Welcome to the University of Pennsylvania Model United Nations Conference 2008 and to this simulation of the International Court of Justice. To tell you a little bit about myself, I am an international student from Israel and this is my senior year in the Huntsman Program of International Studies and Business at the University of Pennsylvania. This year, I will be serving as your Chair for the specialized ICJ committee and I am very excited to serve in this position.
I would like you to keep a few things in mind about this specialized committee. We will be discussing 2 simulated cases (which may or may not have been addressed in the ICJ before). In both cases, you are to address the topic as if it has never been ruled upon before. You are also to debate these topics from your own point of view, not that of the Justice you are assigned. The Justices are assigned to make the committee more interesting, but you are to represent your own opinion not theirs.
This committee, as you will see, is different from other committees you may have experienced- it requires a very high degree of tact, diplomacy, and understanding. Although you will at times find it challenging, I am certain you will also find it very rewarding. Please do contact me with any doubts, concerns, or just general questions that you may have. I look forward to working with you all in this upcoming conference.
Reem Kassis
Chief Justice, International Court of Justice
reemk@wharton.upenn.edu