12.2.2007: Hope for a better world
After 20 minutes of sleep, it was exhilarating for yours truly to wake up to a new morning. Luckily most of the delegates had managed to close their eyes for a little more time. After breakfast the Presidency went through the rules of procedure of FINMUN 2007 and there was a mock simulation in which a crisis broke in imaginary Mai mind. The United States started off the debate loyal to their post-9/11 rhetoric. No resolution was passed but all the member states got to practice their public speaking skills a little. The bus back to Helsinki in the early afternoon was a good place for napping.
The opening ceremony at Vanha Ylioppilastalo introduced, after welcoming words and a few messages, as speakers such distinguished Finns as Helena Ranta and Pekka Haavisto to our honorable delegates. Also German Ambassador Hanns Schumacher was on the speakers' list. Ranta concentrated on highlighting various genocides of the 20th Century hoping to emphasise the tragedy of each. Her message was clear: genocide is preventable but it's integral the international community makes the decisions needed early on when the signs start to appear. Haavisto combined the UN, Sudan and enviromental issues in his speech. As EU's special representative to Sudan, he shared his insiders' views on the peace negotiations there with the audience. The audience was further enlightened by Schumacher who started his speech by stating that the Model UN so far resembled the real thing by running almost half an hour late with the agenda. Schumacher's speech concentrated on his memories of working for the UN. All the speakers were truly inspiring and gave hope that a better and a more peaceful world is possible. Between the speakers Senni Eskelinen with her band served a tasting of Finnish national instrument kantele's electric version. The beautiful dreamlike sounds of the kantele were accompanied with a bass and drums. After the official ceremony the enjoyment of a buffet dinner was spiced up by Sepia's music.
Loiste as the first bar offered a beautiful view of Helsinki whereas Helsinki Club offered shots for 1 ?. Many of our delegates took the dance floor by storm and got to show off their smooth dance moves to an admiring audience of three other clubbers who happened to be there on a Monday. The price of a shot being so miniscule, the moves got more interesting and elaborate and the audience less critical as the night progressed.
