The XV Annual Session was held May 6-7, 2015 and the theme was Sustainable Development. Mr Paavo Lipponen as the guest speaker inspired the young delegates with his speech as the Secretary General Ms Inka Länsimäki encouraged the delegates to actively participate in debate.
Mr Lipponen talked about his history of founding the UN Youth Organisation, made an attempt at speaking German, and wished good luck to all the delegates (especially to the delegate of North Korea). He also expressed his concern of the destruction of rainforests and the violation of international law. He ended his speech with these words: ‘Be prepared for major challenges and major changes’, inspiring delegates to do their very best in the 15th annual HELIMUN conference. [Lower secondary students reporting for HELIMUN Times]
The International Court of Justice tackled the case ‘the Marshall Islands vs the nine nuclear states’. The ICJ session began with the opening statement of the advocate for the Marshall Islands. A meticulously constructed speech was demonstrated, then the 25 individual pieces of evidence were presented, with an objection mad on evidence number 7. The statement pleaded for the court to order the United Kingdom to take all necessary steps to comply with its obligations under customary international law and the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) within a year of the judgement. It also requested the court to order India and Pakistan to take all necessary steps to comply with their obligations under customary international law with the respect to the cessation of the nuclear arms race within a year of the judgement.