Model OAS General Assembly MOAS PURPOSE OF THE

Model OAS General Assembly (MOAS)

PURPOSE OF THE MOAS The Model OAS General Assembly (MOAS) is a program of the Organization of American States (OAS) designed to promote democratic values among the youth of the Hemisphere by familiarizing students, faculty and academic institutions of the Americas with the work of the OAS as the premier political forum in the Hemisphere.

MOAS DESCRIPTION The MOAS is a simulation exercise of the OAS General Assembly, where students represent the policies and interests of the OAS Member States, through the discussion of issues related to democracy, human rights, development and security in the Hemisphere. There are MOAS for universities, high schools and OAS Interns, held throughout the year.

OBJECTIVES • Promote democratic values among the youth. • Generate an understanding of the mission, role, structure and functions of the OAS. • Offer a space for participants to analyze the major political, economic, social and security issues in the Americas. • Highlight the relevance of diplomacy as a problem solving instrument.

HISTORY • The MOAS for universities began in 1980 as a joint project between the OAS and Georgetown University, with the goal of educating students from the United States about issues related to the Americas. • MOAS for University students: § An annual Model in Washington DC (WMOAS) in April. § An annual Hemisphere-wide Model prior or after the OAS General Assembly, with the possibility of an additional one.

HISTORY (Continued) • The first MOAS for High Schools took place in 1982, and since then it is held annually at OAS headquarters, in December. • The Model of the Permanent Council for OAS Interns (MOAS/PC) began in 2008, and it is held three (3) times a year. • National MOAS for universities or high schools are also held in any OAS Member State that offers to host a Model.

STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES • Represent their assigned country’s interests and policies. • Understand their assigned countries’ perspectives through research and contact with diplomats accredited to the OAS. • Debate current Hemispheric issues. • Debate, negotiate and approve resolutions during committee meetings. • Practice parliamentary procedures and diplomacy to reach consensus and address regional problems. • Comply with the MOAS Code of Conduct.

STUDENTS PARTICIPATION IN THE MOAS EXERCISE MOAS Communications Center Member States MOAS General Secretariat (34 delegations) MOAS Authorities Observer Countries (Optional) Translation & Interpretation (Optional)

THE MOAS MAY APPLY TO STUDENTS OF: • • • Political Science, International or Comparative Political Studies, and International Studies Government and Public Administration Law or International Law International Business Language, Education and Multicultural Studies Communication and Journalism

DELEGATIONS • • • Delegations to the MOAS include 10 students and 1 faculty advisor. Each delegation: Conducts research, learns about the policies and interests of its assigned country and obtains information through contact with accredited diplomats to the OAS. Drafts resolutions on the topics of the Agenda prior to the MOAS. Is charged a registration fee and is responsible for its own travel, lodging, food and miscellaneous expenses.

BENEFITS FOR THE STUDENTS • • • Learn about current political, economic, social and security issues in the region and the impact of multilateral decisions in the Americas. Use of negotiation and diplomacy as problem solving instruments. Practice and development of communication and public speaking skills.

PREPARATION OF STUDENTS • There is a Tutorial CD used as a training tool for participants in the MOAS. • The MOAS Tutorial is divided into interactive modules with complete information and study guides about the OAS and its Member States; MOAS processes, documents, instructions and guidelines (such as how to write a resolution, how to debate, etc); as well as videos, a glossary and FAQs.

MOAS BASIC DOCUMENTS (As posted on www. oas. org) • • OAS Charter. History, structure, and principles of the OAS. Inter-American Democratic Charter. Social Charter of the Americas. Agreements and official conventions relevant to the topic of the agenda and/or the represented member state. Assigned country’s stance and policies. Documents/webs related to the Agenda topics.

IMPACT OF THE MOAS ON SOCIETY • • • Negotiation skills Leadership Multicultural understanding Public service Networking

COURSES BASED ON MOAS IN UNIVERSITIES OF THE AMERICAS

CONTACT INFORMATION MOAS PROGRAM COORDINATION OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL Nelly Robinson Coordinator Phone: (202) 370 -0738 E-mail: moas@oas. org www. moas. org