Jon J. Scott Urges Openness, Diplomacy during Opening Ceremonies

Keynote speaker, Jon J.Scott

Anatoli Sergievsky, Pravda News

The 2011 opening ceremonies began with an air of mutual cooperation and hope, fostered by keynote speaker Jon J. Scott and Secretary General Aske Norby Bonde. Scott claimed, “the principle task of diplomacy is peace” and urged all delegates to cultivate openness and above all, listen.

Bonde, echoing his sentiments, asked everybody to “find courage... [and] take initiative” noting that the United Nations serves as the world’s “town centre.” Throughout the ceremony, all speakers and officials seemed to promote cooperation... perhaps they are expecting some conflict.

Whether SFUMUN moves forward with cooperation and mutual understanding for the future, or whether conflict arises, the memory of Jon J. Scott’s sage advice will remain.

Keep a “strong stomach, quick mind, hard head, cold eye and warm heart.”