SOFIMUN 2011 Secretariat

Here you can read a few lines about the SOFIMUN 2011 Secretariat - the Secretary General, the President of the EU and the Chair Board.

Ms. Maria Haferkorn (Secretariat)

Secretary General

Born in Berlin, Germany, in 1986, it took Maria quite a while to find her way to the world of Model UNs. Having spent her teenage years abroad, namely in Bulgaria and India, it wasn’t until she started to study law at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) that she decided to take one step further on her way to pursuing her dream: becoming an ambassador.

Now, 4 years and many MUNs later, she is still studying law.

While the circumstances might not seem to have changed, Maria has. A year of studying in Bulgaria and South Africa, but also numerous experiences as Delegate, Chair and Secretary-General have significantly increased the number of people around the world that she can be honoured to call her friends.

Currently, Maria is finishing her specialization in International and European Law and eagerly awaiting SOFIMUN – the conference where she caught the MUN virus in 2008 and has returned every year since; a worthy place to her own eyes to add a last milestone on her MUN career, together with her close friend, Dino.

As a true MUN addict, Maria believes in the perfect balance between hard work and hard partying, loves travelling and meeting new people.

“Fear, Aggression, Anger – the Path to the Dark Side of the Force it is.” (Yoda)

Mr. Dino Simonoski Bukovski (Secretariat)

President of the European Union

Born late at night in Zagreb, Croatia in 1986 a few weeks before the Chernobyl disaster, it is possible to trace Dino's origins all over Eastern Europe, from the far North to the far South of it. After finishing his secondary education at the prestigeous First Grammar School in Zagreb (Gymnasium Primum), something went very wrong and Dino enrolled into the University of Zagreb Faculty of Law and is now finishing his Masters of Law degree. He spent one semester specializing in the field of European Law at Ghent University, Belgum.

First MUN - SIMUN 2008. Since SOFIMUN 2008, he is suffering from the notorious chronic MUN virosis. SOFIMUN 2009 - delegate in the HRC, which he considers to be his natural habitat. BIMUN 2008 - delegate in CEU. At BIMUN 2009, he had a brilliant chairing experience with his friend Maria in the CEU. MILMUN 2010 – chair of CEU. At SOFIMUN 2010 Dino chaired a committee of the European Parliament, which leads to the conclusion that Dino has not missed a single SOFIMUN Conference yet (along with Maria and Mihnea).

During his education he went to a EYP session, won a Special Rector's Award for winning a regional moot court competition, participated in several expertise seminars and published a paper on the conflict of legal orders. He is also active in Pravnik (Jurist), the most active student association at the University of Zagreb faculty of Law. He is also involved in charity work.

The rest of his time, Dino is a wanderer and a passionate coffee drinker. If there is such a thing as a sin, that is not to start a day with a cup of coffee at a nice place. He has a long list of interests, starting with sudoku and with no ending, as it seems to be an open list. Apart from that, Dino is very much looking forward to fruitful debates, new friends and to seeing his friends again in Sofia and coming back home to SOFIMUN, as well as spreading the MUN spirit.

Don't miss the doughnut by looking through the hole. (Homer Simpson?)

Org & Ex Coms

The organizational and executive committees of Sofia International Model United Nations. You can find more about the people who are organizing the conference. Most of them are experienced MUN addicts that are now helping other MUN events around the globe to be prepared and initiated.

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Organizations

Here you can find information about the main organizations that are contributing Sofia International Model United Nations event happen. The organizations mentioned are the main supporters of the Sofia International Model United Nations idea in Bulgaria. They have been supporting it for a long time.

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Mr. José Antonio Villena Sierra (Secretariat)

Chairperson of UN Security Council

Ecuadorian, he is a PHD Candidate in Constitutional and International Law at the University of Salamanca. After getting a Master in Government and Public Administration, he has been Director of the areas of Constitutional Law and Human Rights of Transparency International, chapter Ecuador, and for electoral and constitutional-reform processes in Ecuador. After that, José Antonio Villena became external adviser for the trade-commerce agreement between the European Union and South American Countries.

