THE HAGUE CONFERENCE

I.  STUDENT OFFICERS

The Student Officer Team consists of the Executive Committee together with the Presidents, Deputy Presidents, Committee Chairs and Deputy Committee Chairs in the various forums.

All student Officers must be thoroughly conversant with Parliamentary Procedure and particularly with the current THIMUN Rules of Procedure. They must have a good knowledge of current affairs as well as of the issues on the agenda. They must write a research report and must be prepared to be actively involved in the lobbying process, coordinating the work of their respective council or committee throughout the week.

In their application, candidates should state which position and which forum(s) they are particularly interested in. Please note that students in their final year at secondary school who have not previously chaired at THIMUN or at a THIMUN-Affiliated conference are unlikely to be selected.

Once the student officers have been selected, they will be contacted by the Executive Committee with further details on preparing for the conference. Part of this preparation is to research the issues on the agenda and to write a Research Report that must be prepared well in advance to the conference. They will also be required to join online briefings before the actual conference.

The Executive Committee consists of:

Secretary General, Deputy Secretaries General and President of the General Assembly
President of the Security Council
President of ECOSOC
President of Group of 77
President of the Special Conference
Presidents of the three Commissions (Environment, Human Rights and Sustainable Development)
President of the NATO/ICC/HSC/SFAR (4 positions)
Executive Administrative Officer

Deputy Presidents and Committee Chairs

The Deputy Presidents of the three Commissions and the Special Conference preside over the sub- commissions when they are in session and assist the President in lobbying and in the plenary sessions. The Committee Chairs will each preside over one of the four GA Committees when they are in session. Most of these positions are expected to be filled by those who have already held a position at THIMUN or a THIMUN-Affiliated conference as Deputy President or Deputy Chair.

Deputy Committee Chairs

In general, Deputy Chairs are appointed to provide an opportunity for younger students to gain experience. It is hoped that such students will prove themselves capable and will be available to serve again at the subsequent session of THIMUN. Thus, preference will be given to students able to attend in 2025 as well as in 2026.

II. NATO SUMMIT

The Netherlands will be hosting the next NATO Summit in The Hague in July 2025. Leaders of 32 countries will participate in this summit. The THIMUN Foundation, in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will organise a simulation of this summit during the 2025 Conference. The THIMUN NATO Summit will consist of 32 members. The members of this summit will not only bring political and diplomatic perspectives, but in addition, economic, judicial, and military dimensions to this forum.

All applicants must belong to a participating school and should be students with previous (THI)MUN experience. Their task will be to conclude a joint communiqué. This communiqué is not a regular resolution. The decisions taken are mandatory to all member states. For the rest, the rules and regulations are akin to those of the Security Council; the NATO Summit will debate in plenary sessions. The quality of the debate highly depends on the experience, flexibility, and enthusiasm of the participants to the forum.

III.   HISTORICAL SECURITY COUNCIL YEAR 1982 (HSC)

A Historical Security Council [HSC] will be held at THIMUN 2024 and the year selected is 1982. Fifteen schools with teams of 2 delegates per school, will each represent one of the member states that composed the Security Council in 1982 (see page 13 in the Registration Handbook for member states). Similar to the ‘regular’ Security Council, the Historical Security Council is composed of 5 permanent members and 10 members elected for a two-year term. Candidates to this forum must apply by completing the specific HSC Application Form.

The delegates will simulate the Security Council on the year 1982 and will confront 3 critical events in chronological order (see Issues on the Agenda). The focus is on what the SC could have done when confronted with these crises.

IV.   INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)

The ICC at THIMUN 2025 will consist of judges and of members of two different parties (Prosecutor Office and Defence Office). They are independent advocates and not members of any country delegation.

Applications are sought from outstanding students of sound academic ability, with a capacity for independent research, a good knowledge of international affairs and MUN experience. An interest in law is required but applicants are not expected to be legal experts. In their application, as well as outlining their qualifications and experience, candidates must state whether they wish to serve either as a student officer, or as a judge, prosecutor or defence.

The ICC at THIMUN will consist of three student officers (President, Deputy President & Registrar) and seventeen members divided into five teams: nine judges, and for each case a team of two members of the Office of the Prosecutor and two members of the Office of the Defence.

Once selected, all applicants are expected to study the Statute, Rules of Court and procedures of the International Criminal Court and the Model ICC Guidebook. The advocates will additionally study their case, prepare their presentation od evidence, choose and brief their witnesses.

All applicants must be at least 16 years old, and must be aware that, if chosen, they are expected to attend the mandatory briefing in the afternoon on Monday 27 January 2025 at the World Forum The Hague.

V.   SPECIAL FORUM ON THE ARTIC REGION (SFAR)

This forum, consisting of 29 panellists (page 14 Registration Handbook), has the task of concluding a communiqué. All applicants must belong to a participating school and should be students with ample previous (THI)MUN experience.

