© 2018 American University Model Conference All rights reserved. No part of this background guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without express written permission from the American University Model United Nations Conference Secretariat.

Please direct all questions to [email protected] Emily Michels & Sophia Casabonne Chairs

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to AmeriMUNC VI at American University! Our names are Sophia and Emily, and we’ll be your committee chairs for this year’s conference. We very excited to meet each and every one of you when the day comes, but in the meantime please make the most of your pre-conference research.

Sophia is a junior at American University in the School of International Service, with a minor in Russian Studies. She is also a member of the AU Honors Program. Sophia is currently studying abroad in St. Petersburg, . Originally from Albany, New York, Sophia joined the AU Model United Nations Team her freshman year, and also served on the AmeriMUNC V Secretariat as the Director of Communications. In her free time, Sophia loves talking about Russia, spending time with her Phi Mu sisters, and watching Law and Order. She can't wait to be back on campus for AmeriMUNC VI!

Emily is a junior at American University majoring in International Studies. She grew up in Huntington Beach, California and was very involved in her high school's Model UN team, participating in around 18 conferences before she graduated. Upon coming to American, she has remained involved in Model UN by staffing Amerimunc and was a Vice Chair for the Russian Cabinet last year. Additionally, she currently serves as the Under-Secretary General of Economic and Social Council committees at the National High School Model United Nations Conference in New York. Outside of Model UN, she takes part in her Christian group called Chi Alpha and her sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi. She is also a big fan of chocolate, Ariana Grande, , singing, and finding fun restaurants!

AmeriMUNC is very Security Council-centric conference, putting you in the middle of all the action and giving you plenty of cross-committee interaction. Regardless of whether you’ve chosen to sit on the Security Council or have been assigned to the committee, you should know your role comes with great power and responsibility. The Security Council is the UN organ with most enforceability on the international stage, particularly under the mandate of maintaining international peace and security, a fact which which should not be taken lightly by any of the council’s members. With tensions rising between international hegemons, interactions between members of the council can be very complex and I look forward to seeing this committee develop.

See you soon!

Emily and Sophia Chairs United Nations Security Council UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL

ABOUT THE UNSC

About the UNSC At AmeriMUNC VI, the UNSC is unlike any other committee. Instead of specifically dealing with one issue throughout the duration of the weekend, the UNSC will act as an overarching body that will tackle three entirely separate conflicts. The conflicts the UNSC will be tackling are as followed: the crisis in Kiribati, the crisis in the Philippines, and the crisis in North Korea. For this reason, the UNSC does not have a background guide. Instead, delegates are encouraged to read the background guides of the committees above. There is no particular order in which these conflicts will be tackled, though once an issue is dealt with, the UNSC will not go back; we will devote one or two continuous committee sessions for the conflict in Kiribati, one or two continuous committee sessions for the Philippines, and one or two continuous committee sessions for the conflict in North Korea. For clarity, during these one or two committee sessions that the UNSC is dealing with a specific conflict, the UNSC and the corresponding committee (Kiribati Evacuation Force, Executive Council of the Philippines National , and Cabinets of North Korea/South Korea/USA/Russia/China/Japan) will essentially act as a joint-crisis conflict.

As an example, let’s suppose that a tsunami is approaching the Island of Kiribati. Delegates in the UNSC would be presented with this update, and would then be expected to respond to the crisis in the form of crisis notes and directives. Following updates would include how individual crisis notes and directives affected the crisis as well as how the Kiribati committee responded. This would continue for a committee session or two until the crisis is resolved. Afterwords, the UNSC would move to address a new crisis in either the Philippines or in or around the Korean Peninsula.

Portfolio Powers For crisis, each double delegation will be acting as the ambassadors of your respective country to the United Nations Security Council. As representatives of various countries to the UNSC, you will be given certain leeway to dictate your country’s policy; if you make a reasonable proposal for your country to take a certain action, it will most likely be granted. Thus, you will have full crisis powers as the individual ambassador themself and special crisis powers to influence and sometimes dictate the policy of your respective country as well. UNSC | USA UNITED STATES Nikki Haley United States Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: Washington, D.C. GDP: $19.390 trillion Population: 325,719,178 National Language: No official language

Biography Nikki Haley currently serves as the 29th United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Haley was born on January 20th, 1972 in Bamberg, South Carolina. She currently resides in the United Nations Plaza with her husband, Michael Haley, and two children, Rena and Nalin. By friends and family, she’s always been referred to as “Nikki” her entire life. Her parents, Ajit Singh Randhawa and Raj Kaur Randhawa, emigrated from Amritsar District, located in Punjab, India. Additionally, her father, Raj, is a retired professor from Punjab Agricultural University, while her mother earned her law degree from the University of Delhi. Notably, when her father obtained his PhD degree in 1969, their family moved to South Carolina. Haley’s mother, Raj Randhawa, received a master’s degree in the study of education.

Haley also has two brothers and one sister, named Mitti and Charan and Simran. Mitti, served in the Desert Storm and is a retired member of the US Army Chemical Corps. Whereas, Charan is a web designer. Her sister, Simran, is an alumna of Fashion Institute of Technology and is currently a radio host.

When Haley was 12, she started working, helping her mother with recording financial transactions in her clothing shop, “Exotica International.” Moreover, she graduated from Orangeburg Preparatory Schools in Orangeburg, South Carolina in 1989. Years later, she earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from Clemson University. Prior to joining her family’s clothing business, Haley first worked for the FCR Corporation, which is a recycling company. Later, she was promoted to Exotica International’s Controller, and Chief Financial Officer.

In 1998, she was named to the Board of Directors of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce. Then, named to the Board of Directors of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce in 2003. As she worked her way up, in 2003, she became the treasurer of the National Association of Women Business Owners, which is a US organization focuses on networking women-owned businesses, in order to better provide support and resources. In addition, she was chair of the Lexington Gala, in which she was responsible for raising money for a local hospital.

Haley first entered the realm of politics in 2004, when she ran for the South Carolina House of Representatives, to represent District 87. This district was located UNSC | USA

in Lexington County, South Carolina. During this election, she challenged the incumbent state representative at the time, Larry Koon. In the Republican primary, it was known that Koon was the longest serving member of the South Carolina Statehouse. Some main pillars of her platform include, education reform in schools, and property tax relief to those impacted. In the primaries, Koon won just 42% of the vote, as she placed in second place. In the runoff, she was able to defeat him by 55% of the vote. In the general election, she ran unopposed. Then, she became the first Indian-American to hold office in South Carolina, breaking significant barriers. When running for her re-election, she ran unopposed. Then, for a third term, won against Democrat Edgar Gomez in the election.

For the 2014 elections, Haley announced in August of 2013 that she would run for a second term as governor. She was challenged in the Republican primary by Tom Ervin, who is an attorney. Although, Ervin later announced that he would run the rest of his gubernatorial campaign as an Independent. Once again, Vincent Sheheen was her challenger for the Democratic Party. In the general election, Haley was re-elected in November, with a 55.9% of the vote, which her margin almost tripling compared to her first. Despite her term being set to conclude on January 9th, 2019, she resigned on January 24th, 2017, to serve as the US Ambassador to the UN.

In November of 2016, President-elect announced his intent to nominate Haley for Ambassador to the UN. So, in January of 2017, the nomination was sent to the US Senate. Haley was then confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 96-4. She is the first Indian-American to hold a cabinet level position as well. In the beginning of her tenure, Haley announced to the U.N. Security Council that sanctions against Russia for its Crimean conflict will not be lifted. In June of 2017, she disclosed that the US would “retain sanctions strong and tough when it comes to issues in .

