2009..WE ARE NIGER!

Well the country lottery was held today and what a wait. What is a country lottery you ask? First dibs basically..you need to pre-register and pay a $50 fee per delegation to be registered for the lottery. Names are placed in a box, box is shaken and names are pulled out of the box. Last year, Columbia College was 7th..so I was able to pick Italy. But this year, we were 72nd!! The delegations that are called first, get to pick their countries first, you have 3 minutes to make up your mind or you go to the bottom of the barrel, to be called again after everyone else has gone. Now for the first 20, its easy but as each delegation goes, and the list of available countries get shorter, the task is more difficult. Most delegations would like countries that have several roles, such as the Security Council seat, or the Historical Security Council seat, or a Court Justice etc. Every country has a seat (a minimum of 1 and a max of 2) in the General Assembly, First, Second, Third and Fourth Committees but the other committees are very valued.

Niger will of course be on the GA, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Committees, as well as the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Economic and Social Council and the Economic Commission for Africa and the WFP..World Food program.

Niger was 16th on my list of preferred countries, but considering we were 72nd in the lottery, I am glad it was still available. Africa is a great continent and a wonderful learning experience for all students. I am sure the Niger delegation will be as professional and prepared as the previous two delegations have been. We look forward to representing Niger and Columbia College.

Remember, if your interested in being part of the Model UN, make sure you fill out the applications next Spring. Dr Jones