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> 2004-11-22 BEARMUN (Press) Issues

Redefining the UN's Role in the 21st Century:
Promoting Development and Democratization

Dear BERMUN Participants,

Welcome to the BERMUN website. We hope that you will find this site informative and helpful for your preparations and research.

In November 2004 you will have the unique chance to interact with students from many nations and numerous cultural backgrounds. By assuming the role of diplomats, you will address a variety of issues in world politics that affect all nations regardless of their standing in the international community. Your aim should be to reach a broad consensus which will require compromise. As a BERMUN delegate you will be exercising the art of diplomacy and underlining the importance of the United Nations (UN). At the same time as students and members of civic society you will be engaged in contemporary affairs affecting our world today and voicing your concerns pertaining to reform of the UN. You thereby will be following Secretary-General Kofi Annan's advice to young people:

Take action with others who share your conviction. Have the courage to believe you can make a difference. As with everything in life, small steps count. If something has not been done before, it does not mean it can't be done; it only means you could be the first to do it.

You will especially be able to pursue your engagement with this year's theme:

Redefining the UN's Role:
Promoting Development and Democratization in the 21st Century

When Secretary-General Annan outlined his goals for his first term on December 17, 1996, he emphasized the importance of ensuring the efficiency of the UN. Since then he has promoted the reform of the UN by restructuring UN departments, funds, and programs. Improving coordination and cooperation between the different organs and specialized agencies has turned out to be one of the most important thrusts of his efforts. In addition to internal structural reform initiatives, greater involvement of civil society must remain high on the agenda of the UN. Greater involvement of NGOs and the public sector play a crucial role in promoting democratic values in the UN and in the member states.

Development and democratization are correlated. Development is essential for democratization and when you have democratization, you also see development. However, certain requirements need to be met. Cooperation between governments, civil society, NGOs and business is a prerequisite for democratization. For the first time in history, the United Nations has been actively involved in state-building, as in Afghanistan. This task requires long-term commitment on the part of the UN and its member states.

Four years ago the heads of State and Government signed the Millennium Declaration in New York, which identified eight goals to be achieved by 2015. Next year, a Major Event, a follow-up to the Millennium Summit, will be held to review the progress made so far. Therefore this November, in between both summits, it will be your turn to address the issues of reform, development and democratization. Good luck with your preparations! We look forward to seeing you in November.

Yours sincerely,

Maximilian Rofagha Secretary-General

Christina Wunderlich President of the General Assembly

Alexander McLarren Deputy Secretary-General

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