Joint Crisis Committee
The Joint Crisis Cabinets are very different from the normal MUN experience, yet equal even the United Nations Security Council in their complexity and challenge. JCC consists of two independently running subcommittees whose decisions and actions immediately affect the perpetual crisis at hand, thus providing for an experience like no other at VMUN 2012. This year, the two subcommittees will be simulating high-level executive councils in the governments of China and the USA respectively. The two subcommittees will have to resolve a diplomatic crisis set in 2016, as China’s growing international power threatens the USA’s faltering influence in an increasingly bipolar world. The failure to achieve a resolution to the crisis between the two states, one an old and the other a new superpower, would not only inflame diplomatic relations between the two states and therefore much of the planet, but could potentially ignite military hostilities reminiscent of those courted in the Cold War era.
In addition to the overarching and evolving international crisis, each subcommittee will be called on internal crises that will arise. China’s continued oppression of minority groups and claims over land and sea have contributed to increasing political volatility in their corner of Asia, and in America, a mounting national debt and record unemployment rates force the country ever-closer to the brink. And to be honest, that’s only the beginning. What delegates to the Joint Crisis Cabinets will be asked to deal with is only partially revealed for your preparation; covert plots, terrible luck, and the well-meaning—or hostile—actions of the opposing committee together offer an unpredictable, volatile, and urgent, but undoubtedly exciting, experience.
As more detailed information on the specifics of our crisis, and background guides for each committee, are still to come, we can only offer the following general advice at this point. Delegates interested in JCC will need to be prepared to partake in intensive and urgent debate on a diverse series of urgent topics within their subcommittee, while still possessing a fine-tuned handle on diplomatic conduct. While detailed research and preparation prior to the conference will be key to success in JCC, unlike in other committees, wits and thinking on one’s feet will also be critically important. As delegates are left largely free to their own opinions within their own committees, debating with others as simulated citizens of the same country, deal-brokering and internal politics will play a large role.
Because of the challenge of JCC describe above, prospective delegates are preferred to have had previous MUN and debating experience. Newer delegates who demonstrate talent and interest may also be considered, considering the unique character of JCC. Lastly, as delegates accepted to the JCC will be expected to thoroughly research their governmental position and familiarize themselves with the associated area of expertise in order to successfully act in character during the conference, position papers will be mandatory.
Kevin Chien is currently a student at St. George’s School, and has been an avid participant in both debate and MUN for several years. Besides harbouring a fascination for international affairs, an area where blunders can often instigate a spectacularly devastating string of events, he is also interested in physics, classical music, and several other generally unpopular subjects. In his spare time, when not embroiled in fiery arguments on highly controversial topics, Kevin is typically found procrastinating.
Victor is currently a senior at St. George’s and this is his third involvement with Model United Nations. He hopes that the culmination of all of the JCC staffs’ onerous work will result in a wonderfully enjoyable conference characterized by excellent production quality and enthralling crises. Outside of school, Victor enjoys internet culture/meme/social networks, reading, and music, with a particular proclivity towards the syncopated variety.
Lucas Tai-Macarthur attends St. George’s School. Although Lucas’s background in MUN is limited, he has a keen interest in foreign policy and in current affairs. He hopes to employ his many skills, inter alia leadership capabilities, vast general knowledge, and humorous impressions, to make VMUN 2012 unforgettable!
Catherine is currently attending Grade 11 at Crofton House School, where she is an avid participant in many clubs and teams ranging from math to badminton. As a lover of sports, she also enjoys swimming, Ultimate, skiing, canoeing and dance. VMUN 2012 will be Catherine’s seventh conference over her three years of MUN, her first time on staff, and her best experience yet. Despite being able to look extremely aggressive—courtesy of an ‘eagle face’—Catherine thrives on love, music and new connections, so don’t be afraid to come up and say hi!
Angela Du is completely stoked and a little bit nervous to be working as a staff member of VMUN this year. She started participating in MUN conferences in the tenth grade and is currently in her last year at Crofton House School. Angela likes to paint and sketch when she’s not honing her MUN skills. She is looking forward to meeting the delegates in the JCC and knows that VMUN 2012 is going to be a lot of fun.
Preston Lim is a student from St. George’s School. He is excited to have been accepted as a staff member this year, and hopes to further develop his interest in politics and international affairs, through his work on the Joint Crisis Committee. His interests range from music to writing, and Preston hopes to enrich the experiences of his fellow staff members and to build on his own in this conference.
Eric Kim is a student at St. George’s School. He is passionate about Model United Nations but has never before staffed a conference, and so is highly excited to be intimately involved in the planning and execution of the upcoming VMUN. Having greatly enjoyed last year’s Joint Crisis Committee, he is especially pleased to be staffing them this year – and he’s sure that the 2012 JCC will be a committee to remember.
Brian Kwok is currently attends St. George’s School, and has been highly involved in debate, MUN, and public speaking for several years. Having interests in economics, international affairs, and math, he is also passionate in music and the arts. In his uncanny amount of spare time Brian can be found improvising on the piano while pondering over why he hasn’t started work yet. Thoroughly excited for VMUN, Brian is thrilled to be working alongside some of his closest friends.
You can reach the dais at jcc@vmun.com. Any questions regarding the committee or its debate procedures will be answered by email.Your position papers should also be emailed to this address.