Welcome Delegates and Advisors!

On behalf of the entire secretariat and staff of CMUNCE 2010, I am delighted to welcome you to the ninth session of Columbia’s Model United Nations Conference and Exposition, which will take place on Columbia’s very own Morningside Campus from January 14-17th 2010.

Just shy of its first decade, CMUNCE has truly emerged as one of the most engaging and unique conferences available to high school students. CMUNCE has quickly become a favorite for many, known best for it’s small committee size and it’s extraordinary location in the heart of New York City. Each year we actively challenge ourselves to incorporate these characteristics into a vibrant, engaging, and memorable experience for each one of our delegates.

To that end, this year we are bringing exciting changes to CMUNCE. To begin, we have expanded our conference and are hoping to bring in 500 delegates from a wide range of backgrounds and zipcodes. In order to incorporate our new numbers, we have pushed our staff to think of distinct and unique committees that can uphold the CMUNCE tradition of crisis-based, fast-paced debate. The committees this year are truly unprecedented, even by CMUNCE, ranging from the more traditional World Trade Organization to the truly unique FIFA World Cup 2010. Each and every one of our committees has undergone a rigorous process of brainstorming, plotting, and editing to ensure that the committees will provide the delegates with an educational, yet enjoyable experience.

As you have probably noticed, we have entirely reworked our website to make the information accessible and organized. We are also working to further revitalize our midnight crises sessions, securing hosting capabilities in the Marriott to facilitate a late night emergency simulation with diminished hassle and stress. This year we will be hosting the first ever CMUNCE Delegate Dance and an Ice Cream Social, events that we hope will become delegate favorites.

These changes are demanding and challenging and would not materialize without my amazing secretariat and staff. The staff of CMUNCE 2010 is composed of the most dedicated, approachable, and knowledgeable students at Columbia. They have given up countless hours to work on background guides, attend training sessions, and respond to delegate emails. My secretariat is absolutely phenomenal, unwavering on their tasks, surpassing their commitments and working diligently and tirelessly throughout the year. I am indebted to them for their creativity, work-ethics, and energy without which CMUNCE would not be possible. A very special thanks to my Director-General, Rhonda Shafei, who has been my right-hand-woman and confidant throughout this process, both when it is challenging and rewarding. To all of the 2010 staff, secretariat, and advisors, I extend my deepest gratitude for your patience, effort, and time.

Finally to the real heart of this conference, to the delegates of CMUNCE 2010, I encourage you to take advantage of this experience, express yourselves, and most importantly, enjoy yourselves.

I eagerly await your arrival and look forward to meeting each and every one of you in January! In the meantime, please feel free to contact info@cmunce.org if you have any questions or concerns. Best of luck with the preparation!

Sincerely,

Sejal Patel
Secretary-General
CMUNCE 2010