Spotted: Mark Sleboda

The Crisis Director of NATO who has attended "every MUN that mattered in the UK in the past three years": "Because Peace is a continuation of war by other means..."

Academic History:

US Naval Nuclear Power School – Nuclear Engineering/Reactor Operator

Moscow State University – International Relations

Richmond the American International Relations in London – International Relations and Political Science - BA

LSE – MSc candidate IR Theory (currently)

Home town

I was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA. By choice and immigration my hometown is Moscow, Russia.

Longer term career plans

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin’s protégé...

What you look for in a good delegate

Research, rhetoric, and willingness to stand up to me in debate (even after uncountable rounds of vodka the night before)...

What traits do you not appreciate in delegates

Anyone who does not meet the criteria of last answer...

Ideal nation to represent at MUN and why;

There have been a few times when I haven’t represented Russia...

Nation you'd least like to be at an MUN and why;

The USA – I hate playing the bad guys...

Most memorable MUN experience

Operation Pizza Hut to overthrow George Harnett as the US President at Oxford 2008 Crisis...

Funniest/ best MUN pickup line you've heard

Anything that comes out of Asen Genshakov’s (Warwick) mouth after 1am. I stand in awe of the “devil incarnate”.

Most awkward/ embarassing MUN moment (either yours or once you've seen)

No comment...ever...

Largest MUN conflict you've ever been a part of or seen

Is there a Crisis Committee or Security Council that doesn’t end in a nuclear exchange? Haven’t seen one yet...And after they fly, what’s the point?

One person from history you admire

Lev Davidovich Bronstein – aka Trotsky

How do you prevent the committee sessions from getting too dry?

Invade someone...or everyone...

In what way would you change the permanent composition of the UN?

Just replace the damn thing with a Great Power Poker Game or bring back duelling by pistol...

What do you think is the biggest global issue?

Seriously? Climate Change.

Three random facts about you

1. Frequently recited about me when someone finds out I’m in their committee, “Oh shit it’s that scary guy!”

2. I’m not that scary. Really...

3. Martini cocktails is my preferred drug of choice...

Spotted: Eric Schmidt

Truly global: Director of the African Union, born in Germany, studying in London, who has attended more MUNs than he can list.

Academic History:

Currently Queen Mary University of London - 2nd yr International relations

2007-2008 (discon.)

University of Aberystwyth - International Politics & Intelligence Studies

2004 - 2007

Ship Broker apprenticeship with Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics AS, Bremen, Germany

Home Town:

Bremen, Germany - Home of Beck's Beer & Werder Bremen

Career plans:

Whatever well paid professions are left after the crisis
What you look for in a good delegate:

The ability to convince others of the righteous and, similiarly important, the ability to be convinced by others.
What traits do you not appreciate in delegates:

Arrogance & the inability to handle criticism

Ideal nation to represent in a MUN:

Venezuela, because one can stick it to the man
Nation you'd least like to represent in a MUN:

USA - ever since George W. left, all the Kissinger style realism disappeared

Most memorable MUN experience:

China about the delegate of the UK

'Although he may sound like the British Broadcasting Corporation, his brain is full of the Cable News Network'

Funniest MUN pick up line you've ever heard:

Never really saw the sense in those. A simple 'how are you doing? I would love to buy you a drink, if thats ok' usually works a lot better:-)

One currently active international figure you admire:

Hugo Chavez - for sticking it to the man!

One person from history you admire:

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

In what way would you change the permanent composition of the UN?
Please, I could write my dis on that :-)

What do you think is the biggest global issue?
Food Security and the effects of asymmetrical globalization

Three random facts about you
1. I am 26

2. I am completely useless, when it comes to recognizing celebrities

3. I think being a delegate is soo much more fun than being a chair:-)

Spotted: He-in Cheong

Director of EU on her journey from falling asleep in a High-school MUN to becoming a MUN whiz..

> Home town
That's such a difficult question for me! I was born in Seoul, Korea
but I lived in Berlin, Germany for 10 years. So when I go back to
Seoul, I feel like a foreigner. So I guess my home town is Berlin?