More recently, in December of 2017, Haley reported that Iran was to be accused of backing the Houthi rebels in Yemen. She described that, “the fight against Iranian aggression is the world’s fight.” In response to Haley’s statement, Iranian U.N. Mission spokesman Alireza Miryousefi expressed that, “These accusations seek also to cover up for the Saudi War crimes in Yemen, with the US complicity, and divert attention from the stalemate war of aggression against the Yemenis.” Finally, Haley made the notion that it was challenging to find a conflict or terrorist group within the Middle East, where Iran is not to blame.

Overt Crisis Powers: Essentially, U.S. Ambassadors to the United Nations responsibility is to represent U.S. interests, and maintain communication of events going on at the United Nations with the U.S. State Department. Furthermore, the ambassador is also held accountable for making recommendations to the State Department and the President as to what should the next steps be the U.S. should follow. An Ambassador can also advocate for imperative Security Council resolutions, and block secretaries-general from confirmation. UNSC | USA

The United States The United States under the Trump administration has pursued an “America First” policy at the United Nations. This has entailed a seeming disinterest in the UN’s typical prioritization on human rights and the environment. In the UNSC however, U.S. policy has remained relatively consistent from past administrations. The U.S. has maintained a strong stance against the proliferation of nuclear and chemical weapons in the UNSC. While the United States has vetoed UN action that would harm U.S. interests or the interests of its closest allies, it has also us the Security Council to reprimand China and Russia for violation of international norms. Under Ambassador Haley U.S foreign policy in the UN is similar to what it has always been, however the U.S. is does not want to foot the bill for initiatives that do not directly benefit the United States. UNSC | RUSSIA RUSSIA Vasily Nebenzya Russian Federation Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: Moscow GDP: $1.576 trillion Population: 144,526,636 National Language: Russian

Biography Vasily Nebenzya is a career diplomat who’s journey into international affairs began in his college years as a student attending the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, from which he graduated in 1983 when Russia was the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics1. Soon after his graduation he began working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he worked various assignments. His first major position was as attaché at the Soviet Embassy in Thailand from 1988-19901. Then from 1990-1992 he served as Third and Second Secretary in the Directorate of International Organizations. In more recent years, Vasily Nebenzya has served as Deputy Ambassador to the Russian UN Representative office in Geneva from 2006-20121. From 2013-2017 Vasily Nebenzya served as Deputy Foreign Minister for the Russian Government under Vladimir Putin3. As Russia’s ambassador to the U.N., Nebenzya must ensure that Russia’s interests are protected from its adversaries, essentially all of the NATO member states. In his professional life Nebenzya has known only one goal, see the desire of the Russian State fulfilled and its people protected. His loyalty to Russia is unquestioned and complete making him a strong adversary to those who challenge him.

Nebenzya is an old school Russian official. Being born into the and attending its premier university for international relations has its benefits. Being around the elites of Soviet Russia gave Nebenzya the connections he would need for his success. Through his father, who served as deputy director of the Committee for Publishing, Nebenzya has developed connections in Russia’s media machine. One can be sure that there are at least a few in the business who owe his father and, by proxy, he some favors. Along with this influence, his time as deputy minister brought him very close to the political elite of Russia and even the President himself. With such sway it is certain that his opinion is highly regarded by Putin, who may accept advice from his diplomat from time to time. Mr. Nebenzya was also one of the few Russians to dramatically expand their wealth during the fall of the Soviet Union. His knowledge of key government deals and close connections meant that he could invest in industries in their infancy making massive returns as their stock value soared. With this large personal treasury he has the means to engage in his own personal investments which could be key in shaping international affairs. With all this influence Nebenzya is a powerful force in the UNSC, a force which is needed if it is to challenge the U.S. and its allies. UNSC | RUSSIA

Overt Powers As a permanent seat on the UNSC Russia, like the U.S., U.K., , and China, has the ability to veto, or overrule, any resolution presented to the committee. However, it must be remembered that you are not the head of state and thus do not wield her, or his, direct power. You do however have the ability to write to any person you wish and to exercise your influence over those in government.

Russia As the representative of Russia, your first and final duty is to the Russian people and their government. Thus your first priority is to defend Russia from direct and indirect aggression. Often, this has manifested as trade sanctions against Russia and claims of human rights violations. Being an expert on such things, due to your time in Geneva1, you will need to wield your authority to counter such claims. Your second priority is to defend the sovereign actions of the Russian Government and to push its ideals and agenda within the U.N.. The independence of Russia and the containment of the imperialistic United States and its allies must be kept in check. It is here where you are expected to go on the offensive. Find every hypocrisy within their actions, form coalitions with China and its allies, bring neutral nations within the Russian sphere of influence, and challenge each of their proposals until they meet your standards, remember as a permanent member of the UNSC the Russian delegate has veto power. With these instructions as your guidelines, the Russian people and their President have entrusted you with securing their objectives, it would be quite unwise to disappoint them. UNSC | CHINA CHINA Ma Zhaoxu Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: Beijing GDP: $14.092 trillion Population: 1,403,500,365 National Language: Chinese

Biography Ma Zhaoxu has a undergraduate and Masters degree in International Economics from the Peking University. After his graduation he entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). He worked in various positions in the International Department of the MFA, the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom, and the British Mission in the . Before being transferred to the Information Department, he was the Director of the Policy Research Department of the MFA, and later on spokemen and Director of the Information Department of the MFA, replacing Liu Jianchao. He was appointed as spokesman in 2009 to 2011 and after he was Assistant MFA from 2011 to 2013. From 2013 to 2016 he was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Commonwealth of Australia, and from 2016 to 2018 he became Permanent Representative and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland. He has a wife, and a daughter in China.

Overt Powers Ma Zhaoxu, as former Director-General of Information Department of MFA, has influence over the Chinese Media in China. The Information Department is used to release any information to the media into China, and it guides press coverage on diplomatic events overseas and provides service to media organizations and foreign journalists in China.

Ma Zhaoxu has many contacts in the MFA and exerts significant sway within the office, being one of its former senior leaders

Ma also has ties in the Communist Party of China and is a party member, and he has worked as Deputy Director-General, Office of Foreign Affairs Leading Group, Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.Which he as influence from Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the Communist Party.

Overall, Ma Zhaoxu is working towards China’s goals on coming to diomplaic solutions with other countries on helping and promoting the Chinese Mission to United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) and other International Organizations in Switzerland. He has been deeply involved in the UN activities in human rights, UNSC | CHINA disarmament, and social and economic development. Ma has promoted China's cooperation with the UN, and its specialized agencies, including the World Health Organization, the International Telecommunications Union, the World Intellectual Property Organization, the World Meteorological Organization, the International Labor Organization, and other international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Olympic Committee.

China China is part of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and it’s one of the five permanent members of the council. China’s involvement in the UNSC is to share their growth through discussion and collaboration in engaging in global governance. China stands for democracy in international relations and has made important contributions to maintaining world peace, promoting common development, and advancing international cooperation. China will continue its efforts to safeguard world peace, promote global development, and uphold the international order. We stand ready to work with other countries in the world and jointly foster a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation. Together, we will strive to build a community with a shared future and deliver a future of greater prosperity and peace for mankind.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) have principles to keep the peace among China and the world. Which in turn is to help to solve problems and have diplomatic agreements with each country. One such principle is “to implement the state's diplomatic principles and policies and related laws and regulations; safeguard national sovereignty, security and interests on behalf of the state; run diplomatic affairs on behalf of the state and the government; and handle diplomatic activities between leaders of the CPC and the state with foreign leaders.” The MFA is leading the way to find solutions that the world faces.

