,Brasília

Dear students, professors, and UN enthusiasts,

It is for me a great honor to invite you to gather in Brasília, capital City of Brazil, on the occasion of the 2009 edition of the Americas Model United Nations.

Ever since its creation, AMUN have convened thousands of skilful delegates to debate the most distinguishing issues on the international agenda. AMUN resolutions have spoken to the inspirational properties of ideas like tolerance, cooperation, peace and human rights. At this 12^th edition of AMUN, a set of challenges lying at the blanks of the official system of governance will be posed to the blurred responsibilities of the UN universal system, regional organizations and sovereign states. Facing difficulties that challenge the UN system itself, states representatives will be spurred to deal with several political layers so as to speak on behalf of world’s interests.

Before attempting to relieve the world political system from such challenges, however, AMUN delegates will find out that it is always necessary to reinterpret universal values in face of cultural diversity. At this 2009 edition, delegates will address the complex relationship established between the goals of “fostering cultural diversity” and “strengthening a global identity”. The 12^th AMUN is aimed at recognizing that UN values are as powerful as the degree of consensus around them, and that individuals commit themselves to the world system inasmuch as such system preserves room for diversity.

Figuratively speaking, AMUN is in the vanguard of a zeitgeist allowing for intercultural dialogue. The 12^th AMUN mottos are goals that the entire UN system has comprehensively embraced. Sponsored by the UN since the beginning of the Millennium, there has been an international trendy stressing the need to promote intercultural dialogue in order to achieve long-lasting global tolerance and peace. International works pursuant to such a spirit will culminate in the next year with the celebration of the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.

Besides taking part in the simulation, participants will be granted the opportunity to tour round Brazil’s capital city. Two symbols from Brasília’s landscape have been chosen to stand for the 2009 edition’s spirit: the Brasília’s National Museum and the most typical tree from central Brazil – the yellow Ipê. Frequently holding temporary cultural expositions within its semi-spherical shape, the National Museum perfectly suits the idea of the world as a compound of many cultures. The yellow Ipê, itself an official symbol of the city, represents both the Brazilian and the Latin American cultures.

AMUN will take place from July 13^th to the 17^th and, once again, it will be held in IRBr – Instituto Rio Branco – the official Brazilian school of diplomacy, operated by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All official info regarding AMUN 12^th edition will be made public on this website. If you ever have any doubts or concerns in issues regarding the conference, please contact us. Our voluntary undergraduate staff has been working hard since last year to welcome you marvelously and it will always be pleased to assist you in any matters related to the conference.

The entire AMUN staff, our faculty advisers and I are all looking forward to meeting you in AMUN 2009.

Sincerely,

Artur Andrade da Silva Machado,

Secretary-General

12^th AMUN