Non-Governmental Organizations Program

Dear Delegates,

My name is Jirka Jelinek (the pronunciation resembles ‘Yeerka Yel-eeneck’) and I am a sophomore at Harvard College, living in a wonderful, old and allegedly the best house on campus – Eliot.  I hail from a romantic and picturesque city in the heart of Europe, called Prague. I was born and raised there; in fact, I had never been to the USA until August 2009. But I have slowly got used to it. Concerning my academic path, I see myself majoring in Social Studies or Government and eventually getting a secondary degree in either African-American or Middle Eastern Studies. In my free time (if there is any), I am heavily involved with model UN related stuff and Woodbridge (Society of International Students). Besides that, I enjoy volunteering, inline skating and learning about international issues and foreign cultures. And yes – I also have a huge passion for proper party music (hands-up – trance – techno)!

I am really excited to be directing the NGO program this year, for NGO delegates tend to come from various backgrounds (from ‘novices’ to ‘veterans’) and are usually very passionate and knowledgeable about a number of subjects. In addition to that, the NGO program is certainly one of the most exciting committees at HNMUN as it offers its delegates incredible flexibility, interactivity and room for expression. That means that delegates will participate in sessions of different committees tackling various issues and interacting with various delegates. Simply something not to be missed!!

Yours sincerely,

Jirka Jelinek
Director, Non-Governmental Organizations Program
Harvard National Model United Nations 2011

The NGO Program offers a unique opportunity through which to experience HNMUN. Unlike any other committee, the NGO Program allows each delegate to explore a variety of other committees in the GA and ECOSOC organs, partaking in all the substantive debates as a valuable source of resources and expertise. NGO representatives will possess the expertise regarding current issues affecting our world today. Furthermore, beyond knowing what the problems are, each NGO also offer solutions on how to address such issues.

Delegates will represent local, regional, and international NGOs from around the world. Beyond knowing just what the problems are, each NGO will be able to provide in-depth solutions and programs for addressing the issues. The International Committee of the Red Cross, for example, will provide the latest information on emergency relief drives. Women’s rights organizations, such as Women for Women International, will call for gender equality initiatives, while children’s rights organizations, like Save the Children, will advocate for policies to protect children and preserve stability for future generations. Groups such as the Human Rights Watch and the MDG Global Watch will watch out for efficiency and sustainability, to ensure specific progress towards global goals. These are just a few examples of NGOs that may be represented at HNMUN, that each have the power to change the world.

Representing an NGO is a fulfilling and unparalleled experience as each delegate will be able to contribute and influence a committee and provide an outsider’s perspective on how to address the issues discussed in that committee. Every NGO delegate will have the opportunity to engage in issues that affect our real world and provide feasible and realistic solutions to affect the committees throughout the conference.