THIMUN

What is it?

The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) is the premier annual international conference in which UN Youth participates. It is hosted annually in The Hague, with around 4,000 students from all over the world taking part in a week-long Model UN in which each delegation represents the views of another country. The conference provides participants with an unparalleled opportunity to engage with like-minded students from around the world, to develop their debating and negotiation skills, and to deepen their knowledge of UN systems.

UN Youth & THIMUN

UN Youth has a proud tradition of THIMUN delegations. New Zealand delegations have equipped themselves very well over the years. Delegates are selected from the New Zealand Model United Nations, trained intensively (with a training weekend in December), and then unleashed upon the conference!

thimun 2013 delegation

The THIMUN 2013 Delegation were selected at the New Zealand Model UN 2012 in July.  You can follow their progress on the trip by visiting their blog at thimun2013.unyouth.org.nz.

thimun 2013 gold sponsor: omv new zealand ltd

OMV New Zealand is the country’s largest liquid hydrocarbon producer, the third largest gas producer, and a major explorer in offshore Taranaki and the Great South Basin off the coast of the South Island.

It has been active here since 1999 when it acquired shares in the Maari oil discovery which it developed and now operates. Focusing strictly on exploration and production in New Zealand, OMV New Zealand currently holds shares in the Maui and Pohokura gas fields and the Maui pipeline. In addition, OMV New Zealand also has a number of offshore exploration permits in the Taranaki and Great South Basin regions.

OMV has invested over NZ$1.6 billion in New Zealand to date. In 2011, it paid over $221M to the Crown in taxes and royalties.

OMV New Zealand is a subsidiary of OMV Aktiengesellschaft, also known as the OMV Group.

The theme of this year’s THIMUN 2013 Conference is “Energy & Sustainability”, so the students will be researching and debating resolutions on sustainable use of natural resources whilst meeting future energy demands at the conference.

OMV New Zealand Ltd is sponsoring the THIMUN 2013 Delegation because the opportunity to support the growth and development of outstanding young New Zealanders in participating in a global youth-driven discussion about energy and sustainability resonates strongly with their approach to social and environmental responsibility.

Application Information

Applications for the THIMUN 2014 Delegation will be open early 2013.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can be a personal or school reference?
For your school reference, you can get a principal, a teacher or your dean to write a reference. For a personal reference, it can be just about anybody - an employer would be a good example. Your referees should explain how they know you, and why they think you would be suitable to be a member of the delegation.

I don't have a New Zealand passport - can I still apply?
Yes you can - in previous years we've had delegates travelling on other passports, and we will make arrangements for that.

Does my copy of my birth certificate/passport need to be certified?
No, the copy is just for our records.

When will I find out if I have been shortlisted for an interview?
You will find out on the first day of NZ Model UN 2012. If shortlisted, you will receive a letter (probably in your delegate packs) which will provide the time and location of your interview.

Can I travel independently of the delegation?
Yes, but there is a $500 administration fee on top of any additional costs incurred (i.e. additional flights, travel and medical insurance), and you will need to let us know as soon as possible so that we can make other arrangements.

I know a lot of other people applying from my school/region - will you take a maximum number from each school/region?
We consider each application on its own merits, disregarding which school/region you attend. If we have several applicants from one school for example, this will not put your application at any disadvantage.

What are you looking for when you are selecting delegates?
We are looking for a variety of things in the applications - students who will benefit from the trip, who will be able to work well with the rest of the delegation, and students who will represent us well at the THIMUN conference, for example.

Any queries regarding the delegation should be directed to Sarah Wilson at sarah.wilson@unyouth.org.nz, otherwise please check our Frequently Asked Questions section above.