China cearly works its way to help other foreign neighbors and by this they work closely with the of the People’s Republic of China, and by this they work on improving Global Human Rights Governance, Promote International Human Rights Cause" on behalf of a group of developing countries, stressing that all countries should work together, develop and improve global human rights governance, promote healthy and sustainable development of the international human rights cause, and build a community of shared future for all human beings.China is in a all time high on working with other neighboring countries so it can build its ties and political influence over the neighboring countries which in long term help China grow its military power and alliances with other countries.Its power house that compares to USA which China is enemy with . UNSC | UK UNITED KINGDOM Karen Pierce UK Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: London GDP: $2.936 trillion Population: 66,040,229 National Language: English

Biography: Karen Pierce is known to be the first woman as to U.N. In 2012, she gained a Master of Science degree in International Strategy and Diplomacy from the London School of Economics (LSE). Karen Pierce became the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York in March 2018. Prior to this role, Karen served as the Director General for Political Affairs and Chief Operating Officer of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, since 2016. Karen joined the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in 1981. Her first role was in Tokyo between 1984 and 1987, after which she returned to the UK to work in the Security Policy Department. Karen worked in Washington as the Private Secretary to the British Ambassador to the United States between 1992 and 1995. Between 1996 and 2006, Karen held several positions in London including Team Leader for Ukraine, and , Deputy Head of Eastern Adriatic (Balkans) Department, Head of Newsroom, Head of EU Department (Bilateral) and concurrently Head of Political Military Unit after 9/11 before returning to the Balkans as Balkans Coordinator from 2002 to 2006. In 2006, Karen moved to New York for the first time to be the Deputy Permanent Representative and Ambassador at the UK Mission to the UN. In 2009, she returned to London to become the Director of South Asia and Afghanistan Department and the UK’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and . In 2012, Karen started her second multilateral role, this time in Geneva, where she was the Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UK Mission to the United Nations, World Trade Organization and Other International Organisations until 2015. Between 2015 and 2016 Karen was the UK’s Ambassador to Afghanistan. Karen is also married to Charles Roxburgh and has two Children. Overt Powers: Karen Pierce uses her influence over the World Trade Organisation in Geneva (WTOG) . She would negotiate the amount of taxes that come from goods, services, and intellectual properties. This includes individual countries’ commitments to lower customs tariffs and other trade barriers, and to open and keep open services markets. They set procedures for settling disputes. These agreements are not static; they are renegotiated from time to time and new agreements can be added to the package. Her relations with doing negotiation with other countries has made her very known in the WTOG. UNSC | UK

Karen Pierce has great connections within the Political Affairs at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), due to being a former Director General of FCO. She knows the current Director General of FCO very well. is current the Director General of FCO and his responsibilities are various of foreign policy that he fixes and negotiate with other countries. Karen Pierce has many connections in Afghanistan. Her connection with the president of Afghanistan has been noted by the Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani. They were able to work together, focusing on issues of enhanced bilateral relations, women’s rights, counter terrorism and a range of other issues of mutual interest. The United Kingdom The United Kingdom has typically taken a pro-Western stance in the UNSC, however is typically hesitant to intervene because of its colonial past. The U.K. has worked for a rules based international system in the UNSC. It has supported harsh, non military UN responses when powerful nations violate the international norms that it helped to create. In the UNSC, the U.K. has often strived to also represent other Commonwealth nations that do not have a seat at the Security Council. The U.K. has consistently defended human rights in the UNSC, and will presumably continue to do so. The U.K. has been preoccupied with Brexit for the past 2 years, and as such the U.K. government views the UNSC as an opportunity to exert influence and maintain connections with the rest of the European continent. UNSC | FRANCE FRANCE François Delattre French Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: Paris GDP: $2.925 trillion Population: 67,348,000 National Language: French

Biography: In 1984, Delattre graduated from Sciences Po and the École Nationale D'administration in 1989 with a degree in international law. He and his wife currently live in their residence in New York City.

Delattre has had an extensive career in foreign service for France. From 1989-1991, he was posted in the French Embassy in Germany and was tasked with assessing the economic impact of Germany’s reunification and the environment. Immediately following that, he worked in the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) from 1991-1993 in the Strategic, Security, and Disarmament Department. Delattre also worked on European and trans-Atlantic defense and security matters and helped manage the Bosnian crisis for Foreign Minister Alain Juppé’s cabinet from 1993-1995 and subsequently in the same role for President Chirac’s foreign policy team from 1995-1998. He then served as the Press and Communications Director in the French US Embassy from 1998-2002. Delattre then made his way up the ladder and served as Deputy Director of French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin’s Office from 2002-2004 and Consul General in New York from 2004-2008. Finally before assuming his current role as France’s Ambassador to the United Nations on September 2nd, 2014, he served as the French Ambassador to Canada from 2008-20011 and then the French Ambassador to The United States from 2011-2014.

Due to Delattre’s extensive history in working as the French Ambassador to the Canadian and United States foreign ministries, he has good working connections and relationships with two of the other four permanent UNSC members. As a result, this could be key to his current role in representing France in the Security Council and being able to efficiently and successfully work with the respective government’s foreign affairs team. As the UNSC is the body with the most power and control over international affairs, these relationships he has created in early parts of his career will help France navigate through crucial matters and affairs.

As head of France’s UN mission and as Representative to the United Nations, Delattre work’s to push France’s agenda. One of the main key points that France is currently pushing for are peacekeeping reforms initiated by the Secretary-General which would help them better achieve their objectives and be better funded. Additionally, France is very committed to defending human rights, specifically UNSC | FRANCE abolishing the death penalty and arbitrary detention, woman’s rights and ending child soldiers, and fights against sexual/gender discrimination. Another key issue that France plays a pivotal role in, is in the fight against climate change. Additionally, France is committed to their official development assistance (ODA) program, which helps fund and develop international institutions and programs (International Finance Facility for Immunisation). Through this, France contributes to help reach the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Lastly, France is a key player in disarmament and maintaining global peace and security.

Overt Powers: As the French Permanent Ambassador the The United Nations, Delattre has the ability to veto and therefore “kill” any proposal sent or made in the UNSC. As France’s Representative to the United Nations and head of France’s UN Mission, he has significant influence on France’s foreign policies. He also has significant power and influence on UNGA countries due to being a permanent UNSC member.

France France has used its role in the UNSC to remain active in international affairs. France has been less hesitant than other major powers to intervene abroad and has used the UNSC to legitimize the use of force. Additionally France has remained very involved and interested in African affairs. However France also has been a vocal supporter of human rights and has sought to ensure that countries respect the rule of international law. France has also championed globalization, the promotion of trade, and workers rights. While France remains cognizant of its past as colonizers and strives to prevent accusations of neocolonialism, in recent years the country has become increasingly internationalist and interventionist. UNSC | GERMANY GERMANY Christoph Heusgen German Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: Berlin GDP: $4.373 trillion Population: 82,800,000 National Language: German

Biography Christoph Heusgen was born March 17th, 1955 in Düsseldorf-Heerdt, Germany, but grew up in Neuss. In high school, Heusgen spent a year at the Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio as an exchange student. He would go on to study economics in university at Georgia Southern University in St. Gallen and Pantheon-Assas University in Paris. In 1980, Heusgen earned his doctorate in economics from the University of St. Gallen. He identifies as a member of the Christian Democratic Union.

