknowledge it, we must act on it. It gives me great pride to announce that IMMUNS has taken a small step this year and has officially gone green. In the preparation for our simulation we implemented eco-friendly measures that promote a healthier environment. All of our booklets, diplomas and pens were made with recycled material, and our consumption of plastic bottles reduced significantly. This is a small step, but every small step adds up to create a powerful change.
I believe that all of us here today are united by the desire to change our world for the better. I see before me a group of motivated people that will eventually become future leaders of our communities, and even the world. We must now begin to prepare ourselves, and others, for this challenging task. We need to combat the indifference that surrounds our country, and guide those around us towards the power of change and the hope of a brighter tomorrow. Though it may seem far away, our future is actually being created, and defined, in every instant and in every decision we make.
The time to start making a change is today. I encourage all of us to make the most out of the next three days. I invite everyone to uphold the ideals of IMMUNS, while showing respect, passion and commitment in every discussion. More importantly, I encourage you to seek knowledge – and to act upon it. IMMUNS is about making it happen – to make it happen, we must get involved…we must make a difference.
IMMUNS 2012 Opening Speech by IMMUNS Sub Secretary General, Viviana Dewey:
Earth was once described by astronomer Carl Sagan in simple words; as a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam. At its core, this pale blue dot, as Sagan used to call it, has a simple existence. Essentially, it revolves around the sun, following specific cycles and laws.
But it is when we zoom in to the details of our pale blue dot that this existence becomes intricate and complex. It is when we focus on the border between nations, on the fringes of society and the merging of cultures that these cycles are interrupted. It is when inequality, abuse and poverty thrive that these laws are broken.
To the universe, this speck of dust remains undisturbed. To the stars, the galaxies – the pale blue dot is simply part of their background. But to us, the people who form countries, religions, cultures, governments and families, it is the axis of our reality. For us, the pale blue dot is fading. Who will ensure that this speck of dust remains vibrant and alive?
Now more than ever, young people are powering the motor of the human race. Technology has led to connectivity and awareness. These forces unite young people and together we increase the possibility of restoring the cycles and laws that have been disturbed.
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said that the only constant is change. For the next three days, we must be constant; we must change. Change the pattern that dominates our daily lives to step into a world of conflict, debate and solutions. Change our stagnant perspectives to evolve into a river of possibilities. Change the way we connect with people and become diplomats of the world. Change the old idea of change, because change is now constant.
Delegates, welcome to IMMUNS 2012. During the next three days, let your commitment, ideals and passion return the vivacity to our pale blue dot. Delegates, let us embody the greatest qualities of our species. Let us use our reason, our compassion, our innate drive to imagine and create. Delegates, embrace change.
Thank you.
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