First Summit of the Americas Model OAS for Universities - Virtual format

 

1. INTRODUCTION

The First Summit of the Americas Model/Organization of American States (SMOAS) is a simulation of the Summit process in which university students will represent the government officials, Inter-American and International Institutions and social actors involved in the Summit Process. This Model seeks to provide a platform for the participation of young people in the Summit of the Americas process and engage them in policy dialogue and decision-making processes.  

The Summit Model is a joint effort between the Summit of the Americas Secretariat and the Model OAS Unit. The SMOAS will be held from June 1-3, 2022, prior to the IX Summit of the Americas, in virtual format. 

Students will have a unique opportunity to:
 
* Learn about the Summit Process and its importance
* Familiarize themselves with the thematic areas to be discussed in the IX Summit
* Provide ideas and find sustainable solutions to deal with the priorities and meet the needs of the Hemisphere Engage in policy dialogue and decision-making processes
* Learn about the OAS as the technical Secretariat of the Summit Process
* Analyze the major political, economic, social and security issues impacting the Western Hemisphere Highlight the relevance of diplomacy as a problem-solving instrument Increase their intercultural competencies
* Develop communication, negotiation, and leadership skills 
* Enhance their preparation as future leaders so they may be committed to ensuring progress of their countries and region  
   
Main documents and websites:

Convocation letter
Authorities, Secretariat and Working Group Leaders
Schedule 
Agenda of topics and draft IX Summit political commitments
Modus Operandi
Country Assignment and Working Groups
Summits of the Americas / OAS
Summit 101 PP
IX Summit of the Americas Website

 

DRAFT PROPOSALS:

Working group 1: Health and Resilience
Working group 2: Our Green Future
Working group 3: Accelerating the Transition to Clean Energy
Working group 4: Digital Transformation
Working group 5: Democratic governance


 Remarks by the Chair of the Summit of the Americas Model at the Plenary Session of the IX Summit of the Americas

 

2. HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Faculty Advisors are responsible for assembling a delegation (2 students), completing the registration form, and processing the payment. University students with prior experience in Model OAS/UN and/or other simulations are preferred. 
The participation fee per delegation is US$200 and includes online access to online material. This fee is non-reimbursable.

The registration form is available here. As delegations attend this virtual Model on behalf of their universities, upon registering a letter from an authority of the relevant university is required (Rector, Director, or Department Chair) to confirm the participation of a delegation.
As soon as the registration form and the corresponding registration fees are received, delegations will be informed of their assigned country and working groups.


REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
The registration deadline is April 29, 2022. 


3. PAYMENT INFORMATION
Registration fees can be paid by check (see instructions) or ACH transfer  (direct deposit) (for accounts in the USA). Wire transfer (outside the US (International)).
Please include the following information with your transaction: PROJECT NAME: DCER-MOAS/001 PROJE CT NUMBER: MULTI99/144 RECIPIENT AREA: MOAS COORDINATION-Office of the Assistant Secretary General.
  

4. COUNTRY, TOPIC & WORKING GROUP ASSIGNMENT

Each delegation will represent one of the 35 countries participating in the Summit process. As soon as the registration form and the corresponding registration fees are received, delegations will be informed of their assigned country.
During the Model, students will be distributed into 5 thematic working groups:  

1.            Health and Resilience in the Americas (Draft Summit Commitment)
2.            Our Green Future (Draft Summit Commitment)
3.            Accelerating the Transition to Clean Energy (Draft Summit Commitment)
4.            Digital Transformation (Draft Summit Commitment)
5.            Democratic Governance (Draft Summit Commitment)


 

5. PREPARATION FOR THE MODEL

Preparation is a critical component of any Model conference. Students need to come prepared so that they can deliver informed statements, make strong arguments while negotiating and make innovative and realistic proposals on the working group topics.

The SMOAS timeline provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for SMOAS. 

For a successful participation at the Model, it is critical for students and professors to understand and follow the Model Modus Operandi. 

In addition, delegates must be familiar with all the topics of the Agenda assigned to the different working groups, as well as the Draft Political Commitments.

During the Model, delegates will be assigned to Working Groups where they will present their proposals on the Summit Political Commitments.

Draft proposals will be then discussed and put to a vote by all delegates in the Plenary sessions. They will be subject to approval, disapproval or amendments by other delegates. Refer to the Modus Operandi for debate procedure.

6. RELEVANT DOCUMENTS 

Convocation letter
Authorities, Secretariat and Working Group Leaders
Schedule 
Agenda of topics
Country Assignment and Working Groups
Summits of the Americas / OAS
Summit 101 PP

IX Summit of the Americas Website


7. SPONSORING A DELEGATION
In an effort to expand university participation in the First Summit Model OAS, the Model OAS encourages donors to sponsor a delegation of students to join the Model. The cost to sponsor a delegation is $200USD and it covers registration fees for 2 student delegates and a faculty advisor. Sponsors will be mentioned at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Model.