Heusgen is a career diplomat, having entered the field in 1980 when he joined the diplomatic service of . Through this role, he would come to be posted abroad in Chicago and Paris. Using this position as a launching pad for his career, Heusgen would work his way up the political ladder. From 1988 to 1990, he was the private secretary of the coordination of German-French cooperation, , before becoming an adviser of the Federal Foreign Office in the European affairs department. From 1993 to 1997, he served as deputy principal private secretary for Foreign Minister before moving on to under-secretary for European affairs in the Foreign Office. After this position, he became the Director of the Policy-Planning and Early Warning Unit in the Secretariat of the Council of the EU in Brussels. This role gave him the power to advise , the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy. One of his most important roles to date, however, began in 2005 when he was appointed Under-Secretary for Foreign and Security Policy in the German Chancellery, reporting to Chancellor Merkel as a chief advisor. It was in 2017 that he was appointed to Germany’s Permanent Representative to the UN. In this position, Heusgen championed the country’s efforts to be elected to the UN Security Council in 2018. Heusgen has experienced very little controversy throughout his extensive career. The only issue to arise was in 2017 in which , a Russian hacker group, uncovered emails that suggest that Heusgen assisted his wife and fellow career diplomat, Ina Heusgen, in obtaining a job at the UN as well.

Germany This will be Germany’s sixth time holding a non-permanent seat in the UNSC. The nation was voted into this position in June of 2018. Germany is largely committed to the purpose of the UN and is the fourth largest funder of the organization. One of UNSC | GERMANY

Germany’s biggest concerns at the moment is the relationship of the nations within the European Union now with the announcement of the United Kingdom’s intention to withdraw. The nation’s foreign policy stands firmly behind the idea that the region needs a strong European relation in order to thrive and maintain security across all borders. More specifically, Germany is highly interesting in maintaining the safety of Europe’s external borders, upholding international security, as well as growing Europe’s economic prosperity.

Along a similar line, Germany’s transatlantic relations are of utmost concern within its foreign policy. Germany’s greatest ally outside of Europe remains to be the United States. In this manner, the nation works tirelessly to maintain a strong and amicable relation with the US. A mutual trust, open dialogue, and cooperation with the north american power is key to maintaining Germany’s influence abroad.

In terms of peace and global security, Germany has long been a major supporter of peaceful, diplomatic efforts, particularly through international institutions such as the EU, the UN, and NATO. Germany is particularly interested in establishing peace in the conflict stricken nations of Syria, Libya, and Ukraine. With peace always in mind, the nation does take military action when necessary, such as in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism and the reconstruction of Afghanistan and Mali. Coincidently, Germany is one of the largest contributors to international humanitarian aid in the world as well as a true champion of civil crisis mediation, mediation, and stabilization. The nation also names migration and displacement, world hunger, and changing climate as some of the main issues that need to be tackled by the global community.

Angela Merkel has served as the German Chancellor since 2005, making the Christian Democratic Union the leading political party of the nation. Merkel’s power in Europe is defining of her leadership in the nation and her ability to maintain relations abroad. Many view her as the stand in leader of the European Union and has been named the most powerful woman in the world in years past. Two of Merkel’s main focuses have been establishing a culturally inclusive environment within her nation as well as creating solutions to the rise in the migration crisis throughout Europe. Her most recent actions include having uttered the nations economic relations with China through trade delegation missions, upholding the importance of international cooperation through being the only member of the G20 summit to have never missed a meeting, as well as denouncing the drafted US sanctions on Russia.

Overt Powers As Ambassador to the UN, you are tasked with representing the interests of your national government. In respect to the Security Council, you must broker compromise in order to uphold security and stability around the globe. You must report back to the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin and at times seek their guidance UNSC | SOUTH AFRICA SOUTH AFRICA Jerry Matjila South African Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: Pretoria GDP: $795 billion Population: 57,725,600 National Language: 11 different languages

Biography Ambassador Jerry Matjila has a Masters degree from University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, and after receiving his Masters he went through South Africa’s Diplomas in Diplomatic Training program. As part of his training Ambassador Matjila studied in France, Belgium, London, Norway, and Germany. At the same time Matjila received his education, he also took an active role in the African National Congress (ANC). He served first in the ANC Underground Structures department as well as the Regional Education department in Zambia, next as the ANC Assistant Representative to Sweden and Finland, before finally becoming the ANC Chief Representative to Japan and Northeast Asia from 1988-1994. Ambassador Matjila helped build the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation from the ground up after South Africa fully democratized in 1994 . Since then he has held many roles within the Department, notably serving as a Deputy Director General of the Department for Asia and Middle East, Ambassador to the European Union, and High Commissioner to India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Nepal. He was also elected to chair the governing body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2011. Ambassador Matjila has been implicated in the misuse of government funds however so far there has been no conclusive evidence against him. In light of this scandal, there are those within the ANC that would like to remove Matjila from the world stage, increasing the pressure on Ambassador Matjila to deliver for his country.

Overt Powers Ambassador Matjila holds enormous influence in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa’s equivalent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Consequently he has the ability to shift and refocus South Africa’s international stance. Additionally Ambassador Matjila has fostered strong relationships within the E.U., South Asia, and Japan and should be able to get in touch with leaders of industry and politicians within these regions. While in exile during the apartheid era, Matjila lived abroad and made contact with leftist groups across southern Africa. Many of these groups are now in power across southern Africa, and Ambassador Matjila can easily get in touch with many of these officials The Ambassador is also immensely popular within South Africa. While his reputation was tarnished after a corruption scandal, massive popular support helped prevent UNSC | SOUTH AFRICA

Ambassador Matjila from losing his job. As a longstanding member of the ANC, the governing party of South Africa, the Ambassador is considered a power broker in the party, and has the ear of parliament and the president. Due to Ambassador Matjila’s status as a senior statesman in Africa, and the influence of South Africa in African affairs, many other African states follow Ambassador Matjila’s lead in the U.N.

South Africa South Africa has consistently championed human rights and environmental issues within the United Nations. This is the third time that South Africa has been a non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). It has previously served on the UNSC from 2007-2008 and 2010-2011 . In the past two stints on the security council South Africa has taken it upon itself to champion the causes important to African nations. However at the same time South Africa has been hesitant to weigh in on issues in the developing world in the UNSC, and has on occasion voted against UN action that it has deemed as “too intrusive”. While South Africa has strong ties with the United Kingdom and cooperates with the United States frequently, in the UN it has started aligning itself with the Chinese and Russian positions more often, perhaps representing a shift of power in the African continent. South Africa advocates rules-based multilateralism and believes that the UNSC is the ideal platform to pursue beneficial collaboration. South Africa is an active participant in almost all major organs of the UN. South Africa is committed to promoting effective multilateralism at the sub-regional (Southern African Development Community), regional (African Union) and global level (UN). UNSC | INDONESIA INDONESIA Dian Triansyah Djani Indonesian Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: Jakarta GDP: $3.492 trillion Population: 261,115,456 National Language: Indonesian

Biography Dian Triansyah Djani was born July 9th, 1962 in Jakarta. He graduated from the University of Indonesia with a Bachelor of Economics focused on Development / International Trade Studies in 1986. In 1990, he graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Master of Arts in Economic Development.

