The 22nd Harvard World Model United Nations Conference was held from 18 - 22 March 2013. The Harvard World Model United Nations ('WorldMUN') is a youth conference that replicates the United Nations and aims to empower students from all over the world as they come together to discuss issues of international importance. For over 20 years, WorldMUN and the WorldMUN Spirit have transcended borders, al
lowing cities from all over the world to host the event and showcase their unique cultures. In 2013, Melbourne hosted over 2,000 delegates and exposed them to the Australian way of life. Melbourne is the vivid charm of Australia’s most south east state, Victoria. Situated at the estuary of the magnificent Yarra River, and caressed by the gentle waves of Port Phillip Bay, the exciting hub of Melbourne city offers great urban and natural spectaculars. LOCATION & GEOGRAPHY
Australian terrain is a splendid display of mountain ranges, sweeping golden plains, lush-green valleys, and dramatic coastlines. Victoria is home to the rugged coastal splendours of the ‘12 Apostles’ and the striking beauty of Phillip Island and its little penguins. The Yarra Valley wineries and Dandenong ranges bestow life’s greatest pleasures of food, wine, and nature; and the Grampian Mountains are a breathtaking panorama for all adventurers and a place of rich indigenous rock art. CULTURE & ARCHITECTURE
Although Melbourne is renowned for its eclectic community, Melbourne’s cultural roots are intrinsically linked to the Indigenous people of Australia, the traditional custodians of the land. Indeed, immigration has been the cornerstone for growth. Melbourne has resultantly reaped the advantageous of a dynamic and multicultural city, voted ‘World’s Most Liveable City’ in 2011. Whilst the cultural and architectural landscape of Melbourne is being constantly transformed by the population’s insatiable appetite for global culture, much of Melbourne’s history remains intact. The architectural skyline of Melbourne remains distinctively Victorian, with the enthralling buildings of Flinders Street Station, St. Pauls Cathedral, State Library of Victoria, the Parliament House, the Princess Theatre all belonging to the ornate Victorian- era. Coupled with the rise of Art Deco, and a decidedly more modern era, the contemporary manifestations of Federation Square and Sidney Myer Music Bowl, makes Melbourne an invigorating, versatile and brilliant place to be. Needless to say, Melbourne samples an electrifying variety of gourmet foods. Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese, Greek, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Lebanese, Mexican and Turkish restaurants are located in the city centre. Quirky night markets are littered across Melbourne, with the Queen Victoria Market as the pinnacle of excitement. TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS
The seamless design of the Melbourne city centre and its surrounds makes public transport an easy and inviting task. Distinctive trams shuffle back and forth and there is a comprehensive train network that reaches to most suburban districts, with all trains passing through iconic train stations in the ‘City Loop’. Buses, taxis, and horse- drawn carriages scatter the city, plus there is a free ‘City Circle’ Tram and City Shuttle Bus which take you to Melbourne’s most celebrated locations.
