The opening ceremony for the 56th annual THIMUN conference at the World Forum hosted delegates from countries all over the globe, representing the solidarity found within Model United Nations (MUN). The international delegates are reflected through the annual flag ceremony, a tradition so coveted that they were turning people away at the door. Once the house came to order, the ceremony was commenced by Katelyn Oh, the President of the General Assembly.
Welcoming the 2024 ceremony was the Mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague, expressing greetings to the “international city of peace and justice.” He spoke of his excitement for the impending week of collaboration and opportunity for youth to express new ideas and energy.
He further invited students to enjoy the fresh city and for a sublime experience overall.
Following Mayor van Zanen was the Chair of the THIMUN Foundation, Alain Meidinger, who took the stage thanking the speakers and delegates for their flag-furling arrival. He presented the registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Osvaldo Zavala Giler, and Professor G.J. Knoops, an international lawyer working for the ICC, sharing how much of an impact they have on peace and justice. To solidify the feelings of prosperity in audience members, the UN Charter preamble was read by Katelyn Oh, taking delegates back to the reason why most were there: to change the world for the better. This mindset was shared with Meidinger as he stated that THIMUN is the place to “promote peace and tolerance at the international level.” Though his speech was not long in duration, the significance was felt nonetheless.
Since the ICC is new to THIMUN procedure, it seemed necessary to involve speakers who were well versed in the topics. Starting with Osvaldo Zavala Giler, the Registrar at the ICC, giving voice to the fact that he began his career sitting in the back of the auditorium. Pointing towards the crowd, it prompted many students to stand hoping they were in the exact same spot. Once participants were seated, he began speaking again by listing the importance of staying together through this conference since delegates, “are all crew members with the same mission and same destination in mind.” After Zavala Giler’s speech, a brief intermission from the American School of The Hague’s choir ensued and as they sang about peace, many minds were again influenced by the idea of making the world a better place. Finally, it was Professor G.J. Knoops turn to speak, and he spoke of the International Courts where he works. Though the job might take up many hours, he enjoys the work of defending people’s rights, and hopes to spread this motivation to the audience.
The closing remarks were delivered by Secretary General Abdelrahman Eldessouky as he articulated the importance of the conference for him and many through the use of his culture, conveying his hopes for the younger generation to be one “capable of creating a peaceful world.” With the Opening Ceremony of THIMUN 2024, there was a major emphasis on the future of the youth, the endless possibilities, and the results of hardwork and dedication. In the wise words of Mayor Jan van Zanen, “if you can make it here at The Hague, you can make it anywhere.”
“if you can make it here at The Hague, you can make it anywhere.”
Written by Bella Smith and Loren Martin