What distinguishes this forum from all other forums at THIMUN is that panellists will be the representatives of bodies as diverse as countries, UN agencies or other international or national organisations. As such, they will not only bring political and diplomatic perspectives, but in addition economic, cultural, technical, judicial, and environmental dimensions to this forum.

The purpose of the debate is not to draw up a regular resolution, but a communiqué that is advisory more than mandatory in tone. The rules of procedure are akin to those of the Security Council, however, more than voting on each clause, the panellists must seek consensus. The Special Forum will debate only in plenary session. Of course, the quality of the debate highly depends on the experience, flexibility, and enthusiasm of the participants to the forum.

VI.  MUNITY PRESS & COMMUNICATIONS

Press delegates, under the supervision and direction of the Press Coordinator, are responsible for producing the conference newspaper and online content. The Press Delegation includes layout editors, text editors, experienced reporters, photographers, cartoon artists and videographers.

The letter of application should include details of the applicant’s journalistic skills, familiarity with word processing, desktop publishing (InDesign), photo and/or video editing programs, MUN experience and knowledge of international affairs (for writers).Applicants are encouraged to send samples of their work, e.g. articles, photos, artwork, or layouts published in school or student newspapers and magazines, essays or assignments in English, History, International Relations or Art classes. Successful applicants are expected to be engaged in an online forum in the months before the conference, contributing their ideas and work for publication in the pre-conference issue of MUNITY.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

The list of students whose applications have been successful will be published by Wednesday 16 October 2024 at the latest in the Conference Web-App.

FEES

Except for the Executive Committee of the Student Officer team, all students holding individual positions will be charged the full participant fee.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Schools are required to make their own arrangements for travel to and from The Hague, as well as for accommodation during the conference. However, THIMUN can assist in certain areas and recommend you contact ITO Tours for arrangements in hotels, transfers and trips during your stay in the Netherlands, see below for further information on ITO.

OUR TRUSTED TRAVEL AGENCY – ITO TOURS

The team at ITO TOURS is again delighted to offer you accommodation packages, including transfers, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to the Netherlands for you and your students.

To further enhance this journey and create lasting memories, we are delighted to assist you in exploring our country’s rich cultural heritage and breath taking landscapes. If time and budget permit, we are more than happy to provide you with quotes for pre- and/or post-nights in other captivating cities in the Netherlands, Belgium, or France.

Furthermore, we can organize thrilling excursions before and after the conference, expanding your experience and adding an extra element of excitement to your trip. To view our website for further information, please click here.

Once your school registration to THIMUN is confirmed, you may start planning your trip the the Netherlands. Please kindly submit your inquiry to thimun@itotours.nl, and we will be delighted to provide you with personalised assistance for your travel plans. Our team is committed to tailoring all quotes to your specific needs, budget, and preferences.

TRAVELLING TO THE NETHERLANDS

It is strongly advised that all schools take responsibility when travelling to and from the Netherlands to attend THIMUN 2025. We urge all schools to check the official government sites of the Netherlands as well as their own government website for requirements needed.

INSURANCE

It is strongly recommended that all schools take out adequate cancellation, travel, and medical insurances. THIMUN will not be responsible for any costs incurred by individual schools or participants in any of these areas.

VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

Students who require a visa to the Netherlands should have their MUN-Director send a letter to the THIMUN Office (info@thimun.org) stating the following passport information: name as written in passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number and date of issue/expiration. Please also include the email address of the visa department of the Dutch Embassy or Consulate where you will apply for your visa.

We urge schools who need visa assistance to send the information of all students/teachers needing a visa in one single document as this greatly speeds up the process. Please make sure we have your information by December as the process may take a while. Upon receipt of the information the THIMUN office will send a formal invitation letter to the applicant (MUN-Director).

TRANSPORT TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT

THIMUN offers with ITO Tours a pick-up service to and from the airport to your hotel/hostel or the World Forum.

For those not using the Pick-up Bus Service, there are frequent trains direct from Amsterdam/Schiphol Airport to The Hague. From Station Den Haag Hollands Spoor (HS), tram 1 (direction Scheveningen) takes you to the Crown Plaza Hotel which is a few minutes walk from the World Forum.

From Den Haag Central Station (CS) tram 17 (direction Statenkwartier) or bus 24 (direction Kijkduin) will take you directly to the World Forum.

HTM PUBLIC TRANSPORT CONFERENCE TICKET

At registration you will receive a special 4-day HTM ticket that serve as a public transport ticket for The Hague area. With this ticket you can travel on any tram or bus in The Hague and Scheveningen during the days of the conference. Extra day cards can also be purchased online via the HTM site or directly on the bus or tram.

ACCOMMODATION

It is important for THIMUN to know where all participants are staying for the duration of the conference. Therefore, all schools must fill in the name of the accommodation on FORM II. This does not apply to students from local schools who are living at home. Please note however that this information on FORM II is for administrative purposes only. THIMUN does not make or change any hotel reservations.