> Longer term career plans
Mechanical Engineer!!

> What you look for in a good delegate

Any tolerable delegate with great persuasive skills and excellent
background knowledge of the country s/he's representing.

> What traits do you not appreciate in delegates

Arrogance, and when a delegate expects an award, it makes the chairs
not want to give you one. the conference is not about the award.

> Ideal nation to represent at MUN and why;

Any EU nation is easier for me to represent because I know the most
about EU countries, but any country with a strong view is more fun to
represent. Like North Korea in IAEA would be exciting.

> Nation you'd least like to be at an MUN and why;

Holy See. You don't get to vote..

> Funniest/ best MUN pickup line you've heard

Delegate of Brazil's Pom-pom tastes so spicy! (Insider)

> Largest MUN conflict you've ever been a part of or seen

At every conference printing is such a BIG issue!!

> How hard is it not to get involved in debates and maintain neutrality?

Sometimes you just want to stand up and tell each individual what to
say, but I play that in my head instead of acting it out for real.

> One currently active international (political etc) figure you admire

Ban Ki Mun

> How do you prevent the committee sessions from getting too dry?

Bring in water! Give breaks, open windows, and send some delegates
notes with ideas to make the debate more interesting.

> In what way would you change the permanent composition of the UN?

Korea should be a permanent member of the Security Council, please. Ha-ha.

> Three random facts about you

-I love mechanical clocks
-I make politically incorrect jokes (I won't make them at MUN...I'll
try at least)
-I love crazy adventures

Secretariat Polls

Some awards you just don’t want to win..

• The miracle-worker: Katinka
• Most dependable: Aneesh
• Who you'd like to work with most: Aneesh
• Perfectionist: Alizeh
• Most likely to get out of trouble by smiling: Victoria
• Most entertaining: Anmol
• Most likely to sell their soul for a doughnut: Isabella
• Most likely to stay calm in an emergency: Nicholas
• Most likely to be a superhero in disguise: Luis
• Most likely to change their profile picture on fb daily: Luis
• Most likely to survive a zombie attack: Nicholas
• Most likely to keep their New Year's Resolution: Kai
• Most likely to be polite to machines: Victoria
• Most likely to spend all their money in Starbucks: Katinka
• Most likely to see the good in everyone: Alizeh

Spotted: Catherine Moore.

Cat’s take on Drugs, Crime and the rest of the world..

Home town: Atlanta, GA

Career plans: Start with a career in International Law, work with the UN and then start my political career in the state of New York and eventually go on to become President of the US in 2041 (that's right everyone, watch out!)

A good delegate is:

Well- prepared, factual, eloquent, a good negotiator. They must know when to speak and when to listen.

What traits do you not appreciate in delegates: Tardiness, speaking after their time has elapsed or just for the sake of speaking and not saying anything.

Ideal nation to represent at MUN: I would much rather have a slightly controversial country like Zimbabwe or Venezuela to spice up debate a bit.

Nation you'd least like to be at an MUN and why: United States...I'll be doing that enough later in life!

Most memorable MUN experience: In GAPLEN at LIMUN 2009, the delegate from Zimbabwe took his shoe off after voting "No-with rights" and proceeded to beat the copy of the resolution on the floor with his shoe. He was expressing his distaste for all things contained in that resolution. Needless to say, the resolution passed.

Funniest MUN pickup line you’ve ever heard: "I'll bang your gavel so hard you'll scream decorum."

Most awkward MUN moment: A guy walked into a committee session, sat down, raised his placard, was recognized, and began giving an eloquent speech....on the wrong topic! Turns out he was supposed to be in the committee next door and had just walked too far down the hall without realizing it!

Largest MUN conflict you've ever been a part of or seen: I've watched delegates yell at each other over who stole who's words for a clause or an amendment. It's all a bit inane really as we should be trying to work towards a common goal and not worried about who gets "credit" for something!

In what way would you change the permanent composition of the UN? Security Council reform: They still wield some power and influence, but it would be interesting to see how a SC without those 5 on it would operate.