In the area of MUNs, he took part as Secretary General for NAPOMUN (Cluj Napoca, Romania) and MUNUSAL (Salamanca,Spain). He also was a chairperson for BIMUN(Bonn, Germany), PIMUN (Paris, France), KULMUN (Leuven, Belgium), ORADMUN (Oradea, Rumania) and MILMUN (Milano, Italy). His current project is about leading the integration process in South America, for the creation of a South American Community of Nations as Advisor and trainer for “The Climate Project “ (Al Gore’s Nobel Prize Project for Climate Change).

Mr. Filip Zafran (Secretariat)

Chairperson of UN Security Council

Filip was born and raised in the capital of Croatia. Being part of the founding organizers of the Zagreb International Model United Nations, he has already participated at SOFIMUN 09, as well as other MUN’s.

Holding a degree in business economics, during his student days he has gained a lot of work experience - working on international projects as well as in Kenya for two months. With a lot of travelling done the past years he has just settled down and started working on a regular basis in his hometown Zagreb. As a person involved in film-making, Filip considers himself laid back, fun but disciplined when it comes to work.

Although chairing for the first time he has full confidence in himself, his co-chair and the whole team to make The Security Council at SOFIMUN 2011 an unforgettable one for all its participants – in the most fun and more importantly educative way.

"The securing of one individual's good is cause for rejoicing, but to secure the good of a nation or of a city-state is nobler and more divine.", Aristotle

Mr. Andres Izurieta (Secretariat)

Chairperson of UN Human Rights Council

Currently studying law in the University of Salamanca, Andrés has been organizing and participating in MUNs for several years now. After seeing the positive effects it has on people both inside and outside of the conference room, he now focuses his energy in trying to extend the MUN philosophy around the world and trying to get as many people as possible involved in this marvelous activity. That is why with great pleasure he represents MUNUSAL in EMUNNET.

Originally born in Quito-Ecuador he moved to Spain to Salamanca some years ago to further his studies in law. He is very happy as he enjoys both law and the things Salamanca has to offer. One of the things he enjoys the most of the MUN conference is meeting new people so he is looking forward to meeting everyone that comes! Specially his delegates in the Human Rights Council, committee he will be chairing along with Gergana Dimitrova.

Ms. Gergana Dimitrova (Secretariat)

Chairperson of UN Human Rights Council

Gergana is 21 years old, born and raised in the awesome city where SOFIMUN is held. Her biggest passion has always been travelling and has been doing it ever since she was 13. For the last 3 years Gergana lives and studies abroad, graduating this summer with a European Law degree from the University of Wales, but having spent her second year at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands.

Besides law, Gergana is interested in international politics and is trying to get involved as much as possible with the department at her university. She’s currently the Social Secretary of the AberMUN Society which is organizing weekly meetings for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of MUN! However, Gergana was infected with the MUN virus at the 2010 edition of SOFIMUN, which she still think is the best conference! In the last year Gergana also attended conferences like OxIMUN and LIMUN and have taken part in the organization of AberMUN.

On a more personal note, Gergana loves meeting new people from different cultures and is always open to new ideas, life experiences and adventures! For her, best place to be is China, which she absolutely adores and hope will visit again very soon.

Gergana is extremely happy to return to SOFIMUN, but this time as a Chair of the Human Rights Council and can’t wait to have another surely amazing and unforgettable week!

Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. (Albert Einstein)

Ms. Koosje Spitz (Secretariat)

Chairperson of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

UNESCO, though often undervalued promotes one of the most essential objectives of the United Nations, namely ‘Building Peace in the Minds of Men’. It is this principle, which has encouraged Koosje to study History in Groningen, the Netherlands and World Heritage Studies at a UNESCO Chair for heritage studies in Germany. With a specialization in international cultural heritage law and international relations she has combined two of her greatest passions: history and diplomacy.