GENERAL BEHAVIOUR

Although THIMUN The Hague is an educational exercise intended for young people, delegates are simulating the Councils of the United Nations. Thus, for the period of the conference, they must be regarded as diplomats and ambassadors for the country they are representing, as well as representatives of their individual schools. This demands a high standard of personal conduct and behaviour from all delegates, both during the conference sessions and outside the World Forum.

It is extremely important for the continuing good relations between THIMUN, the World Forum, the City of The Hague and the diplomatic and business communities that delegates always behave appropriately. Therefore, schools are expected to select their students carefully and not bring to The Hague any student who is likely to create a disciplinary problem. This is important not only for the good name of THIMUN but also for the good name of the school concerned. School Administrators and MUN-Directors should be aware that attendance at the annual session of THIMUN is by invitation and that this invitation may be withheld from schools unable to ensure that their students conform to accepted standards of adult behaviour.

MUN-DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDUCT

All students must be accompanied by, and are the responsibility of, the designated MUN-Director(s). A MUN- Director must be a teacher at the school, or at one of the schools from which the delegation comes. At least two responsible adults (MUN-Directors) should accompany each group. This does not apply to students in small delegations or in delegations from local schools. These students may be accompanied by just one MUN- Director.

All students staying in hotels must be supervised by their MUN-Director. MUN-Directors are required not only to stay in the same hotel as their students but must ensure that their room is located as close as possible to the rooms in which their students are staying. MUN-Directors with students staying in hotels are required to sign the Code of Conduct issued by the hotels through ITO PCO and must ensure that their students conform to these requirements.

At least one MUN-Director per school is expected to be always present in the World Forum, as well as for the meeting on Monday. MUN-Directors must ensure that their students are present in their designated forums. MUN-Directors are also required to adhere to the dress code (see below).

DRESS CODE

Formal dress, i.e., the kind of clothes that real UN diplomats might be expected to wear when attending UN sessions, is required at all meetings. In order not to cause offence to other delegates, national dress, military uniforms, sports shoes and armbands are forbidden.

CONDUCT IN THE WORLD FORUM

Delegates and teachers must be always courteous to the World Forum Staff and to the THIMUN Organisational and Administrative Staff, most of whom are volunteers giving up many hours of their own time to serve the delegates.

Smoking is prohibited in the entire World Forum and alcoholic drinks may not be consumed while the conference is in session.

CONDUCT IN HOTELS

Students must remember that THIMUN is dependent on the goodwill of hotel managements in being able to provide accommodation at a reasonable cost for delegates. An unpleasant experience by just one hotel may mean the

loss of many potential beds for future delegates. Therefore, students must be always polite and considerate to hotel staff and fellow residents.

A curfew of 11 p.m. is recommended for every night and there must be no noise in hotel rooms after 10 p.m.

TOBACCO, ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Smoking and/or the consumption of alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the World Forum. MUN-Directors are responsible for making and enforcing their own rules for their own students regarding alcohol consumption outside the conference venue.

It should be noted that in the Netherlands the legal minimum age for alcoholic consumption is 18, it is impossible for the conference organisers to impose unrealistic and unenforceable restrictions on alcohol consumption outside the conference. The use of any narcotic drug is expressively prohibited.

THIMUN POLICY ON UNDIPLOMATIC BEHAVIOUR, BULLYING, HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION 

Disrespectful behaviours in preparation of and during the THIMUN conference should be addressed by attendees directly or through their MUN-Director, head committee chair or one of the executive student officers. Instances of undiplomatic behaviour, bullying, harassment, or discrimination may be called to the attention of THIMUN Staff and Board of Directors.

All forms of undiplomatic behaviour, bullying, harassment, and discrimination are not acceptable. Such acts and behaviour are incompatible with THIMUN’s educational mission and are a violation of our values.

Anyone who believes they have seen or encountered undiplomatic behaviour, bullying, harassment, or discrimination should bring it to the attention of the THIMUN Foundation’s Board or Staff. The allegations will be investigated, and a response will follow. Consequences may include issuing a verbal reprimand, expelling violators from the conference without compensation, barring violators from future THIMUN involvement, as well as barring their respective schools from future THIMUN involvement.

The THIMUN Foundation has the right to take these, or any other actions deemed appropriate in order to ensure the safe participation of all students and to uphold the values and ethos of the THIMUN Foundation.

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL SAFETY – Anti-bullying and harassment

Every THIMUN participant has the right to feel safe and included at the THIMUN conference. We believe that our THIMUN conference should create a community in which all students and staff thrive, and all identities are affirmed and protected. In order to ensure complete safety and wellbeing of all THIMUN participants, this policy is in place. Undiplomatic behaviour, bullying, harassment, and discrimination violate our core values and are not acceptable at the THIMUN conference.