April Hawkins
Staff Writer
The Houston Area Model United Nations (HAMUN) began its 23rd annual conference Thursday night.
The Honorable Sebastiano Salvatori, Consul General of Italy headed the ceremonies along with Korean Consul General Haeng-Kyeom Oh.
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright sent a letter of praise to HAMUN, stating, "The conference will give students a strong sense of the U.N.'s value to our nation."
Albright continued, explaining that "as global connections intensify and nations become increasingly interdependent, the organization has an important contribution to make."
"This is a very enlightening experience for students living in this area because there is not much exposure to national matters here," Oh said.
Salvatori, who commended students for their involvement, said, "Many political leaders and diplomats will come from these students." Salvatori also offered issues for HAMUN to discuss, including the U.N.'s plans for expansion and the Gulf Crisis.
Approximately 600 students from 62 area high schools will attend the three-day conference. All students represent their adopted countries' interests and try to come to agreements on various resolutions put before the General Assembly.
College students run the General Assembly, including Secretary General Cyndi Trevino and Assistant Secretary General Kelly Trainer. Both are students at the University of Houston.
The opening ceremony, which featured a full orchestra, was held in the University Center's Houston Room.