Djani has worked in the foreign service his entire adult life. He began in 1985 right before his graduation from the University of Indonesia. He has worked overseas, with assignments in Indonesia’s Permanent Missions to the United Nations in Geneva, between 1997 and 2001, and in New York, from 1991 to 1994. Mr. Djani served as the Director General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) between 2005 and 2008, having previously been Director of Intra-Regional Cooperation for Asia-Pacific and Africa from 2004 to 2005, and Director for Multilateral Trade and Investment from 2002 to 2004.

His most recent positions have been Permanent Representative to UN bodies in Geneva, including the World Trade Organization, from 2009 to 2012. From 2012 until taking his current position in 2015, Mr. Djani was the Director General for America and Europe in Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On June 13th, 2016 Mr. Djani was elected Chair of the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) for that session of the General Assembly.

Overt Powers As Ambassador to the UN, you are tasked with representing the interests of your national government. In respect to the Security Council, you must broker compromise in order to uphold security and stability around the globe. You must report back to the Foreign Ministry in Jakarta and at times seek their guidance.

Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs This is Indonesia’s fourth term on the Security Council, having previously served from 1974–75, 1995-96, and 2007-08. Indonesia tasks its permanent missions to the UN with representing the government in issues of international security, disarmament, human rights, humanitarian affairs, environment, labor, international economic cooperation and development, international trade, South–South UNSC | INDONESIA cooperation, technology transfer, intellectual property rights, telecommunications, health, and meteorology.

Indonesia has maintained an independent, moderate foreign policy since the beginning of the Suharto era. The country seeks to play a major role in regional affairs but steers clear of involvement in struggles between great powers. However, during the Suharto regime, the US helped Suharto crackdown on communists in the country.

A major cornerstone of Indonesian foreign policy is its involvement in ASEAN. Indonesia was a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 1967. Indonesia has been a leader in the organization, promoting peace, cooperation, security, and stability. It has done this by mediating conflict among other members, such as Cambodia and Thailand. Other International organizations that Indonesia belongs to are the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, G-20, and the Developing-8.

Indonesia currently deals with Islamic Terror inside the country. Notable attacks include the Bali Bombing and the Surabaya Bombings of 2018. Jemaah Islamiyah and the local Islamic State “franchise” are the principal actors. Indonesia also continues to be engaged against rebels in Western Papua.

The current President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, has recently outlined a new maritime focus to Indonesia’s foreign and security policies. He calls it the “Global Maritime Fulcrum” which seeks to put Indonesia as a global maritime leader. The plan has seven parts: Marine and human resource development; Naval defense, maritime security, and safety at sea; Ocean governance institutionalization; Maritime economy, infrastructure, and welfare; Environmental protection and ocean space management; Nautical culture; and Maritime diplomacy. This new plan ties into Indonesia’s claims in the South China Sea and the country’s position as the principal controller of the Straits of Malacca. UNSC | POLAND POLAND Joanna Wronecka Polish Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: Warsaw GDP: $1.202 trillion Population: 38,433,600 National Language: Polish

Biography Joanna Wronecka was born in Krotoszyn, Poland, in 1958. In 1981, Wronecka graduated from the University of Warsaw with a degree in Arab Studies. Then in 1985 she received her doctorate in the field of Arab-Muslim Philosophy. She moved on to then working in academia, principally for the Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures and in the Department of Non-European Countries at the Polish Academy of Sciences.

In 1993 she began working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From 1994 to 1998, Wronecka held a number of positions in the United Nations System Department within the Ministry, including Deputy Director from 1996-1998. From 1998 to 1999, Wronecka was Director of the Department of Africa and the Middle East.

In 1999, Wronecka took on her first ambassadorship as the Ambassador to until 2003. From 2003 to 2005 she was Director of the secretariat of the Ministry. Wronecka returned to overseas duty in 2005 as the Polish Ambassador to , , and . Wronecka took on a new role as Ambassador and Head of the European Union delegation to in 2010.

Wronecka became Under Secretary of State for Development Cooperation in her country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs beginning in 2015, responsible for Africa, the Middle East and Human Rights. In 2017 President Andrzej Duda, appointed her an extraordinary and authorized ambassador - Permanent Representative of the Republic of Poland to the United Nations in New York. Wronecka is also a holder of the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, Poland’s second highest civil award.

Overt Powers As Ambassador to the UN, you are tasked with representing the interests of your national government. In respect to the Security Council, you must broker compromise in order to uphold security and stability around the globe. You must report back to the Foreign Ministry in Warsaw and at times seek their guidance. UNSC | POLAND

Poland’s Foreign Affairs Poland’s foreign policy has been focused on European and Western integration since the overthrow of its communist government. Its focus has been particularly on working to connect other former Warsaw Pact countries to Western Europe, and places great emphasis on the political emancipation of Ukraine and the Baltic States. Poland, due to its violent history of separation, such as the Partitions in the 18th century and World War Two, Poland has tense relations with Germany and Russia.

Also as a consequence of its violent past, Poland is very committed to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Atlantic Integration. The alliance structure is key to Poland in combating aggression by Putin’s Russia. Poland enjoys a very close relationship with the United States and is seeking to host a permanent US military base.

Polish relations with China are mostly economic. Poland is China’s largest trading partner from the Central and Eastern European area, however the trade imbalance is steep. Poland’s trade deficit with China is around 12.5 to 1, with 70% of Polish exports being done by the state-owned metal company KGHM Polska Miedź. Poland is also a target of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese companies have been investing is logistics projects in Poland and other parts of Central and Eastern Europe, much to Brussels’ alarm. However, the current right-wing government is not thrilled with Chinese influence and has stonewalled some projects and attempted acquisitions of land by Chinese firms.

With respect to the hottest issue related to China, the South China Sea, Poland’s position is not 100 percent clear. Poland in the past has denied that it supports China’s claims, but has never come out on the side of anyone. The EU and US have called for the respect of the arbitration ruling that was given in favor of the Philippines in their case against China in 2016, so perhaps their positions can be used to ascertain generally where Poland stands UNSC | PERU PERU Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velásquez Peruvian Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: Lima GDP: $450.148 billion Population: 32,162,184 National Language: Spanish

Biography Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velásquez was born in Lima on March 17, 1959 and currently is married with two children. Velasquez got his B.A. in International Relations from the Diplomatic Academy of Peru, a master’s in International Public Policy from John Hopkins University, and a Master’s of Art in Diplomacy and International Organization Management from the University of Paris XI. He also has a diploma in International Political Affairs from the International Institute of Public Administration.

A career diplomat for Peru, Velásquez has held many positions in Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, like Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Law of the Sea Affairs since 2009, he was also National Director of Sovereignty and Boundaries and Head of the United Nations Directorate. Velasquez was also an embassy counsellor in many countries, like the Peruvian Missions to the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Guatemala. He was appointed by the President of the General Assembly as co-chair of Informal Consultations Group on Oceans and Law of the Sea (UNICPOLOS) for the years 2015 to 2017.

Overt Crisis Powers As the Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, he holds the power to monitor, facilitate, and promote member state’s implementation of counter-terrorism policies and directives. As Peru’s official and permanent representative to the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council, he holds the ability to make any decisions he deems necessary in accordance to Peru’s government’s official stances. Finally, as a key player in the top leaders of Peru’s government, he has the ability to change and direct Peru’s foreign policy and stances.

