Latest News
March 5, 2012
Applications for the NAMUN 2013 Secretariat are now available here.
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February 24, 2012
NAMUN XXVII closes another great year. Thank you to all staff and delegates who participated!
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February 22, 2012
The Wednesday Edition of The Diplomat is now available online! Printed copies will be available in the afternoon.
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February 21, 2012
NAMUN XXVII
University of Toronto
Conference Schedule available here.
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January 31, 2012
Background guides for committees have been posted.
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The NAMUN XXVII Secretariat serve as the organizing committee and executive of North American Model United Nations XXVII.
Fernando Torrealba
Secretary-General
Sammy Lau
Director General
Christopher Gentile
Director General, Deputy Secretary-General (Academic)
Jessica Boutros
Deputy Secretary-General (Administrative)
Academic Branch
Ammar Keshodia
President of the General Assembly
Liam Salichuk
President of Special Committees
Kevin Hempstead
President of Procedural & Training
Etienne Farmer Lacombe
President of Procedural & Training
Daisy Qin
Director of External Affairs
Monika Kolodziej
Director of Business & Marketing
Yasmine Laasraoui
Director of Social Affairs
Joella Almeida
Editor-in-Chief of The Diplomat
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Fernando Torrealba, Secretary-General
First, Director of “the Thirteen Colonies” in NAMUN XXV, then, President of the Historical Council in NAMUN XXVI, now, Secretary-General in NAMUN XXVII. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, on the 12th of February of 1993, Mr. Torrealba has taken over NAMUN with an agenda: to host a professional, dynamic, and memorable conference. As he enters his last year at U of T with a Specialist-Major in History and a minor in Political Science, Mr. Torrealba enters his last year at NAMUN with the intention of leaving a mark upon the memory of delegates, a mark that will consist of amazement and fascination for NAMUN. Professionalism will be wedded to entertainment, and this force will be multiplied by dynamism in committees and magnificence at the gala. These are his goals, and these are the principles that underline them. NAMUN will impress, delegates will admire.
Sammy Lau, Director General
A native of Vancouver, Sammy is a second year student pursuing a double major in History and Human Geography at U of T. In his first year, Sammy served on the Secretariat as Director of Social Media for NAMUN XXVI, and this year returns to serve as Director General, where he assists the Secretary-General with administrative, financial, personnel and logistical matters. This year, Sammy hopes to bring to both delegates and staff a smooth and enjoyable experience, from arrival to departure. A tech and design enthusiast, he also hopes to advance the presentation and design of all NAMUN materials this year, from the website to the registration process to the Delegate Handbook.
Christopher Gentile, Director General & Deputy Secretary-General (Academic)
Being a fervent member of Model United Nations conferences since he was in grade ten, Christopher is excited to be entering the Secretariat branch for the first time. Being in second year and balancing a double major-minor in Philosophy, European Studies and French, Christopher is eager to work as co-Director General and Deputy Secretary General, Academic for this year’s conference. Most recently, Christopher served first as Moderator and then Director for last year’s NAMUN conference under the supervision of the current Secretary-General. With the rounding knowledge and experience he gained, he promises to not rest, nor let his staff rest, until the gavel is hit and the conference has come to a close. Christopher aspires that this year, delegates leave with an experience, both academically and socially, that they will never forget. Christopher assures that this year will be NAMUN’s most promising, powerful and professional conference thus far.
Jessica Boutros, Deputy Secretary-General (Administrative)
A third year student Political Science and current the Deputy Secretary-General (Administrative). Jessica was involved in NAMUN last year as co-coordinator of business and marketing since igniting a passion for both politics and business. This year, Jessica plans to bring a delicate balance of business and creativity into the organization of the conference making this year bigger and better than ever!
Ammar Keshodia, President of the General Assembly
With a double major in Economics and Political Science, it's easy to see that Ammar has a keen interest in global issues and diplomacy. Having immersed himself into MUN since the early days of high-school, NAMUN was a natural progression when coming to U of T. Hence, at NAMUN 2011 he served as a Director in the UN Human Rights council, guiding delegates on the issue of Sex Tourism in East Asia and Oceania. Walking away with many great lessons and experiences, for NAMUN 2012 he has taken a bigger responsibility as President of the General Assembly. His vision for this year's NAMUN is a more united one, where all the various committee members can feel like they've each contributed a little piece of the larger puzzle. This year the GAs will work toward a central goal; while each debating issues pertaining to their specialties, they will all make contributions to a greater thread. He hopes that this year delegates can walk away feeling like they've made a big impact, if not on the world, then at least on each other.
