On Saturday, January 17th, 2004, a training session for delegates will be held here at Sinclair. This will provide an opportunity to learn about and brush up on parliamentary procedure and basic committee functioning.

Try to be here around 8:30. You can park on the streets around the campus, but you have to pay the meters before noon. Better to park in lot A, the enormous student garage on Fifth Street, maximum charge $1.50. DON'T park under building 12 (the conference center) - it's $10.

Building 14 is the square building with black glass windows that stands alone in a lawn between 4th and 5th Streets and Perry, just south of Building 12 and just north of the garage. If you enter from street level, you're on the right floor; if you enter from the bridge from the garage, go down one level. The Forum is a large auditorium and we'll have food set up just outside the doors, so you can't miss it.

The group will decide when to break for lunch, and we will probably wrap up by 3 PM. Immediately after the simulation, there will be a short meeting for anyone interested in joining the Rules and/or Awards Committees.

If you are planning to attend, please get your country assignments for this session from Tracy Kingsley at tlkingsley@yahoo.com

 Here is a brief backgrounder for this session:

The Security Council is the United Nations' most powerful body. It has "primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security." For historic reasons, Security Council membership reflects the global power structure of 1945, though membership was expanded from 11 to 15 in 1965. The five World War II victors have "permanent" status and can each veto any Council decision. The ten other member states are elected for two-year terms.

During the 58 years since the creation of the United Nations many states have called for reform to bring the Council into the 21st Century, but not all critics favor the same reform agenda. Some powerful nations would like to join the ranks of the privileged "permanent members," while others favor the abolition of permanent membership altogether. The veto attracts special attention -- and spirited defense. Reformers have a large agenda, including membership, transparency, accountability and working methods.

It is the purpose of this special session of the General Assembly to negotiate an agreement which will reform the Security Council in a manner which increases its effectiveness and recognizes the changes in the world during the half century since the founding of the United Nations.