A Brief Introduction to the UNFCCC
What is the UNFCCC? What does it do in the broader institutional framework of the UN? What are the Convention’s tasks? TEIMUN’s Secretary-General, Thomas Stavrinos, explains.
On the UNFCCC’s Agenda: Sustainable Corporate Development in the Aftermath of the Corona Crisis
The Covid-19 pandemic has upended the world economy like few events in human history. It has forced countries to impose strict restrictions on economic activities, close borders, limit movement, shorten working hours, and much more. The result has been a struggling economy and unprecedent levels of government stimulus. Yet, the form of government support has been controversial, with many demanding that efforts to rebuild the economy must push it towards a more sustainable growth trajectory.
Corporate processes are estimated to account for 71% of global CO2 emissions, making sectoral restructuring a necessary component of any meaningful climate change response. Yet, countries face different environmental and economic challenges. Will the delegates be able to find common ground and agree on a recovery plan that addresses the needs of the planet, or will countries continue to harm the environment in the pursuit of national advantage?
On the UNFCCC’s Agenda: Towards a Greener Planet through Sustainable Agriculture
Approximately a quarter of global CO2 emissions originates from the food industry. Agriculture in particular is estimated to be the second biggest contributor of global greenhouse gas emissions. The world’s high demand for meat and an all-season availability of products has been an undeniable driver of global warming.
International trade agreements continue to permit the use of plastic packaging and fertilisers as well as deforestation, all of which have been linked to the climate crisis. So far, very little effort has been made at the international level to push the industry into an environmentally friendly direction. It is thus imperative that multilateral action moves the world towards a sustainable system of production, distribution, and consumption.
Delegates will be tasked with developing and agreeing on such systems, reimagining contemporary models of what fair and sustainable food supply looks like. Futuristic methods of agriculture and a circular food waste management are now more relevant than ever.
Meet Your Chair:
Naifah Uzlah
Hi, I’m Naifah Uzlah. I started my participation in Model UNs in high school, trying out diverse councils and topics along the way. Last year was supposed to be filled with my first international MUN experience, at TEIMUN’s Security Council dealing with a non-traditional security topic, climate migration. Despite not being able to actually attend the conference, the preparation process has equipped me with valuable experience, skills, and insights.
My background is in International Relations, aiming to focus on the environmental aspect of international political economy and planning to take Environmental Policy for my Masters. On the non-academic side, I spend most of my time working on advocacy projects in the field of the environment. Other than that, I enjoy listening to Jhené Aiko’s songs with scented-candles on.
Fun Fact: I’m binomial, which means I have two first names, hence I go by both “Naifah” and “Uzlah”. You may refer to me using one or both of them — whichever you’d prefer!
Meet Your Chair:
Carina Antonin
Hi, my name is Carina. I have participated as a delegate in the UNSC of TEIMUN in 2019 for the very first time, and was selected for chairing the European Council in the year 2020. The unique spirit of TEIMUN has impressed me ever since my first experience, where I developed an increased interest for diplomacy and international relations.
I grew up in the world’s largest hop growing area in Bavaria and spent the majority of my free time in the beautiful landscape of the alps. My strong connection with nature and the environment therefore already evolved in my childhood and continues to shape my educational development. My background is in Politics, Law and French Romance Studies. I am currently doing a masters in International Relations which complements to my interests perfectly.
Next to my studies, I am working as the Head of Public Affairs and Sustainable Development of an eco-friendly fashion label, which provides me with deep insights into sustainable corporate development. I am driven by a strong passion for International Relations and the vision of a better and greener future for all of us. Let’s make 2021 a year of change!
Fun Fact: I love to paint colourful artworks at night, which is why I am called latenightartist by my friends.
Meet Your Chair:
Dhifan Kemal Akbar
Greetings delegates! My name is Dhifan Kemal Akbar, I come from Indonesia, and I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering at the Universitas Indonesia. I was always interested in environment-related issues and am now focussing my studies on developing environmentally friendly technology. Hence it is why I like to join many activities such as MUN, debates, and writing research papers to expand my understanding of current environmental issues and trying out my ideas.
Having to coach a professional delegation team in my university and joining many MUNs, I’ve seen how MUNs are more than just simulations, caucuses and resolution papers. They will give you experience that does not only make you discover your hidden talents, but also let you experience meeting with people who share the same interest that may lead you to the brightest projects. It can also lead you to achievements you never knew you could achieve. So, don’t hesitate to register for TEIMUN 2021; it will be my highest pleasure to assist you in this unique endeavour.
Fun Fact: I once took one of those personality tests that are supposed to tell you if you are left-brained or right-brained. I am exactly in the middle, which probably explains why my two favourite things to do are MUNs and Engineering! One that is highly creative and the other that is highly technical.