During Koosje’s studies she did internships at the Centre for International Heritage Activities (CIE) and the Permanent Representation of the Netherlands to UNESCO. Currently, she works as staff member for the CIE and in close collaboration with the Dutch Embassy in Canberra, Australia on an inventory of Australian Dutch heritage cooperation.

Koosje may call herself a MUN veteran. As co-founder of EMUNNET, chairman of the Board of Directors of the TEIMUN foundation in 2008 and as participant and chair at many European MUNs she’s a strong believer that simulations are extremely valuable in teaching diplomatic skills to students interested in international negotiations and international organizations.

There is a prejudice, which Koosje hopes to be able to prove wrong as chair of the UNESCO committee at SOFIMUN 2011. For many years culture seems to be of lesser importance in international politics. While creating this ‘culture of peace’ is still one of the biggest challenges our world is facing today.

Mr. Gianpiero Aufiero (Secretariat)

Chairperson of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Gianpiero was born in the region of Abruzzo, in central Italy. After several years in Pescara, his hometown, he had the fortune of living in Scotland, Mexico, Rome and now, Milan, always attending international institutions.

After obtaining an International Baccalaureate Diploma in one of the oldest high schools in Rome, Gianpiero is now a final year student in Economics and Management for Arts, Culture and Communication in the Universita’ Commerciale L. Bocconi in Milan, Italy.

His language capabilities and communication skills have enabled him to successfully enter the Model United Nations “world”, participating in last year’s edition of SOFIMUN representing Zambia in the Human Rights Council, obtaining an honorary mention.

He caught the MUN virus during MILMUN 2010 and took on the role of Conference Manager for the 2011 edition. His high devotion and knowledge towards the issues that will be discussed, will assure you high professional behavior and, simultaneously, a fun and unforgettable experience.

Mr. Ivan Kusen (Secretariat)

Chairperson of Council of Ministers of the EU

Born in Zagreb, Croatia Ivan encountered MUNs for the first time at SOFIMUN 2010. Right away he knew that he would be back next year but doing so as a chairperson is indeed a great honor for him. Being a big fan of international relations, diplomacy, debate and partying it is not hard to explain Ivan's fascination with MUNs.

Ivan has a bachelor's degree in mathematics and is currently in the process of finishing his master's programme in business and financial mathematics. Hopefully he will graduate by SOFIMUN. In the fall Ivan plans to start a public policy and international economics study somewhere in the Western Europe.

In his free time Ivan enjoys traveling, hiking, making people laugh and plotting how to take over the world. Being a true partyholic, he is also a big fan of coffee and various energy drinks. He is very passionate about sports, having played almost every sport known, most recently Australian football. There is still so much to say about Ivan but it would be best to hear the rest first hand in Sofia.

"Too much change is not a good thing. Ask the climate." Michael Scott

Ms. Valeria Mladenova (Secretariat)

Chairperson of Council of Ministers of the EU

Valeria was born and raised in Sofia. At the age of 16 the first symptoms of her traveling addiction became apparent. and she spent a year in Germany and then moved to Boston, where she earned an associates degree in Business Administration.

After experiencing the American life it was time for something (totally) different for Valeria, namely Moscow. The next stop was Amsterdam, where she completed a Bachelor in Economics and Business. Valeria is currently doing a master in Real Estate Finance at the University of Amsterdam. Her next destination is yet unknown, so any suggestions are welcome!

In brief, Valeria likes traveling, sports, good friends, good food and dancing. Her MUN fever was brought by UNISCA 2009, SOFIMUN 2010 and UNISCA 2010 and will be most likely deepened by this year's MOSTIMUN and EUROMUN.

Being a part of SOFIMUN as a chair is an utmost honor to her and she expects nothing less than heated discussions and endless fun from this year's edition! Valeria is looking so serious as on this profile picture only during sessions, by the way!