Peru’s Foreign Affairs A big piece of Peru’s foreign policy is the protection of civilians—especially kids, woman, displaced people, and minorities. Additionally, Peru is going to create debates and resolutions to help prevent sexual violence during armed conflicts and help with female equality Peru is also dedicated to supporting and assisting in maintaining international peace and security globally and at the domestic level. With the ascension of a new President, Martin Vizcarra, amid a corruption scheme from his predecessor, Peru’s foreign policy team is dedicated to helping root out corruption in multiple countries in Latin America. UNSC | PERU

Another key cornerstone to Peru’s foreign policy is to promote free and open international trade, while protecting third-world countries from being exploited by major powers. Peru is also in a number of economic and political international organizations that help promote their interests both domestically and abroad. UNSC | BELGIUM BELGIUM Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve Belgian Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: Brussels GDP: $550.664 billion Population: 11,420,163 National Languages: Dutch, French, German

Biography Mr. Pecsteen holds master’s degrees in law and in international relations from l’Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium. After graduating, from 1991 to 1999, he worked at the embassies in Vienna, Buenos Aires, and Islamabad. His experience with the United Nations began in 1999 when he worked in the United Nations Department in his Foreign Ministry until 2002. From 2002 to 2006 Mr. Pecsteen was Counsellor in Belgium’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

After 2006, he went abroad again, this time to Shanghai to serve as Consul General between 2006 and 2009. After this assignment he went back to the Foreign Ministry as Deputy Director of the Office of the State Secretary for European Affairs from 2009. Between 2011 and 2014, he was Belgium’s Ambassador to Rwanda.

Prior to this assignment as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and Ambassador in 2016, Mr. Pecsteen was Director of the Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belgium from 2014. Mr. Pecsteen has three kids.

Overt Powers As Ambassador to the UN, you are tasked with representing the interests of your national government. In respect to the Security Council, you must broker compromise in order to uphold security and stability around the globe. You must report back to the Foreign Ministry in Brussels and at times seek their guidance.

Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Belgium's foreign policy is anchored in European integrations and the Trans-Atlantic security alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The headquarters for both institutions are hosted in Brussels, the Belgian capital.

Belgium’s political-economic union with the Netherlands and Luxembourg, called the Benelux, paved the way for much of the European Union. Its abolition of internal borders and postwar customs union served as models for the Schengen Area and the formation of the European Community. The Belgians have been strong advocates of European integration, and most aspects of their foreign, economic, and trade policies are coordinated through the European Union. This is UNSC | BELGIUM due to Belgian self-realization that they serve a diminutive role in international politics, hence their strong advocacy for the strengthening of economic and political integration within the EU, and defense cooperation through NATO. To these ends, Belgium seeks to foster close ties with the newer democracies of Central and Eastern Europe.

In 1949, Belgium was a founding member of NATO. In addition to the headquarters of NATO in Brussels, SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) is in the south of the country, near Mons. Belgium has been a strong contributor to the alliance and one of the most outspoken supporters.

The most interesting aspect of Belgian foreign relations is that as a federal state, its subregions and communities are able to conduct their own foreign relations and enter into treaties. Due to this, there are a number of bilateral Dutch-Flemish international institutions, such as the Dutch Language Union or the institutions for the control of the river Scheldt, in which only Flanders takes part. Likewise, only the French Community of Belgium takes part in La Francophonie. Ministers of the Communities and the Regions represent Belgium in the Council of the European Union when their competencies are dealt with.

Belgium supports the official EU position as it relates to the confrontation in the South China Sea. The EU is committed to maintaining maritime security based upon the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This includes the maintenance of maritime safety, security, and cooperation, freedom of navigation and overflight. The EU is concerned with China’s militarization of the reefs in the South China Sea in places like Fiery Cross Reef. UNSC | CÔTE D'IVOIRE CÔTE D'IVOIRE Kacou Houadja Léon Adom Ivorian Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: Yamoussoukro GDP: $106.412 billion Population: 23,740,424 Official Language: French

Biography Kacou Houadja Léon Adom was born in 1950. He holds a Master of English from the University of Abidjan, and studied diplomacy both at the International Institute of Public Administration in Paris and at the National School of Administration in Abidjan. Additionally, Kacou Houadja Léon Adom studies at the Centre of International Studies of Tokyo University and the Public Administration School in Quebec City.

Kacou Houadja Léon Adom has worked in foreign service for the majority of his life. Beginning in 1986, Mr. Adom served as the Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Primary Education in Abidjan. Then, in 1991, Mr. Adom served as the Foreign Ministry’s Inspector of Diplomatic and Consular Posts in Abidjan. While continuing to serve in this post, Mr. Adom also became the Ambassador and Acting Director of the Department of America and Oceania between 1995 and 1996. Following this position, from 1997-2005 Mr. Adom became the Ambassador to Israel while also serving as the Ambassador to Turkey, beginning in 1998. In 2008 he became the country’s Ambassador to Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Romania, with residence in Berlin.

His most recent position began in 2017, as Mr. Adom began serving as Ambassador and Secretary-General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, holding the rank of Secretary of State. Mr. Adom just recently was appointed the new Permanent Representative of Côte d'Ivoire to the United Nations in July 2018, following the death of his precedent in April of this year.

Overt Powers As Ambassador to the UN, you are tasked with representing the interests of your national government. In respect to the Security Council, you must broker compromise in order to uphold security and stability around the globe. You must report back to the Foreign Ministry in Abidjan and at times seek their guidance.

Côte D’Ivoire’s Foreign Affairs This is Côte D’Ivoire’s (formerly known as Ivory Coast) third term on the Security Council, being a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council during 1964-1965 and 1990-1991 UNSC | CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Immediately following independence in 1960, Côte D’Ivoire became a member of the United Nations and participates in a large array of specialized agencies. Throughout history, the country has had important stakes in major foreign policy debate. For example, Côte D’Ivoire sought change in South Africa through dialogue during the Apartheid, and became the first country accredited to post-apartheid South Africa. Additionally, the state secured a diplomatic triumph when the president brokered a peace agreement to end the conflict between Burkina Faso and Mali.

Despite its involvement on a global scale, Côte D’Ivoire has also focused on long-term foreign policy objectives that include the enhancement of the country itself, through economic development and political stability. Additionally, Côte D’Ivoire seeks to play a constructive role in Africa, mediating regional disputes and assisting with peacekeeping efforts. Côte D’Ivoire has a major regional importance to Africa and the global community, and, for this reason, other regional actors and institutions attempt to play a role in achieving their stability and peace. While Côte D’Ivoire continues to grow and become more stable, there is still much to be done since the armed rebellion of 2002, and the African Union has promised to remain engaged in order to assist the country in moving forward. In this way, being a member of the UN is very important to the state.

France has always been one of Côte D’Ivoire’s most important foreign partners, Côte D’Ivoire has adopted the French language and the French legal system. While relations have been strained in recent history following Côte D’Ivoire’s 2010 elections, renewed relations were celebrated during French President Hollande’s visit to Abidjan in 2014. Currently, France is Côte D’Ivoire’s second-largest trading partner after China, and their leading bilateral donor in the development sector.

Côte D’Ivoire’s involvement with the UN is mainly through its specialized agencies, such as the African Union, the West African Economic and Monetary Union, ECOWAS, African Mauritian Common Organization, Council of Entente Communaute Financiere Africane, Non-aggression and Defense Agreement, Nonaligned Movement, African Regional Satellite Organization, InterAfrican Coffee Organizations, International Cocoa Organization, Alliance of Cocoa Producers, African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries, and Association of Coffee Producing Countries. Cote d'Ivoire also belongs to the European Investment Bank and the African Development Bans, and it is an associate member of the European Union.

