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UNAMA
Humanitarian Crisis In Afghanistan due to the United States of America's withdrawal
For the last 4 decades, Afghanistan has been a common battleground for international, civil, and even completely foreign nations’ wars, the most recent of which has been the Taliban takeover of the nation. While the Afghanistan’s political landscape is now secure, the nation is far from a state of peace, safety, or stability. Under the present control of the Taliban, its people are in a humanitarian crisis, its women’s rights are being suppressed, and primitive laws that haven’t been seen in decades are being reinforced.
One could argue that despite the substantial and generous, but vital aid provided by the United Nations (including UNAMA), Afghanistan could be set for disaster once again. Contrary to this widely accepted prognosis, though, it could be that the country will flourish under the Taliban regime. Perhaps will reinstate itself into a state of power in the geopolitical landscape, and benefit from rule by its own people, who have their own nations’ interests at mind.
However, do subsequent events and decisions made by the Taliban spark confidence in their ability to efficiently, prudently, and successfully govern the nation? What can be done to help Afghanistan’s citizens, and lead the country to prosperity? It is down to you, the delegates, to form resolutions with viable solutions that can help create peace, stability and harmony in and around Afghanistan.
DIRECTORS
Vedant Choudhury
Director
Aanya Bhimrajka
Assistant Director
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
Honourable Delegates (and all other honourable readers),
I’m Vedant Choudhury, a 9th grader at B.D. Somani International School, and your director for UNAMA at BDMUN 2023. Welcome to a conference; rather a committee where I hope to foster spirited, insightful, and engaging debate. As an avid munner myself, I relish the experience of dialectically rigorous and heated discourse in every conference I attend. To me, every MUN is an opportunity to collaboratively (but argumentatively of course) solve some of the most pressing problems of today’s time.
It’s been 2 years since I first ventured into the world of MUN, and I believe I’ve had an affinity for it ever since. It was nerve-wracking; entering that large room filled with delegates, but the second I stepped up to deliver my first GSL, I took the conference right into my stride. I vividly remember that speech. I was in UNSC, talking about the Russia-Ukraine war as the delegate of Ukraine. “Russia are the oppressors, and Ukraine are the oppressed.” This was my pivotal line, which I had pieced together in my head just a few minutes ago. When I sat down to the sound of some energetic table-banging, an eclair got thrown to my table. I remember that unmistakable, irrepressible feeling of pride as a young 7th grader, having impressed in front of much older and more experienced chairs and delegates. The initial intimidation and anxiety I felt soon gave way to a sense of optimism, bolstered confidence, and even joy! This was my stepping stone into the world of MUN, and since then I’ve never looked back.
On a more personal level, I’m a football fanatic (#ggmu for all you fellow football enthusiasts out there). I could spend an entire weekend just playing, watching, or analysing the game. I also consider myself a musician, and am incredibly immersed into the world of music. I play the piano, the guitar, sing, compose, and even produce music. On a silent, peaceful, tranquil night, you might even find me buried in a book, with ‘The Giver’, by Lois Lowry being one of the most insightful ones I’ve ever read. Couple this with my insatiable but inexplicable desire to learn the flags of all 197 countries (195 officially recognized by the UN, plus the Vatican and Palestine), and there you are. That’s me. Feel free to informally approach me any time outside of committee for esoteric discussions (or debates) on football, music, books, and even philosophy. I’ll be happy to oblige.
Coming back to MUN, I regard it not as a chore, but a hobby that I actively partake in and enjoy. All delegates reading this would have inevitably read about the Taliban takeover somewhere in the news, and would subsequently have formed their own opinions on the same. The humanitarian situation in the country is dire, and the food security and economic crises in the country are severe. There are allegations of Afghanistan’s own government abusing its people, and endorsing extremism from within the country. It will be up to you delegates to alleviate the country’s predicament, and restore Afghanistan to a state of peace and stability, therefore allowing its industries, people, and economy to flourish, while also resolving any possible geopolitical crises caused by the Taliban takeover. I would be looking for a fairly well-researched delegate, and one with impeccable paperwork, but most importantly witty questions and comments, and bold, impactful speeches. However, to all you newcomers (and even experienced debaters) out there, don’t forget to have fun, and don’t be overwhelmed by the prospect of this conference. After all, we’re all here for an enjoyable experience! My advice would be to really put yourself in the shoes of your nation, and embrace the spirit of the nation. Work hard, and find a moment of inspiration to produce that memorable, monumental moment in committee. Keep in mind, though, that consistency is key, so you must strive to sustain your performance for the entirety of the conference.
I would like to leave you all off with some food for thought; some astute guidance that you should take to heart. As esteemed supreme leader Kim Jong Un quotes, “A man who dreads trials and difficulties cannot become a revolutionary.” So delegates, push through this trial, and capitalise on your opportunity to pioneer transformative change. In the past, when attempting to solve our world's complex and multifaceted problems, diplomacy has often thrived on ambiguity; however, as delegates, confronted with the grave situation in Afghanistan, you must strive to provide pragmatic and actionable solutions. Your ideas have the power to improve the lives of millions in Afghanistan and reshape the geopolitical and economic landscape of the globe.
Envision the future. Take the initiative. Be the revolutionary. Good luck delegates!
Vedant Choudhury (vedant.1213057@bdsint-students.org)
Director of UNAMA
BDMUN 2023
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