Mr. Johannes Osterkamp (Secretariat)

Chairperson of EU Parliament

Johannes is 26 years old and just finished his BA in European Studies in Bremen, having done his ERASMUS for one year in the amazing city of Valencia in Spain. He is planning on a Master but does not yet know where and with which focus. Europe is not only the area of his studies but he also loves travelling around Europe, seeing what this fabulous continent has to offer, but also to explore other parts of the world. Still his aim is to visit all 27 Member States of the EU plus all the Balkan states.

In Sofia he will be chairing the European Parliament together with his charming colleague Toni. Having started MUNs in 2009 he has until now participated and chaired in various other conferences throughout Europe. One can say he is totally infected with the so-called MUN-virus and he is looking very much forward to having an intense time in Sofia returning to SOFIMUN with which he has fallen in love last year.

He loves new things, especially meeting people from all over the world and exchange ideas with them so the concept of MUN just suits perfect and has totally caught him. Apart from working with his co-chair Toni and their delegates with heated debates he is also looking forward very much to the social program to get to know everyone better. His personal MUN-motto definitely is: Work hard! Party hard!

“Who questions Europe, who despairs of Europe should visit military cemeteries” Jean-Claude Juncker

Ms. Evelina Sandalova  (Secretariat)

Chairperson of EU Parliament

Evelina Sandalova was born in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. This year she is graduating at Banking, Trade and Finance at the National Trade and Banking school.

She began her MUN experience 2 years ago, being part of Council of European Union at simulation organized by the American University in Bulgaria and AISEC. Her next challenge was the participation in the International Security and War Conference against terrorism and simulation of the General Assembly at the National Model United Nations 2010-2012. Once she started she could not get enough and during the summer she attended the SOFIMUN 2010 conference, as part of the Council of European Union, representing Cyprus, granted honorary mention.

At the present Evelina is part of the SOFIMUN Foundation team, organizer of the annual international SOFIMUN conference as a financial manager.

Currently she is working on new project - simulation of the European Parliament in Bulgaria, a joint initiative of the European ParliamentRepresentation Office in Bulgaria and the SOFIMUN Foundation, where she is a chairperson.

For Evelina to be part of the Secretariat of SOFIMUN 2011 is an endeavor which will contribute to its most to her MUN and life experience. She hardly ever quits and if there is a chance for something to be reached, she gives it all.

For Evelina being part of the team of SOFIMUN conference will be one of the best ways to learn more, gain experience and opportunity to enjoy a great team.

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." John Quincy Adams

Ms. Marta Garbarino (Secretariat)

Chairperson of Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Her name is Marta Garbarino, Italian and currently attending the last year of a Master Degree course in International Relations and Diplomacy- Extra European Studies at the University of Trieste- Gorizia Siege.

For this year edition of SOFIMUN, Marta had the extreme pleasure and honour to be appointed as Chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). MUN-addicted since 2009, she has attended many Models around the world as Delegate and Chair; such as C’MUN, SMUN, Zagimun, TEIMUN,GMUN. Marta was also directly involved in the organizing committee of ROMUN 2010 where she was appointed as Secretary- General.

Marta already had the pleasure to visit the beautiful city of Sofia as delegate of SOFIMUN 2009 and admits openly, that it has been a wonderful experience where I she met some wonderful people. That is why she’s definitely looking forward to be there again this July and give her personal contribution for another successful SOFIMUN edition!

Ms. Kristiyana Kalcheva (Secretariat)

Chairperson of Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Born in Sofia, Bulgaria and raised in the small town of Kozloduy, Kristiyana feels terribly weird talking about herself in the third person. She is currently a senior in the American College of Sofia, and thus probably the youngest member of the SOFIMUN Secretariat this year. However, she is a passionate MUN-er and ready to explore the realms of her abilities in the MUN world. SOFIMUN 2010 was her first university-level conference and since then she has done anything she can to peek into the world of grown-ups, namely HamMUN 2010 and MOSTIMUN 2011.