The current president, Alassane Outtara has focused on Côte D’Ivoire’s own economic and political growth, yet also looks globally at steps that need to be taken. For example, as a big supporter of the Paris Agreement, Côte D’Ivoire under the current resident seeks to make this a reality, and deposit its ratification instruments before the year ends. Additionally, Côte D’Ivoire is concerned with several global and regional conflicts, and Mr. Outtara urges reform in order to coordinate efforts to combat the threat of terrorism. UNSC | KUWAIT Mansour Al-Otaibi Kuwaiti Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: GDP: $303 billion Population: 4,052,584 National Language: Arabic

Biography Mansour Al-Otaibi was born on December 9, 1966 in Kuwait. He received his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Kuwait University in 1989. He is currently married with three children. Al-Otaibi is fluent in Arabic and English.

Mansour Al-Otaibi’s entire career has been focused on public service for the nation of Kuwait. He began his career as a Diplomat Attache in the Arab World Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kuwait from 1989 to 1990. Mansour Al-Otaibi continued his role as a Diplomat Attache for the next three years serving in the Embassy of Kuwait in Riyadh and finally at the Permanent Mission of Kuwait to the United Nations in New York. In 1993, Mansour Al-Otaibi began his role at the Permanent Mission of Kuwait to the United Nations in New York as third secretary from 1993-1996, the second secretary from 1996-2001 and the first secretary from 2001 to 2003. In 2004, Mansour Al-Otaibi was appointed to the role of Counselor & Deputy Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations, and served this role until 2006. In 2007, Mansour Al-Otaibi returned to work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kuwait as the Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of International Organization Department until 2010. On March 4, 2010, Mansour Al-Otaibi was appointed as the Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait to the United Nations in New York.

Overt Powers As Ambassador to the UN, you are tasked with representing the interests of your national government. In respect to the Security Council, you must broker compromise in order to uphold security and stability around the globe. You must report back to the Foreign Ministry in Kuwait City and at times seek their guidance.

Kuwait’s Foreign Affairs Before Kuwait even gained independence in 1961, the nation was very active in a plethora of key international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization. After Kuwait received United Nations membership in 1963, the nation became a big advocate for the rights of self-determination of different states and territories, particularly active during the Movement of Non-Aligned countries when numerous African and Asian nations UNSC | KUWAIT gained political independence and seeked United Nations membership. Kuwait served as the non permanent member of the Security Council during 1978-1979, and continues to serve as a non permanent member from 2018-2019.

The best way to describe the principles which the nation of Kuwait thrives upon can be best described by the late Amir of the State of Kuwait when he stated “Kuwait lives under the protection of Islam as its religion, Arabism as its homeland, cooperation as its strategic path, tolerance as its motto, fraternity as its guidance, constitution as its modus operandi, justice as its rule, progress as its responsibility and peace as its goal.” Kuwait advocates for peaceful cooperation between different nations, emphasizing the importance of non-intervention as a tool for promoting mutual respect. Kuwait maintains the need to protect its nations political freedom and independence as the primary goal of the nation. This policy is rooted in the idea of a “common Arab Destiny” in order to develop better relations with other Arab States. This is why Kuwait plays a pivotal role in the advancements of the Arab League and providing support to the Palestinian Cause. Thus, it must be understood that Kuwait finds Arab Nationalism. In fact, Kuwait has been pivotal in promoting economic development in the Arab League through the creation of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development which works to create economic diplomacy through financing development projects across the region. Because of Kuwait's devotion to Pan Arabism, the nation is very vocal in condemning Israeli occupation of Arab Lands.

A major landmark of Kuwait's foreign policy is the late Amir’s formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the unification of the Gulf Emirates. Kuwait was instrumental in the creation of the council in order to promote unity among the Gulf Nations to unilaterally address regional issues and concerns.

Overall, Kuwait is a nation that promotes cooperation with not only Gulf and Arab states but also with nations in other regions. For example, Kuwait is the first Gulf Nation to establish diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union during the cold war time period. In addition, the recent Asian Cooperation Dialogue hosted by Kuwait reflects the nation’s eagerness to pursue diplomacy with Asian Nations.

With regards to international organizations, Kuwait is an active advocate for utilizing international organizations to promote peace and stability. For example, Kuwait has been recognized as a recurring major donor to organizations like the International Monetary Fund. Surprisingly, the nation donates 5% of its GDP to the economic development of other nations. Kuwait's clear devotion and reverence to the United Nation is clear through its strides in promoting peace and diplomacy where possible.

However, as much as the nation shares a wholesome foreign policy, the nation shares multiple domestic issues including the rise in forced labor incidents, poor women’s rights and suppression of minorities. In fact, in August of 2016, the United Nations Committee against Torture shared concerns over the multitude of police brutality reports of the against minority groups and protestors. UNSC | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Francisco A. Cortorreal Dominican Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: Santo Domingo GDP: $186.983 billion Population: 10,735,896 National Language: Spanish

Biography Francisco Cortorreal started his academic career with a degree in economics from the State University of Kharkov in 1984. From there he focused his studies on economic planning and studied to get a masters degree in the field from the same university. After these degrees, Cortorreal began his career at “ONAPLAN”, which is the national planning office for the Dominican Republic. While there, he was a senior economic analyst who focused on development and expanding the Dominican economy and growing its infrastructure.

In addition to this position, Sr. Cortorreal was also a joint professor at Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo UASD in sociology. Here he began his interest in education, which would develop into an additional masters in education, which he received from the City College of New York. Later, he would teach at the Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago-UTESA. There, he lectured students on Macroeconomics and National Accounting, both being fields he was, and still is, greatly experienced in.

His most recent career he began to work at the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic. While there he was employed by the New York education department to be a cultural educator in the city. It wasn’t until 2004 that the president of the Dominican Republic requested Sr. Cortorreal to join the foreign service and to be one of his nation’s representative to the UN. Finally in 2014 he was made a full ambassador and continues until today.

Overt Powers As a member of the UNSC you have the ability to create directives and resolutions that can use peacekeeping forces and compel actions from nations, rather than just making requests. However, it must be remembered that you are not the head of state and thus do not wield her, or his, direct power. You do however have the ability to write to any person you wish and to exercise your influence over those in government. UNSC | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Dominican Republic Foreign Affairs- The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean island nation and a former spanish colony who shares its island with the nation of Haiti. The relationship it has with Haiti and haitians is the largest extranational dilemma. More specifically, the issue of immigration into the Dominican Republic by poor haitians fleeing their poverty. Similar to the United States, the Dominican Republic has taken a hard line approach to their border and has enacted deportation policies combined with enlarging the size of their border force. Human rights groups have grown concern with the level of discrimination many haitians are experiencing within the country and have criticized the nations new security measures.

Being a latin american nation, the Dominican Republic is a member of the Organization of American States and has relations will all other members. Having a central position in the caribbean makes them a strong ally in the US’s war on drugs, specifically in regards to preventing overseas distribution of narcotics.

The Dominican Republic has also committed itself to reducing violence against women. Part of that initiative has been being a leader in the creation of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This has recently manifested in the country’s support for United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, “UNITE to end violence against women”.