Liam Salichuk, President of Special Committees
A native of Leslieville, an obscure but vibrant East-End Toronto neighborhood, Liam Salichuk finds himself in his third year of a double major in Political Science and History at the University of Toronto. Previously a member of the Historical Crisis Staff, Liam was pleased to bring his love for stagecraft to last year’s conference where he helped reenact the German invasion of France during World War II. As President of Special Committees for NAMUN XXVII, Liam hopes to continue the tradition of running successful simulations which are both engaging and provocative.
Kevin Hempstead, President of Procedural & Training
Entering his third year in his undergraduate degree in History and Political Science, Kevin Hempstead joined NAMUN last year as a moderator with great acclaim, winning the award for Top Moderator within the Historical Council. This year he is one of the two Presidents of Procedural and Training, where he desires to instill a similar confidence and professionalism in all of this year's moderators and directors: something he feels is crucial for a successful and enjoyable conference.
Étienne Farmer Lacombe, President of Procedural & Training
Étienne is pursuing a double major in political science and criminology and is completing his second year at the University of Toronto. As one of the Presidents of Procedures & Training, he is tasked with preparing NAMUN’s moderators and directors for the Conference. In collaboration with his Co-President Kevin Hempstead, Étienne wants to ensure that the staff is trained to handle their committees with competence and confidence. Moreover, he has been reviewing the Conference’s rules and procedures to ensure that sessions can be held with a maximum of efficiency and enjoyment.
Daisy Qin, Director of External Affairs
Daisy Qin is a second year at the University of Toronto currently studying Political Science and English. She's the Director of External Affairs for NAMUN XXVII, responsible for things such as delegate recruitment and registration, conference inventory and external liaisons, among others. Considering the excellent team in place for NAMUN XXVII and the arsenal of knowledge and experience from previous conferences, Daisy sees this year's conference has having the potential to be the best one yet. Now having been on both the participant and administrative sides of Model UN conferences, she would love the opportunity to share the amazing experiences of such conferences with others. As Director of External Affairs, Daisy hopes to recruit as many of the best of the best as possible for this year's delegates to make this run a truly amazing and memorable one. And if you fall under the potential delegates category, please do join us for NAMUN XXVII!
Monika Koloziej, Director of Business and Marketing
Monika Kolodziej is the Director of Business and Marketing for the XXVII North American Model United Nations annual conference. She is entering her second year and is specializing in International Relations and minoring in both European Union Studies and Political Science at the University of Toronto, Trinity College. Monika’s role with NAMUN entails her to create contacts and generate sponsorship opportunities for this year’s conference. Outside of NAMUN, Monika works as a librarian at the John W. Graham Library at Trinity College, is a member of the International Relations Society as well as the Saints Charity Ball. She is currently a research analyst for the History Research Opportunity Program at the University of Toronto. Having been involved with NAMUN last year, Monika expects each delegate to indulge in the academic setting of each committee. Delegates should also take time to enjoy the social events as well as explore the city of Toronto.
Yasmine Laasraoui, Director of Social Affairs
Canadian of origin but a Chicagoan at heart, Yasmine Laasraoui is a second year Political Science major at the University of Toronto. A new addition to the NAMUN secretariat she is eager to use her past experiences as the president of The American School in Switzerland’s Model United Nations to face and conquer new challenges. Serving as this year’s Director of Social Affairs, Yasmine will strive to provide each and every delegate with a memorable and eye-opening NAMUN XXVII conference. With universities from all over the globe she wishes to create an international experience in the multi-cultural city of Toronto.
Joella Almeida, Editor-in-Chief of The Diplomat
Having developed a fondness for the NAMUN conference, Joella returns as this years Editor-in-Chief of The Diplomat- NAMUN's reputable daily publication. Studying an array of subjects from Diaspora, Political Science and Philosophy; Joella intends to continue producing a formidable fine publication while introducing better quality writing and journalistic driven reporting skills from her staff and writers. Look forward to a fascinating insight into this year's conference!