Honorable prospective Delegates, Representatives, Journalists and Chairpersons, dear Sponsors, dear MUN Enthusiasts, dear Friends,

It is with the utmost pleasure and pride that we welcome you to the 16th Edition of the Bonn International Model of the United Nations / Simulation Internationale des Nations Unies de Bonn. We are convinced that this year’s conference will be, as previous editions have been, a beacon of debate and reflection about international affairs.

It may seem as a cliché to start by asserting that we are living in uncertain times, that we are facing great diplomatic challenges at an international level, and that we need to succeed where our predecessors could not. However, the unoriginality of the phrase does not make it less true. Global political settings and multilateral relations are increasingly facing turmoil and tensions due to different visions and agendas being put forward by the governance of key actors. These insecurities are amplified by a shift in the way the values of democracy, international cooperation and personal participation are perceived by large parts of society. Despite these changes, we must always remember and defend the basic principles of justice and solidarity, which should guide the international and interpersonal relations.

We strongly believe that BIMUN/SINUB 2017 will provide the ideal framework to reflect upon the reality of our time and the role that we can play in changing it for the better, not only as future leaders but also as part of the civil society that, now more than ever, is so necessary.

The conference is simulating five interesting committees that will give you the opportunity to discuss some of the most urgent issues of our time. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) are two of the main gears around which the international strive for peace and security revolves. United Nations Women (UN Women) has fought tirelessly to bring forward issues regarding all the facets of the fight against discrimination and the status of women at an international level. Guaranteeing women’s right in all countries and effectively achieving true equality is a long-overdue imperative. In the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), delegates will not only have the opportunity to discuss the access to secure food and the fight against malnutrition, but also the sustainable management of natural resources, which  is of radical importance today. International politics are increasingly shaped at a regional level, which can address many issues directly and efficiently. This will be given credit for in the Organization of American States (OAS), focusing on political and economic questions in the Americas.

Together with these five committees, the BIMUN/SINUB Media Team will be providing a critical view of the decisions and debates during the conference. The Media plays a key role as a guardian of transparency and effectiveness of decision-making agents. Join BIMUN/SINUB as a reporter to promote high-quality and objective media coverage.

We started this letter referring to the current situation at the international field. The conference’s special focus on environment protection and gender equality is no accident. Countering tensions and mistrust, and fostering civil society engagement has to be a comprehensive process. We firmly believe that a clean planet, providing food and water security but also safe living conditions is the basis for all our efforts. Simultaneously, empowering women and thus including roughly half of the global population in political, economic and social processes is the only way to solve contemporary issues.

We firmly believe that this strive towards inclusion, justice and preservation of the planet for current and future generations fits perfectly with BIMUN/SINUB 2017’s theme: „The changing face of political leadership: The increasing importance of civil society.“

We are very much looking forward to working with you and we hope that this year’s Edition brings you not only insightful and interesting debates, but also the chance to meet great friends and have a wonderful time in the beautiful city of Bonn. The city will provide with an incomparable background, with over 2000 years of history and a key role in the current UN system.

Come join us this November for BIMUN/SINUB 2017!

Alfonso José Salgado Cabrera & Johanna Maria Kresin,

Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General of BIMUN/SINUB 2017