GatorMUN IX Theme

The University of Florida Model United Nations is proud to present the theme of GatorMUN IX: Empowerment Through Information. This theme was inspired by the United Nation's World Press Freedom Day and how technology has led our world to have instant access to information. Empowerment comes from people being able to have this access. This particular day is celebrated annually on the third of May. It celebrates the core principles of press freedom and was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 after a recommendation was made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1991. GatorMUN IX's theme particularly stems from the World Press Freedom Day in 2008, which sparked a discussion about how access to information led to the empowerment of people. This specific discussion rose many questions about the global stage that had been set by access to information, with a focus on technology. 

Because the world is experiencing globalization through technology, this has allowed for the empowerment of people and more access to information. The most popular example that has been shown to illustrate this is Brazil. A Brazilian journalist created an open-access database that contained nearly 25,000 documents of Brazilian politicians that detailed vital information necessary for voters. Because voters were able to see personal and electoral information of the people they were voting for, this enabled them to become empowered through information. 

Our world is simply becoming more connected through globalization and access to information is one of those keys to implement that. While every country may not necessarily be on the same path technologically, information allows for citizens in those countries to become empowered. Access to information allows for empowerment and allows citizens to be more knowledgeable about their own country as well as the world. The focus in the twenty-first century should not be about becoming the most familiar with domestic policies, but rather use the information that is available through technology and developing a global frame of mind. 

If you wish to learn more about the theme of GatorMUN IX, I invite you to simply click on this link for an even more detailed description by UNESCO.