Spotted: Maxim Shmelev.

Meet Max, the Director of the WTO, who just returned from chairing a MUN in Dubai.

Home Town: Moscow. Some say, the most expensive city in the world. I say, yes, real estate might be quite overpriced though you can find "Made in England" merchandise at half price. It is a city of contradictions. And I love it.

Course: BA in International economic relations

What you look for in a good delegate: Competence, eloquence and a sense for the particularities of the country he or she represents.

What traits do you not appreciate in delegates: When they do not appreciate the procedure. Mind you: should you interrupt a vote, I'll jinx you.

Ideal nation to represent at MUN: Greece or the UK: The Greeks are the only European nation who can afford to be emotional, and the UK is the only country to effectively be able to "teach" other delegations.

Nation you'd least like to be at an MUN: Unexpectedly enough: my home nation, the Russian Federation. Everyone expects too much of you, and it is only too easy to fall short of those expectations.

Most memorable MUN experience - ScotMUN: We had Japan sending around notes in origami birds, the USA sipping at their Starbucks at every session, China finishing every statement with a quote from Mao.

Funniest MUN pickup line: Germany: "UK, we could form a European coalition. Would you like to be my sponsor?"

UK: "Yeah, I could read your draft resolution"

How hard is it not to get involved in debates and maintain neutrality?

If that is your aim, you may keep silent. Or try to show that you are far more competent than the other delegates, and that their fuss merely amuses you. Turn on the God mode and be neutral.

In what way would you change the permanent composition of the UN?

I would not.

What do you think is the biggest global issue?

Sovereignty. In all senses: economic, political, legal; real and supposed. That includes unilateral declaration of independence that falls short of international law, sovereign wealth funds that use the freedom of investment to pursue political aims, MNCs that breach the productive sovereignty of a given country, humanitarian intervention that justifies military action etc.

Three random facts about you:

- I am a tea-addict.

- I switched from karate to figure skating.

- I lived in Paris for three months and had no hint of romantic feeling.

The LIMUN Tarot.

A little karma to get you started..

Aries

Mercury is positioned just right for a heated debate. Your persuasion and articulation skills will be at their peak. The opposition by Mars may cause arguments later in the conference so make sure you're not fighting alone. The prettier your allies, the better.

Taurus

Networking opportunities will be excellent so make sure you're comfortable with change. If English isn't your first language, don't let it get in your way: it only makes you exotic. Be noticed- just for the right reasons.

Gemini

If life isn't as challenging as you would like it to be, it's time to stir things up. Introduce the motions you've had on your mind for a while.

Cancer

While you may feel the urge to stay low because of a jealous Leo, impressions need to be made quickly. You will emerge the king of unmoderated caucuses.

Leo

Try not to get into unnecessary disagreements and hear people out. You'll find yourself a part of an unlikely alliance. Dance your way to success in the socials.

Virgo

Work slowly. Try to let the session play out- at least for a while. Suppress the urge to constantly take points of personal privilege. There are only so many important phone calls you can get.

Libra

If you're not sure whether or not you should intervene in the ongoing conflict, it's partly because you don't really know what's going on. Shift your attention towards the actual debate. The world is yours for the taking.

Scorpio

The gavel is sweet on you. It wont take too much effort to tilt either the debate or that delegate you've been looking at in your favour. Even the planets favour you: go straight for the gold!

Sagittarius

Massive amounts of praise will be heaped upon you if you play your cards right. However, do not let this cloud your judgment about a certain figure of authority.

Capricorn

All the drama may seem a little daunting. When things get too intense, take a step backwards. Focus on enjoying every minute. Note-passing was made to be abused. That's how everyone finds love at these things.

Aquarius

All eyes are on you. If you're planning on making a move, make it smooth. Word of advise: Right of Reply is tricky business.

Pisces

Though you have a lot of issues to keep track of, remember appearances are everything. Do not let the outside world get to you. A little level headedness and diplomacy will have your adversaries reconsidering their stances.