Non-Governmental Organizations Program

Dear Delegates,

Paolo Singer

Welcome to the 2012 HNMUN NGO Program! My name is Paolo Singer, and I am a junior at Harvard College. I’m originally from New York City, and am now majoring in economics and government. I am very interested in domestic and international issues of social justice, such as poverty, education, and discrimination. I am fascinated by the role of NGO’s and advocacy groups in multilateral deliberations that take place in the United Nations. When I’m not in class, I direct a program to foster intercultural relations with Asia, work with the Harvard Institute of Politics and research for the Harvard FXB Center for Health and Human Rights. I also enjoy teaching in Boston public schools and go for a row on the river (when it’s not covered in ice!).

NGO’s have an exciting and important role in international debate. In this committee, you’ll tackle various issues and meet and work with people in many other committees. Welcome aboard!

Sincerely,

Paolo Singer
Director, Non-Governmental Organizations Program
Harvard National Model United Nations 2012

The NGO Program offers a unique opportunity through which to experience HNMUN. Unlike any other committee, the NGO Program allows each delegate to explore a variety of other committees in the GA and ECOSOC organs, partaking in all the substantive debates as a valuable source of resources and expertise. NGO representatives will possess the expertise regarding current issues affecting our world today. Furthermore, beyond knowing what the problems are, each NGO also offer solutions on how to address such issues.

Delegates will represent local, regional, and international NGOs from around the world. Beyond knowing just what the problems are, each NGO will be able to provide in-depth solutions and programs for addressing the issues. The International Committee of the Red Cross, for example, will provide the latest information on emergency relief drives. Women’s rights organizations, such as Women for Women International, will call for gender equality initiatives, while children’s rights organizations, like Save the Children, will advocate for policies to protect children and preserve stability for future generations. Groups such as the Human Rights Watch and the MDG Global Watch will watch out for efficiency and sustainability, to ensure specific progress towards global goals. These are just a few examples of NGOs that may be represented at HNMUN, that each have the power to change the world.

Representing an NGO is a fulfilling and unparalleled experience as each delegate will be able to contribute and influence a committee and provide an outsider’s perspective on how to address the issues discussed in that committee. Every NGO delegate will have the opportunity to engage in issues that affect our real world and provide feasible and realistic solutions to affect the committees throughout the conference.