ABOUT THE EVENT
For the first time in a decade, UN Youth Aotearoa New Zealand is returning to the northern hemisphere with the New Zealand Model European Union (NZ Model EU)! This exciting event will be held in beautiful Ōtautahi Christchurch at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha - University of Canterbury from August 29-31 in place of our usual New Zealand Model Parliament.
NZMEU builds on UN Youth’s existing Model United Nations (MUN) structure, introducing new and exciting changes to authentically replicate one of the world’s most fascinating international bodies.
Over this three-day event, delegates representing nations of the European Union will work together to craft resolutions and debate amendments. With an exciting array of Committees and workshops, NZMEU provides a unique opportunity to develop public speaking, negotiation, and writing skills.
The theme for NZMEU this year is An Autonomous Union, reflecting the European Union’s ability to be a global actor in its own right. This theme will be reflected across the various Committees and sessions, all of which will draw from real-life discussions held within the EU.
Registrations close on 25th July Please reach out to Tyler at [email protected] with any questions.
Committees:
NZMEU will offer a range of different Committees and a wider plenary session:
The Competitiveness Council will discuss the EU’s goal to further the “Single Market”. For delegates interested in the intricacies of continental trade and economics, this Committee will be perfect! (NOTE: This is not a competitive Committee)
The Foreign Affairs Council will discuss how the EU should respond and approach relations with the United States amid increasing global tensions. This Committee will be perfect for delegates interested in diplomacy and inter-state relations!
The Environment Council will discuss creating an additional climate target for the EU by 2035, alongside the current targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050. For delegates passionate about the environment and international climate cooperation, this Committee is a great fit!
The General Affairs Council will discuss the state of democracy in the EU, amid increasing democratic backsliding in the region. For delegates interested in the rule of law, democracy, and civil participation, this Committee is for you!
The European Council will discuss potential defence reform in the EU, including a “European Army”, in response to threats to the EU's territorial integrity and its ability to exercise strategic autonomy. This will be a plenary session, so all delegates will be able to participate!
ABOUT UN YOUTH
UN Youth is a non-profit organisation that provides civics education outside the traditional classroom context. Through fun workshops and conferences, we engage youth in the most pressing affairs of their country and the international community. Our goal is to inspire young New Zealanders to be active, global citizens. Global citizenship exists in an incredibly diverse range of forms, and UN Youth provides opportunities for delegates to develop their own form of active citizenship. Throughout Aotearoa, our work equips young people to become informed, engaged, and critical New Zealanders who understand their global context and the connections between the local and the global. Annually, over 3000 young New Zealanders from Northland to Southland attend a UN Youth event, run by a body of over 150 volunteers across the country who dedicate many hours of their time to engaging young people and growing the organisation.