"The Zero Sum"

This year, our theme, "The Zero Sum" redefines global diplomacy as we know it. Often considered a game theory scenario or economic situation, any sort of "zero sum" scenario is one that frequently arises, where any nation's advantage inevitably comes at the expense of another. Throughout history, the emergence of "zero sum" situations has long been characteristic of international diplomacy and geopolitics, resulting in systemic exclusion and a widened global divide between those deemed as "winners" and "losers". 

​

Such a paradigm can therefore, only lead to heightened tensions between member states, impeding diplomatic progress and further fueling mistrust amongst nations. On this note, however, it is also important for us to embrace the hope that mutually beneficial outcomes are still possible, and can be achieved- simply with a little more consideration.

​

By empathizing with member states' geographical positioning, understanding current geopolitical tensions, and looking at how the future will change, we would like to hence urge all delegates to seek reciprocal solutions that serve our mutual interests in the global community, and challenge the age-old global struggle with the phenomenon known as the "zero sum" game.

​

To all our delegates, future student officers and even directors, we encourage you all to embrace the possibility that progress is possible the moment individualism is left behind. Instead, it is our shared trust in each other that will eventually forge the way ahead- creating many mutually beneficial sums vis-à-vis a zero one.