SLMUN 2018 simulates the journalistic committee: International Press Corps.

Journalism is one of the strongest and most impactful tenet of the contemporary world. In a diplomatic world, journalists play an important part. Understanding the importance of journalism, Sri Lanka Model United Nations simulated its very first International Press Corps Committee in 2016.

Keeping up with the 2017 theme ‘Engaging The Next Generation’, SLMUN simulated the IPC committee for the 2nd time, enabling the delegates of SLMUN to view MUN in a different concept. This year too, SLMUN is hoping to simulate the IPC for the 3rd time. The delegates in the IPC are not referred to as, the delegates but as ‘journalists’. The IPC committee functions differently to other committees in the MUN arena. This committee varies from all other committees simulated at SLMUN 2018 because this is a committee where the delegates (journalists) are provided with a unique opportunity to experience international relations through the lenses of the world’s most influential news outlets. IPC journalists will be closely engaged with all committees, moving from debate to debate to cover everything. IPC journalists will ultimately provide media coverage of all action at SLMUN 2018 and gain a comprehensive view of the economic, social, and political states of the countries represented at SLMUN 2018.

What is the IPC and how does it function?

It is a platform for budding journalists to make their voice heard. Unlike the rest of the committees, delegates of the IPC have to go through a selection process which will give them entitlement to participate as part of the committee at the conference held in August. Once selected each delegate (journalist) will then adopt the mandate of a news agency that is given to them (CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera etc.). Journalists are then made to cover the debate that takes place in the committees that are assigned to them presenting articles at the end of each day. This is the only tech-friendly committee in SLMUN 2018 as IPC journalists are required to bring their laptops, cameras and recorders to facilitate them in reporting and writing articles.

What happens after you are selected into the IPC?

One or more workshops on journalism and article writing would be conducted by eminent journalists in the field therefore, IPC journalists do not have to be afraid if they haven’t done journalistic reporting before. At the workshop, IPC journalists are given the chance to question these journalists and clear out their queries. After the workshop, would be the Practice Debates where the IPC journalists will be sent to committees to report on their proceedings.

How does it feel like to be an IPC journalist?

Having been an IPC journalist for the year 2017, one thing that has to be noted as one may have gathered is that the task at hand is a tedious one. However, as far as experiences go it is by far the best. Being an IPC delegate means writing and writing coupled with an overdose of the orange juice served by Mount Lavinia Hotel. It also means running from committee room to committee room in search of delegates to get quotes from in the hopes of enriching your article. On a more serious note, it widens your knowledge and enables you to face the challenges of everyday writing. Don’t pass on the opportunity to have an amazing experience and be part of something great!

What is looked for in an IPC journalist?

As an IPC journalist, one must have the ability to work under pressure and stick to deadlines. IPC journalists are required to be very active, efficient, accurate and always alert. IPC journalists should also possess a considerable knowledge of the topic of the committee they are assigned to cover and be able to report according to the mandate of their news agency.

Benefits of joining the IPC?

IPC provides those interested in writing and MUN, the platform to engage their ability in writing, to enhance it to extreme levels, to express themselves and others on global and local issues. It also makes one learn how to work under pressure and stick to deadlines whiilst widening one’s knowledge on the current global isses.

The International Press Corps is not the normal MUN committee most are used to, it is unique and functions differently, even letting those afraid of public speaking to experience MUN in a journalistic aspect.

Registration for the IPC is now up, register early to avoid disappointment as the IPC has limited number of delegate spots available. Log on to www. slmun. org for further details on registration.