Frequently Asked Questions
How can we coordinate committee times with delegates in various time zones?
We understand that there will still be sizable gaps in time between delegates from certain countries. For example, we could have a delegate from Egypt and a delegate from Japan who would be +2:00 and +9:00, therefore being 7 hours apart in time.
In order to minimize the time conflicts, we will set up the conference so that we can avoid extremely early mornings for Egypt and extremely late nights for Japan (for example) by finding a middle ground. If we start the conference from 7:30 AM Egypt time (2:30 PM Japan time), we could then continue the conference until 2:30 PM Egypt time (9:30 PM Japan time). The hours are not exactly ideal, but at the same time, students don't need to travel. Although the delegate from Egypt would need to be ready as early as 7:30 AM, this will not pose a major obstacle because they can attend the conference from the comfort of home.
In order to minimize the time conflicts, we will set up the conference so that we can avoid extremely early mornings for Egypt and extremely late nights for Japan (for example) by finding a middle ground. If we start the conference from 7:30 AM Egypt time (2:30 PM Japan time), we could then continue the conference until 2:30 PM Egypt time (9:30 PM Japan time). The hours are not exactly ideal, but at the same time, students don't need to travel. Although the delegate from Egypt would need to be ready as early as 7:30 AM, this will not pose a major obstacle because they can attend the conference from the comfort of home.
Would we be using THIMUN or UNA-USA Style Debate?
We will have the luxury of having both styles of ROP. We will have chairs and delegates who are more comfortable with THIMUN style simply chair and be delegates for THIMUN committees, while those more familiar and comfortable with UNA-USA style will chair and participate in the North American format.
What are the main differences between THIMUN and UNA-USA?
This article, written by the United Ambassadors, summarizes the difference between the two styles well. We understand that both styles have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and would like to have the flexibility of allowing students to be part of the type of committee they are already acclimated to.
How Large do you anticipate this conference to become?
Will there be a cap in regards to participants per school?
Will there be a cap in regards to participants per school?
We are still in the infancies of planning. Therefore, it is hard to say at the moment if we will have 6 schools or 60 schools. I am ambitious that without the obstacle of cost, that we could have a quite a few delegates participate.
If the number of participants appears to become excessive (for example, one school wants to send a delegation of 50 students), we would implement a system where students would apply to be part of the conference, the same way students would apply to become chairs of a conference.
If the number of participants appears to become excessive (for example, one school wants to send a delegation of 50 students), we would implement a system where students would apply to be part of the conference, the same way students would apply to become chairs of a conference.
Will there be awards?
Yes, there will be awards. It will be difficult logistically to send physical plaques and medals to the winners, but we plan on having the standard set of awards of Best Delegate, Outstanding Delegate, Honorable Mention, and Verbal Commendations.
Most likely the format of awards would be in a printable PDFs, which students would be able to print at home.
Although many THIMUN style committees do not have awards around the world, there are many which do. This conference intends on having awards for both THIMUN and UNA-USA style committees.
Most likely the format of awards would be in a printable PDFs, which students would be able to print at home.
Although many THIMUN style committees do not have awards around the world, there are many which do. This conference intends on having awards for both THIMUN and UNA-USA style committees.
Will there be any No Borders MUN Goods/Swag?
Yes!
Unlike most conferences which charge you in advance, and then purchase goods for you, for NBMUN, we will have an "opt-in" system, where we will have an online store, where students would have the opportunity to order NBMUN swag on their own. By having the "opt-in" system, we are able to maintain our minimal conference fee.
Unlike most conferences which charge you in advance, and then purchase goods for you, for NBMUN, we will have an "opt-in" system, where we will have an online store, where students would have the opportunity to order NBMUN swag on their own. By having the "opt-in" system, we are able to maintain our minimal conference fee.
How are participants able to interact virtually?
The conference will utilize the Gavel platform, customized for the needs of NBMUN. Participants are able to debate over live video conferencing and chat. To accommodate the limitations of being online, different types of collaboration methods will be provided for each committee. The platform will be provided through a web interface, allowing participants to use a machine of their choice from phones to laptops.
Formal MUN-style debates (Moderated Caucuses) will happen through a full-on video chat, with the ability to raise hand and vote using the web interface. Unmoderated Caucuses and drafting resolutions will happen over a simultaneous video chat and collaborative document which will make sure that participants get to interact with each other directly, just like a physical conference. Delegates will be able to chat and send notes to each other through committee-wide and private chat. Opening and closing ceremonies will be live streamed and will be available for all participants to attend.
All data online will be secured through encryption and will utilize services from privacy-oriented and reliable providers to make sure that personal information, especially those of children, will not be breached.
Formal MUN-style debates (Moderated Caucuses) will happen through a full-on video chat, with the ability to raise hand and vote using the web interface. Unmoderated Caucuses and drafting resolutions will happen over a simultaneous video chat and collaborative document which will make sure that participants get to interact with each other directly, just like a physical conference. Delegates will be able to chat and send notes to each other through committee-wide and private chat. Opening and closing ceremonies will be live streamed and will be available for all participants to attend.
All data online will be secured through encryption and will utilize services from privacy-oriented and reliable providers to make sure that personal information, especially those of children, will not be breached.
Other questions? Don't hesitate to contact us!