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The United Nations Symposium 2004 was held in October at APU and Ritsumeikan University
under the co-sponsorship of Ritsumeikan Trust,
United Nations University and
the International Peace Academy.
Practitioners and policy-makers gathered
from across the world to discuss issues on
the theme of “The Iraq Crisis and World Order.”
APU also incorporated a public seminar and
student presentations into the event,
which led to stimulating debate.
The following reports by student participants are
an insight into the various roles they adopted
during the symposium. |
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Student Journalist Report
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DE LOS SANTOS, Rajan Noe Fernandez
(APS 4, Philippines)
As part of the Journalism Group in charge of covering the day-to-day events of the UN Symposium, I had the opportunity to hone my news writing skills and brush up on current events and issues.
Although the responsibility of covering a serious, highly academic, and specialized event was big, the group operated in a relaxed, friendly, and supportive environment. As a journalist it is imperative to be prepared, so under the tutelage of APU Lecturer Mr. HANN George (supervisor of the student journalists during the symposium) we did thorough research and read material written by the conference delegates. This paid off in interactions and interviews with them during the six-day event.
At first it was difficult to distinguish the roles of participant and journalist. I was so heavily drawn and immersed in the discussions and presentations that I sometimes forgot to jot notes or catch quotes but the power of the group came into play. What one lacks, another complements. We often stayed late to deliberate, discuss, share notes, and compose articles pertinent to the conference.
During the symposium, hypothetical questions and answers on the issue of weapons of mass destruction were exchanged, advice and anecdotes were shared, and even career and internship possibilities were discussed. I was impressed that the delegates constantly interacted on an equal footing with students, despite being experts in their given fields.
Through the academic learning experience I received from the UN Symposium, I am now keen to research security issues for my final thesis. I also plan to do an internship in an International agency such as ASEAN or IPA in the hope of jumpstarting a career in international relations after graduation. |
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Liaison Staff
Group Report
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YAMANO Takako
(APS 4, Japan)
The key role of the liaison staff group was to accompany the delegates to the various UN Symposium activities, assist with meeting preparations, and guide the guests to the appropriate venues, always on schedule. As I was going to be working closely alongside the experts, I spent a significant time before the symposium investigating their current activities on the Internet, and improved my general knowledge of APU. I was very satisfied that I had done this preparation because a number of people asked questions about APU during the course of the event.
On the first day, I was nervous to say the least and paid close attention to my manners. However, after I talked with Professor Akashi, whom I hold in great esteem and after I heard from the delegates that they had enjoyed taking to us students, I felt relieved. During the conference, I also had the invaluable opportunity of participating in some closed workshops and witnessing some extremely interesting and somewhat heated debates.
I gained a lot from talking with the various experts and learning about their backgrounds and current activities. Through hearing directly about the various different paths that others have taken, I now understand that the same opportunities are open to me. |
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Student Presentation:
North Korean Nuclear Proliferation: Should we worry?
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VAN EGMOND Jesse (APS 4, Netherlands) ＆
YUI Masashi (APS 3, Japan)
Having gained an in-depth insight into Asian international security during our experience at the HPAIR 2004 Conference in Shanghai, APU enlisted us to be part of the UN Symposium and present our knowledge to a distinguished audience. Of course, presenting in front of internationally renowned experts is not a light affair, but realizing this was a unique opportunity, we took on the challenge with great enthusiasm.
Inspired by the craze in the Japanese media about the danger of North Korea, we decided to have a closer look at nuclear proliferation on the Korean peninsula. This led us to pose the somewhat provocative question: “Is there a need for concern about North Korea?”
Without hesitation, you would probably say 'yes' in an instant. However, building on the deterrence theory, we argued that it is indeed feasible that North Korea would be much less likely to use force, were it to possess nuclear weapons than without them. Also, looking at the background of the alleged nuclear weapon program, we showed that it is unlikely that North Korea is pursuing nuclear weapons for offensive purposes.
Following our presentation, we received enriching comments and questions from the delegates and our fellow-students. The experience of presenting at a huge event such as the UN Symposium definitely boosted our confidence levels. In short: APU students once again took the challenge and showed what APU-spirit is truly about! |
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APU Students
Taking the Challenge |
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