Movida Promovida por el Ayuntamiento: Madrid City Council, 1981

Spanish/English Bilingual

APPROXIMATE COMMITTEE SIZE: 25 delegates

NOTE: Position papers for this committee can be written in Spanish or English. If you have any questions, please email the Chair and Crisis Manager.

In recognition of the growing interculturality of NAIMUN’s delegates, the Bilingual Spanish-English Committee has become a hallmark within the Non-traditional organ. By capitalizing on the diversity, heritage, and reach of the Hispanic community, this committee offers students the opportunity to test their understanding of how global politics unfolds within foreign scenarios, as well as the cultural and linguistic nuances that it entails. In this iteration, delegates will represent the mix of elected council members, municipal officials, cultural figures, and community leaders who made up Madrid's city council during the height of Spain’s democratic transition and societal reinvention. During the conference, the committee will span the entirety of 1981, encompassing crises such as the February 23 attempted coup and both the crown’s and society's response to the threat of a return towards a Francoist model of government. Amidst the contrasting tensions of La Movida Madrileña, delegates can expect to immerse themselves in the political dangers, cultural expression, conservative backlash, and international pressure that encircled the city at the time.

CHAIR: Laura alcalá Penelas

ISSUES TO CONSIDER

Challenges and Implications of a Transition towards a Democratic Government 

Church-State and State-Society Relationships 

Freedom of Expression and Manifestation 

Role of Cultural and Civil Players in Governance 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

NAIMUN prides itself on promoting international education to the highest caliber. In this committee, delegates will:

• Explore the intersection of politics and cultural expression during periods of societal and governmental transformation.

• Understand the complex political dynamics of Spain's transition to democracy following Franco's dictatorship.

• Strengthen the diplomatic skills of negotiation amidst the tensions of a fragmented political landscape.

About the Chair

Laura Alcalá Penelas is proud to be a part of Georgetown’s Walsh School of Foreign Service Class of 2028, studying International Politics. She was born in Madrid, Spain, and moved to Miami, Florida, when she was 8, later relocating to Broward, Florida. Laura grew up playing volleyball, doing theatre, and volunteering at animal shelters (as well as working at a pet store). In high school, she developed a love for Model UN and Lincoln-Douglas Debate (absolutely hated spreading), and was also involved in school board politics. Now, she travels with the Georgetown MUN team, where she’s had the chance to compete in bilingual committees—one of the reasons she’s so excited to chair this committee. Laura has previously staffed NCSC, NAIMUN, and DistrictMUN and believes in equity and kindness inside and outside of the committee. She has had various internships/jobs, such as positions in law firms and Congress, so as a first-generation student, she would be very happy to answer any questions. Since she loves yapping and animals, you might catch her petting or babysitting dogs around Georgetown—or sprinting across campus on random side quests. Laura also loves the beach, dancing, and making any environment she is in the most inclusive and fun that it could be. She can’t wait to see people excited about participating in this bilingual committee and hopes it’s not only a meaningful learning experience on Spain’s history, but also a fun and creative one!

About the Crisis manager

Adriana De la Calle Viscasillas is a member of the Class of 2026 in the Walsh School of Foreign Service, studying International Politics with a concentration in Foreign Policy and minoring in French and International Development. Adriana is originally from Pontevedra, Spain but grew up in Managua, Nicaragua, where she discovered her passion for Model UN by joining her school’s club in 2019 and participating in her first-ever conference, NAIMUN LVII. Since then, she has been actively involved with MUN as a delegate, staffer, and Under-Secretary-General for Historical Crisis at NAIMUN LXI. Outside of MUN, Adriana enjoys playing tennis for Georgetown’s Club Tennis Team, working with small nonprofits through Georgetown Global Consulting, and serving as student liaison for Hispanic Catholic Ministry. In her free time, she enjoys water sports, going down the Wikipedia rabbit holes, trying new foods, and memorizing reggaetón song lyrics. As your CM, Adriana is excited to share the same passion for debate, history, and international affairs she once discovered as a NAIMUN delegate and help bring to life La Movida Madrileña in this committee!