Debating it: Szabist hosts model United Nations

Around 300 delegates from 30 schools in Korangi took part in the three-day event.

KARACHI: Young delegates from 30 schools in Korangi took part in the three-day academic simulation of the United Nations that concluded at the Beach Luxury hotel on Sunday.

The conference, titled MUNKarachi, was organised by the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Karachi Youth Initiative (KYI) where 300 delegates engaged in heated debates over issues ranging from global eradication of polio to human rights protection in conflict-ridden areas.



"We come to realise that talent and intellectual understanding are not only found at top-notch schools and universities," said faculty advisor to Szabist Model United Nations (Zabmun), Kumail Raza Hemani. "They can also be found in the minds of those who are not as privileged as us, but still crave for a platform to prove their mettle."

For Hemani, the young children of Korangi had all the potential in the world and the initiative succeeded in its aim to provide them with a platform where they could express themselves, develop their skills and have a life changing experience.

To hone the debating skills of the delegates, explained KYI spokesman Farhan Iqbal, extensive training sessions were organised in which they were taught the basics of diplomacy.

The young minds were guided during the conference on how to draft resolutions, debate and form blocs with friendly countries, simulating the workings of the United Nations.  "We hope to have achieved the target of training the delegates on how to resolve conflicts peacefully and engage in meaningful dialogue," added Iqbal.

Through the course of the event, the students received encouragement from politicians known for their public-speaking skills, including advisor to the chief minister for culture Sharmila Faruqui and former youth affairs minister Faisal Sabzwari, who graced the opening and closing ceremonies, respectively.

"The future of the country is in your hands and you have to stand up and take Pakistan forward, as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam," said Faruqui as she addressed the delegates. "There are no shortcuts in life, which is why we have to continuously work hard in order to achieve our goals and dreams."

Szabist acting president Shahnaz Wazir Ali encouraged students to make the most of this opportunity and become the future leaders of the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2014.