By Hermoine So ||
"Thank you, delegate." All delegates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) heard these words ring out many times during the morning on Saturday, June 24th, 2023, at Hong Kong Metropolitan University Jockey Club Campus.
For those unaware, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime website, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, or UNODC, works to protect society from drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism while also promoting human rights and development. Global drug trouble, organized crime, corruption and economic crime, terrorism, crime prevention, and criminal justice are among its five priorities (UNODC Strategy 2021-2025, n.d.).
At 11:04 am on June 24th, the UNODC head chair announced, "We will first start with a roll call."
After recording the delegates' presence and voting status, UNODC began the opening remarks for their first topic – addressing ethnic and racial disparities within the criminal justice system. Each delegate was given 90 seconds to make their opening statements. With their paper and plaque card in hand, they got up and moved to the front of the class. Their speeches outlined their positions and views on the matter. As each delegate delivered their opening remarks, those seated took detailed notes on their Inter-school Model United Nations (ISMUN) merchandise, which consisted of a notepad, pen, water bottle, folder, and tote bag.
"To begin with, IT'S (referring to the ISMUN merchandise) LITERALLY FIRE! THE WATER BOTTLE IS SO SIMPLISTIC AND DELIVERS. THE BAG IS SO CREATIVE. The folder is also cool!" a delegate states after entering the council room.
During the opening speeches, while the delegate from Singapore spoke softly and calmly, the delegate from Mexico said with a deep, heavy tone and a loud volume. Delegates were alarmed by their clear voice. Those distracted and not awake were startled and intimidated, which caught their attention. Deep and powerful sensations seemed to permeate the atmosphere. ISMUN executive members often entered and exited the room. Laws, rules, and historical events were discussed during the council session.
The delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo quotes, "As Jake Paul once said, "It's an everyday bro."." Faint giggles from other delegates deflated the ambience.
The General Speakers List, or GSL, was the following procedure on the council's agenda. All except two delegates were added to the GSL. India's delegation tackled the committee first, then those from Germany, Italy, Nigeria, the United States… Due to the large number of delegates on the GSL, the chairs only allowed one Point of Inquiry (POI) per delegation. At the front desk, the chairs kindly set up a rectangular, light-coloured box stocked with sweets, such as chocolate, lollipops, and candies, for delegates to collect following speeches to reinforce additional speaking opportunities psychologically.
The delegation of Canada says, "Canada is the least racist country in the council," to India's POI in the GSL when asked why the country should be in charge. All the delegates laughed like a loon.
GSL speeches had yet to conclude. Nonetheless, at 12:15 pm, the council was dismissed for lunch. After lunch, the committee will resume its GSL speeches, according to the chairs. However, delegates were primed to form blocs and draft their resolutions at the start of the break.
References
UNODC Strategy 2021-2025. (n.d.). United Nations : Office on Drugs and Crime. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/strategy/index.html
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