Chair Introduction: Kotryna Vismante

Hi Delegates!

My name is Kotryna and I'm a freshman studying Computer Science and Philosophy at Cal. I am originally Lithuanian, but spent half of my life in the DC area, which sparked my interest in international affairs and human rights. I did MUN for all four years of high school, so I couldn't be happier to pass along an experience that gave me confidence, leadership ability, and broadmindedness to another generation of students. Outside of BMUN, I listen to lots of rock, play soccer, consult in a student group, and am refining my movie taste.

I am especially excited to be on the Dais for the Peacebuilding Commission because of how critical and challenging peace-making is on any scale. I recently finished Orhan Pamuk's novel "Snow," which immersed me in a storyline intertwined with the Turkish-Kurdish conflict, and as migration due to civil unrest, natural disasters, or economic opportunity becomes increasingly common, I am very curious to see how you propose to resolve this ethnic conflict. The situation in Post-Gaddafi Libya is equally relevant to us all as we become more aware of the United States and other world power's involvement in proxy wars. I hope you bring insights that are beyond the surface level, and solutions that can balance the need for self-determination with global interconnectedness.

Finally, as delegates yourselves, I will be looking for confidence, not only in yourselves as leaders & speakers, but also in the knowledge you will build up through detailed research ahead of the committee. Be on top of your country policy, interact with other delegates with utmost respect, make your speeches well organized and information-dense, and present your best ideas in your solution papers, and you will be an excellent delegate in my eyes.