Currently, Kris is busy worrying about the results of her university application. Unless a disaster comes at hand, she will be doing her bachelor degree in Politics and Social and Economic History/ International Relations/ Politics, Philosophy, and Economics in the UK. Other than being a boring lover of history and politics, Kris likes shaking it all about and spends her free time doing contact improvisation and learning swing dancing. Her artsy side is completed by her love for literature, writing, and theatre. As any youngster in our age of infrastructure and communication, Kris never misses a chance to travel and meet the jewels of this planet, its people, and would like to be able to one day rightfully say that she is a citizen of the world.

Kris is terribly excited about chairing the OSCE at SOFIMUN 2011 and can’t wait for that week of sweet fatigue and zillions of cherished moments.

‘Mad, bad, and dangerous to know’ – the Byronic description that Kris hopes to earn : )

Mr. Florian Wittig (Secretariat)

Editor in Chief of SNN

Born in Germany's beautiful capital, Berlin, Florian is a true city child for 23 years now. He is currently taking an internship break of his Online-Editor degree program which takes place in the not so beautiful city of Cologne. In the process he learns all things necessary to be both: a digital native much more capable of using the web and it's opportunities and a tri-media journalist. Journalism is his passion since his first subscription of SPIEGEL back in 10th grade. His passion for well articulated language in combination with his never ending hunger for information led to his big wish to become a modern journalist in a very idealistic way.

To achieve that goal, one of his biggest steps so far was SOFIMUN 2010 where he participated as a journalist representing Le Monde Diplomatique (which he has an subscription of now). The unique feeling between nervous breakdown, stress and incredible personalities achieving a truly fantastic conference, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even more important: He met some really good friends there.

After being asked to become the Editor in Chief of SOFIMUN 2011, it took him exactly 1 second to think and accept it.

Let's make SNN 2011 a blast!

"Life is a bitch" - Lemmy Killmister

Ms. Neda Eneva (Secretariat)

Vice-Editor in Chief of SNN

Born and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria, Neda has always dreamt of traveling, adventures and opportunities to share her imagination with the world. In 2007, after graduating from high school, she moved to the Netherlands with a big mission in hand - to test her dreams. The challenge was successful as the world away from home proved to surpass even her wildest fantasies. The journey has begun…

Today, Neda is 21 years old, finishing her Bachelor’s degree from University College Utrecht with a major in International Relations and Law, and a minor in Journalism. Having friends from across the seven seas and beyond, she has turned into a citizen of the world.

But as they say, you can’t go anywhere if you don’t know where you are coming from. Looking back, Neda remembers with a smile her 10 years of theatre school and never forgets that as the Bard of Avon has said the world is one big stage. The daughter of an artist and a photographer, she has developed a sharp eye for details and eagerness for the secret beauty of everything around. Above all, Neda possesses an immense passion to create. Being a chair of a Film and Visual Arts Committee, she has been exploring the world of film and multimedia since her first year of college. By creating documentaries, taking journalism classes and being published in college magazines, Neda has turned her enthusiasm for writing into a strong interest in journalism.

During an amazing two month internship at the Friedrich Ebert foundation in 2009, Neda became acquainted with the world of SOFIMUN. It turned out to be a life changing experience. By being part of the SNN team, Neda personally experienced the strength and importance of the journalist’s pen in the creation of the link between politics and the people.

And so, step by step, passionately welcoming every minute of the road ahead, Neda is looking forward to her journey leading her to SOFIMUN 2010, this time as Vice-Editor-In-Chief. Excited about working with the new SNN team, she has no doubts of conquering new horizons and having a wonderful time.

We don't have to save the world. The world is big enough to look after itself. What we have to be concerned about is whether or not the world we live in will be capable of sustaining us in it., (Douglas Adams)