Conflict resolution: Model United Nations huddle begins at school
Better understanding of national, int’l affairs to help resolve differences, says principal.
PHOTO: REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
In an effort to give students and other participants an understanding of global issues, a local school launched a four-day Global Model United Nations (GMUN) huddle at its campus on Thursday.
“Disseminate dialogue, debase differences” is the theme for the event for this year’s event organised by the Global System of Integrated Studies (GSIS). