Lessons for life: At ZABMUN, 1,200 delegates learn to celebrate diversity

The conference seen as the biggest gathering of the UN so far in Pakistan.

KARACHI:

To promote tolerance and engage people in conflict resolution in a pacifist manner, the sixth annual Szabist Model United Nations (ZABMUN) conference brought together future leaders from all over the country. 

Around 1,200 delegates from around 300 institutions attended the four-day conference which started on Thursday to represent countries of the United Nations. Under the tagline ‘Celebrating Diversity, Embracing Differences’, the participants discussed contemporary global issues at Carlton Hotel in Karachi.

US Consulate public affairs officer, Corina Sanders, said that the conference was the biggest gathering of the UN so far in Pakistan, adding that it will give participants a chance to hone their skills such as critical thinking and analysis. “Take as much as you can from the conference to shape your life. It’s a chance to see things from a different perspective.”



Sanders said that diversity was all about accepting and respecting different opinions. According to the UN, she said Pakistan’s youth bulge was one of the largest in the world as a high number of the population was of 15 years of age or under. She believed that the country will be more united because of its diversity. “Diversity is the greatest strength of Pakistan. Recognise it and don’t underestimate your power.”

Before concluding her speech, Sanders stated five principles that students should follow in their life to learn beyond the model UN experience. “Be fair,” was her first recommendation, followed by “Don’t tolerate intolerance, practice patience, bring in a little levity and practice love.’

She was of the view that since Pakistan is the land of diversity one must learn to coexist with people of different backgrounds to progress.

Ghazala Rahman Rafiq, the director of the Sindh Abhyas Academy, said that the conference will have a life-long impact on the participants. “It’s a stage for the leaders of tomorrow.” She asked the students to learn from the experiences of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto to understand the challenges that the future holds for them.

Dressed to impress, the delegates were roaming around in charcoal black suits and bright ties. Mahnoor Shah, a student of Defence College for Women, said that she was attending the conference to boost her self confidence. “My first year was scary but I have learned a lot. Now I am able to tackle many problems confidently.”

Abdul Mohsi, a student of Beaconhouse School System, was all geared up to talk about the Dominican Republic - the country he was representing. “I am here for the experience, fun and to understand the issues.” Mohsi was of the view that the conference opens up an opportunity to recognise one’s potential and understand the concept of diversity. “This year, I want to focus on how people react in certain situations.”

Muhammad Rumailmalin of Southshore School, who was attending the conference for the fifth time, said that the most important thing he has learned from previous conferences was the need to be assertive and confident. “The conference gives the audience a stage to draw comparisons among different countries and use the solutions for their homeland.”

Haque Academy’s Raed Ahmed, who was attending for the third time, said that the conference was a step towards expressing oneself and trying to make a change in the society. Suhah Arshad, a private delegate, was quick to add that she was expecting to learn about international affairs at the conference.

The participants seemed excited as they felt it would improve their debating and social networking skills.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2013.