Ms. Laura Kaufman is a MYP Individuals and Societies teacher at UNIS Hanoi, having taught English, Social Studies, and Individuals and Societies for the past 10 years in the US, Colombia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. She feels passionately that the skills that MUN helps develop are important in helping us to become more informed and empowered citizens of our countries and our global community. She added that these are the skills we need to understand and interact with the world we live in and be our best selves and communities.

 

On the topics of the Reform Security Council for the November Conference, Ms. Kaufman emphasized the significance of these issues and their presence in our world around us. She said that the issue of the neutrality of the East Sea is an important turning point in the geopolitical situation of Asia, involving complex interactions of geography, history, politics, ideologies, power, and resources. Ms. Kaufman also noted how the topic provides us with a lens to examine the issues involved from different perspectives and angles. She also noted the unique connection between the topic and our host country of Vietnam, saying, “It highlights the unique position of our school in Vietnam and our UN identity; it is also an opportunity to explore how we can diplomatically approach such sensitive and controversial topics.”

 

In regard to the recognition of Palestine as a UN member, Ms. Kaufman remarked that the issue brings up strong feelings connected to deep issues of belief, ideology, power, and rights. She advised that it cannot be talked about without knowing all the complex issues connected to it in the past and present, and said that the rhetoric surround the issue, and the fact that it is supported and denounced so strongly by people around the globe gives it a unique place in discussing modern political issues. She also raised the subsidiary discussion of the role of the UN as to the inclusion or exclusion of states and their mission as an international organization.

 

Regarding the deployment of UN Peacekeepers to Crimea, Ms. Kaufman noted the role global support can play in political disputes, and how it can raise questions of power, conflict, rights, and independence. She said that while the historical background can provide some context to the struggle, she also emphasized the importance of understanding the most recent issues and their effects on the situation.

 

To MUN delegates, Ms. Kaufman said, “My message is that the work you are doing is important. Not just for you to practice your skills and challenge yourselves, not just as a collaborative, not just as a model to our community of what students are capable of, but important for the future of our world.” She added that everyone is a citizen of the world, and that this work is helping delegates to become the types of leaders we need in 2020 and going forward. She emphasized that bringing the message and spirit of MUN past the activities here at UNIS will allow participants to become living examples of the UNIS mission to have students become responsible stewards of our global society and lead the way for generations to come.