An interview with two Sponsors of the Resolution 1.0 on Diversity Management

The Representatives of Canada and Finland took the time to discuss the Resolution 1.0 on diversity management - the last agenda item. They seemed satisfied with the result and are hopeful for the future.

1. We were kind of expecting you to put forward some sort of Resolution, as we were talking before regarding the Human Rights Forum and you seemed to be eagerly working on this area. What is the additional value of this Resolution?

CANADA: This Resolution came as a result of long discussions within the Promoters of Human Rights and the communication with the Honourable Representatives from other countries. We are particularly grateful for the input we received from the Representatives from the African States and also the Representatives from Chile and Brazil. The additional value of this Resolution would be the UN Diversity Platform. It’s a new concept in the field of diversity management and we believe that a diversity network can do a lot of good for everyone.

FINLAND: Actually, we echo Canada on this, it was our plan all along to work together on diversity management as this is most definitely our strong suit (not to brag, but amongst these three topics, the third one was the one that we have the most experience in). We did discuss what are our strong suits and came up with the concept of a network for exchanging info, good practices and policies on diversity. Therefore, Resolution 1.0 is a result of discussions among us and with the input of other countries.

2. How did the other countries react to this Resolution, was there anything unexpected during the simulation?

CANADA: We expected a lot of challenges due to the fact that it is a topic on which everyone has an opinion and a particular interest. What we were not expecting was that some countries were resolved not to discuss the topic and were completely against anything that was being proposed. We were also not expecting many of the disputes that happened during the session, but we believe in the end we got on the right track and discussed what needed to be discussed.

FINLAND: To tell you the truth, the countries responded better than or not as negatively as we were expecting. Of course, we knew that this topic would cause disputes, affront or maybe even tears. As a resident paranoia expert we (Finland) were expecting kidnappings, bribery, threats, stealing our saunas and/or vodka and countries saying that Nightwish is sh**. We did receive some ¨friendly¨ warnings from a few countries, but we will name no names, as they know who they are.

You were there and you saw how the discussion went, but Canada presented the Resolution like a pro and in the end, we managed to accept the Resolution.

3. Finland, as you were not present for the Human Rights Forum interview we've had with Sweden and Canada, what is your country's position on diversity management?

FINLAND: Well, our national policies are focused on establishing a society that is non-discriminatory and equal. We may not be as diverse as other countries in the GA are, but our focus is primarily on promoting diversity and equality. Diversity should be seen as a positive thing that enriches the country and not as a big bad wolf in the fairytales. We have quite a number of language groups and indigenous people in our country and we believe that our work in the field of diversity management has been quite successful so far. Moreover, you probably know that in the past, we have maintained a foreign policy of neutrality and now we lead a policy of peaceful cooperation and mediation. However, one thing we have never shied from is - helping those in need. And this is exactly what we will continue to do in the future. We were happy to be a part of Human Rights Forum as our countries have a lot in common (mostly the snow and cold lol) in the field of HR and diversity management, and we Finns are always willing to share our good practices, especially in the field of education, with the countries who are willing to listen and learn.

4. What would you say was each of your country's biggest contribution?

CANADA: The Delegation of Canada is proud of the Resolution and we believe that we contributed mostly with the UN Diversity Platform, as it was something we advocated strongly. We can also say that in broader way, we contributed with our openness to cooperate with every State, our friendly relations with many of the States and with our willingness to compromise on certain issues. That open communication helped this Resolution immensely and we are very proud of it.

FINLAND: We are proud of our work on the Resolution and our contributions were mostly focused on: education, cooperation between nations, indigenous peoples and non-discriminatory policies. We also encouraged peaceful discussions on the topic with other countries and tried to be the bridge that connects (that sounded deeper that the Gulf of Finland). We also provided drinks and food for delegations, because we Finns know that you are not you when you’re hungry. *cue Snickers commercial with Betty White*

5. We've seen China, USA and Russia collaboration on this matter, do you think that was a part of their strategy?

CANADA: We cannot know their strategy with certainty, but it was clear that the Representatives from USA, China and Russia shared similar opinions and interests. They still disagreed based on their core values, which were very openly conveyed during the session. We applaud the Representatives from USA and Russia for trying to collaborate with the sponsors of the Resolution and for contributing to the Resolution in the end.

FINLAND: Well, who knows what those three might do, am I right? Always keeping us on our toes. We were preparing to be bombarded from their side for our policies (did we mention we are paranoiac extraordinaire?) and were gathering dirt on them to fire back, but in the end they disappointed us by not rising up to the challenge. *shrugs* To tell you the truth, we were looking forward to the second topic, because you know, Star Wars, but sadly we didn't get to see any spectacular fights between them. Such a shame.

6. How are you satisfied with the result of the session?

CANADA: We are extremely satisfied with the result of the session. We discussed a hard topic, and for the most part we managed to stay on track and discuss the substantive issues that needed to be discussed. We are very pleased that a Resolution on Diversity Management passed in the UN General Assembly, because that shows willingness to address the issue and interest in pursuing common resolutions to the current issues in the international community.

FINLAND: We are extremely pleased with the result, because this was the issue closest to our heart. We knew that the topic can be quite controversial in some countries and we were just waiting for someone to bring up refugees in the discussion as we knew that if that happened, little would get done. Don’t take this the wrong way! We are just saying that refugees are an issue even more controversial and difficult than diversity management and minorities. Can you imagine that discussion?

7. Which country posed the biggest obstacle in persuading?

CANADA: The People’s Republic of China was very clear on where they stand and was adamant in refusing any sort of discussion on the topic. However, we were aware of their stance even before the beginning of the session and we were prepared accordingly. There were other countries, who were hesitant, but we discussed, we as sponsors were open to amending the Resolution and in that way we minimised the obstacles.

FINLAND: We are sure this will flatter them immensely, but: People’s Republic of China. They kept refusing to discuss the topic the same way Snufkin refuses to part with his green hat or listen to the Park Keeper. Sorry, Finnish jokes ;) But, Chinese refusal to discuss things didn’t deter us that much and it’s a free world after all, isn’t it?

8. What are the expectations for the future?

CANADA: We certainly expect action. We hope that the Secretary General will kick-start the UN Diversity Platform and that the UN bodies and specialised Agencies will start working together with the States and civil society in establishing the educational programmes we proposed. We hope that States will remain open to discussing the possible ways of managing diversity and that we will see some improvements in the near future.

FINLAND: Continuation of the work we already put in on all the topics and countries working together towards better, safer, less polluted, and less discriminated future for all.

9. What was the biggest thing you've learned during the simulation?

CANADA: We learned the power of negotiations and the power of alliances. State Representatives were very devoted to their alliances and partnerships and that shaped the results accordingly. Furthermore we learned how to act in a diplomatic manner while also trying to achieve our goals and push our national agenda. Becoming confident in defending our position and believing in what we are saying was possibly the biggest learning experience.

FINLAND: Most important thing we learned: Sleep is for the weak! Just kidding (or not). We learned that informal meetings are crucial and as we said before – people are more willing to be on your side if you feed them (seriously). Simulation was a tiring, but great experience and we learned that patience can lead to your goals. Public speaking is another skill you sharpen during the discussion. Also, taking things personal leads nowhere.

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