Millennial Model United Nations: Students present solutions to global issues

Delegates enjoy the challenge of coming up with resolutions for international disputes.

ISLAMABAD: Millennial Model United Nations (MMUN) 2012’s committee sessions started at the I-9 Millennium Campus on Friday, where students’ knowledge of global issues and problem-solving skills were put to the test.

Speaking about the Disarmament and International Security Committee which was established by the United Nations to serve as a forum to debate disarmament and security in an environment of equality, MMUN secretary General, Umair Khan Marwat noted that while strides have been made for nuclear disarmament, there is concern if the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime can ensure international safety.

The issues under discussion were anger exhibited by developing countries at nuclear-armed states’ refusal, including the US, North Korea, India, and Pakistan to ratify the NPT, and the ever-present problem of undeclared nuclear weapons.

The United Nations Human Rights Council focused on the rights of journalists and their role in upholding human rights. Chairperson Maryam Ansari commented, “The media exposes human rights violations and offers an arena for different voices in public discourse the session called for enforcing a code of ethics and self-regulation.

The Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) focused on Kashmir, a territorial dispute between Pakistan and India that may possibly involve nuclear weapons, terrorism and concerns of international players including the United States and China. By crafting well-thought-out approaches, stakeholders can help to settle this long-standing dispute and prevent further conflict in the region,” said Director CTC Ali Tahir,

As delegates have been participating in MMUN since the past few years, they noted that every year they are confronted with new topics and scenarios that are reflective of the geo-political landscape which keeps them on their toes while thinking about solutions.

At the end of the sessions, the delegates were treated to a performance by Josh, the bhangra fusion band who flew in from Canada specifically for the event as well as rock band Raavish and the beats of DJ Barrister. Saturday will see more committee sessions and the closing ceremony.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2012.