MUNIC 2011: Young delegates gather to define diplomacy

The first day included cultural dialogue and interchange.

ISLAMABAD:

More than 500 students from various elite schools including City School, Beaconhouse and Roots International School on Wednesday participated in the opening session of the four-day Model United Nations (MUN) Conference.

The Model UN is being hosted by The City School Capital Campus Islamabad and is slated to become one of the school’s most invigorating and challenging debating events.

The participants, who came from various schools around the country, represented symbols of different countries at the event titled “Global Village,” playing their roles as future leaders and diplomats of the countries. The students set up stalls and hoisted their flags, along with donning cultural dresses and displaying traditional items of their respective countries.

MUN now takes place annually in various universities and schools mirroring the main functions of the United Nations, presenting and stimulating intellectual challenges.

The day’s event started with a warm welcome of committee chairpersons and delegates, which was followed by training sessions where experienced and new delegates alike were briefed on expectations, decorum, rules and procedures of the various committees.

Not only were the delegates showing their various national colours but they were also well-versed in their appointed countries’ histories, cultures and even knew basic phrases such as “welcome” and “hello” in their “native” languages, making for a truly international atmosphere. Later, the delegates participated in a fashion show, displaying their costumes that integrated a symbolic aspect of their respective nationalities.

MUN replicates the system of discussion and debates of the UN where the youth is encouraged to participate in debates on current issues and present viable solutions to global issues. The event aims to improve the skills and leadership qualities of students to help them compete in the future as leaders of national and international organisations, according to the organisers.

The event provides students with the opportunity to understand different cultures, languages and customs, according to Sabina, an O-level student representing Switzerland. She added that the event allows students to voice their thoughts on important global issues, “as if they are real delegates.”

Shariq Javed, another student of City School said that such activities benefitted students in getting a better understanding of diplomacy while promoting leadership qualities. “We are the future and we should know what is going on in the world,” he said.

During the event, different committees of the MUN including health, environment, economic issues and security will be formed, according to the organisers. Members of these committees will debate on current issues and pass resolutions and add recommendations.

The event was attended by The City School’s Assistant Regional Director Rabia Najam, Cultural Attaché of Iran Hussain Ravish, the Palestinian Cultural Attaché and other officials.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2011.