Unfortunately, due to its position the Dominican Republic is very susceptible to natural disasters, especially hurricanes. This has prompted the country to be a strong advocate for changes to climate policy and for relief and humanitarian aid to be given to nations struck by the consequences of the changing climate. It is a priority for this nation’s government, and you as its representative, to advocate for these issues and defend the actions of your country and promote the changes your government desires to see occur. UNSC | EQUATORIAL GUINEA EQUATORIAL GUINEA Christoph Heusgen German Ambassador to the United Nations

Capital: Malabo GDP: $28 billion Population: 1,221,490 National Language: Spanish, French

Biography Beginning and Early Work Ambassador Anatolio Ndong Mba is a reputable and respected diplomat who has worked in public service since the early 1980’s. Mba was born on July 3, 1946 in Equatorial Guinea. After finishing his secondary schooling Mba enrolled in Zagazig University in Egypt, where he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences.

The Ambassadors Work in Agriculture (The 1980’s) His first public service job was at the Department of Livestock, where he was General Director 1981-1982. Mba’s work in this department was impressive, and he would soon be appointed as Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry (ALFF) in 1982. During his four year tenure at the ALFF, Mba was in charge of planning and research for a two year agricultural monitoring project. After the monitoring project was completed in 1986, Mba took the reins of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. However, Mba returned to the ALFF in 1989, as he felt more comfortable in his prior post.

Transition Into Diplomatic Work (The 1990’s) In 1992, Mba transitioned into a more diplomatic role, and became Minister of State for Planning and International Cooperation in the World Bank. He continued his endeavours in international development in 1994 and was appointed as Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Governor of Equatorial Guinea in the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a position he held until 1996. After spending four years in the World Bank and IMF, Mba again returned to work in domestic agriculture, serving as the Minister of State for Fisheries and Forestry from 1996 until 1997.

Work for FAO (2000-2010) Mba, being recognized for his outstanding work in agriculture and diplomacy, was appointed as a regional representative for the UN Organization for Agriculture and Food (FAO) in 1997. During his time in FAO he acted as a representative in Guinea Bissau from 1997 until 2001 and in Ghana from 2001 until 2004. From 2004 until 2008 Mba was based in Luanda, serving as a FAO rep to Sao Tome and Principe as well as Angola. During his time in Luanda from 2007 until 2008 Mba was interim resident coordinator of the UN for FAO. Mba’s last position held before becoming UNSC | EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Permanent Representative of Equatorial Guinea to the United Nations was as a FAO representative to Djibouti from 2009 until 2010. Work as a Diplomat to the UN (2010-Present) Ambassador Mba has made his presence known since his appointment to the UN. A UNSC meeting was held in March of 2018 to discuss a Palestinian protest where thousands marched to Gaza’s border with Israel. 15 protestors were killed, and Mba warned that a continuation of violence in Gaza could “escalate out of control and could further imperil what is already a very delicate situation.” Mba also publicly expressed discontent about US President Donald Trump's comments on developing countries, in which he referred to them as “shitholes”. Mba told the Times of Israel that he was annoyed that then US Ambassador the the UN, Nikki Haley, did not apologize for the President's remarks. Mba has been in the news recently when he praised the possibility of an end to a UN embargo on Eritrea. The arms embargo was put in place as it was suspected that Eritrea was supply al-shabab with arms due to a border dispute with its neighbors, however Ethiopia and Eritrea have made it known that its border dispute is resolved. Mba welcomed this news saying in November of 2018 that he approved of "the new dynamic in the Horn of Africa." He also said that the UNSC "hasn't found any evidence" that Eritrea is helping al-Shabab.

Overt Powers As the Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to the UNSC, your duty is to protect and promote your both countries, and your own interests, through diplomacy. These interests include the development of Equatorial Guinea's oil and gas industry, the protection of Obiang and his family’s assets abroad, and your own interests, whatever they may be. Remember that you must report back to the Foreign Ministry in Malabo and at times, seek their guidance.

History and Politics of Equatorial Guinea Geography and Independence (1968-1992) Equatorial Guinea is a small, tropical nation in sub-Saharan Africa, bordering Gabon and Cameroon. The nation, which has a population of 722,254, gained independence from Spain in 1968 . Post independence the country became a democracy, and elected Francisco Macías Nguema (referred to as Macías), as President of that same year. Unfortunately, Macías would quickly become an authoritarian leader, undermining the democratic institutions put into place.

At the dawn of independence Equatorial Guinea had the best medical services, lowest mortality rate, and second highest per capita income in sub-Saharan Africa. Macías undermined the economy by appointing family members and close associates to ministry positions for which they were unqualified. Macías sanctions became more erratic as his decade in power came to an end. Once he declared himself president for life, Macías then began executing anyone that he believed threatened his reign. For example, Macías attempted to join the Colonial Civil Service three times during colonial rule, but he failed the entrance UNSC | EQUATORIAL GUINEA exams each time. Being self-conscious about his lack of intellect, Macías executed all citizens who were seen wearing glasses, as he viewed spectacles as a sign of superior intelligence.

His reign came to an abrupt in 1979 his nephew, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (referred to as Obiang), who Macías appointed as head of the National Guard, led a coup d'eau. However, under Obiang, Equatorial Guinea would continue to mismanaged, and foreign aid would account for 90% of the country's GDP in 1986.

A Very Rich Poor Country (1992-Present Day) Equatorial Guinea’s domestic and foreign policy is further complicated by the discovery of oil in 1992, which has allowed the country to become a victim of the resource curse. Equatorial Guinea’s oil reserves are so vast that in 2004 the country’s production was equivalent to one barrel for each citizen every day . The rapid development of Equatorial Guinea’s petroleum industry led to the country having a GDP per capita of $21,557.65 in 2012. However, due to over exploitation of oil fields, oil production has dropped significantly, leading to the country’s GDP per capita dropping to $9,850.01 in 2017.

Although oil has allowed for the country to boast one of the highest GDP per capita in sub-Saharan Africa, Obiang and his family have managed to keep the majority of the wealth for themselves, forcing the majority of the country to live in poverty. For example, only one in four newborns are vaccinated for polio and measles, and only one in three for tuberculosis. Life expectancy and infant mortality are below the sub-saharan average, and 40% of 6-12 year olds are not in school. On the other hand, Obiang, his family members, and close associates have been living lives of luxury abroad.

The Ruling Family and Corruption In October of 2011 the US Department of Justice filed a motion to seize a $30 million estate in Malibu, a $2 million speedboat, two dozen luxury cars, and $3.2 million in Michael Jackson memorabilia from Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue (referred to as Teodoro), the son of President Obiang . This instance of corruption by the Obiang’s is not unique. Spanish officials are investigating a complaint that 11 relatives of Obiang bought properties in Spain with $26.5 million of laundered money, and French officials seized 11 luxury vehicles at a residence owned by Teodoro, near the Champs-Élysées. Although Western governments have sized some assets from Obiang’s family, US owned and operated companies, notably Marathon Oil and Exxonmobil, have large operations in the country, benefiting the ruling family.

Diplomatic Ties Equatorial Guinea has formal diplomatic relations with Argentina, Armenia, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Cuba, France, Gabon, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, The United States, and Venezuela. Equatorial Guinea also has strong diplomatic ties with its’ neighbors and is a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Union (CEMAC). UNSC | EQUATORIAL GUINEA

One of Equatorial Guinea’s strongest allies in the region is the oil producing nation of Nigeria. For example, both Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea delineated their offshore borders in order to develop new oil and gas fields .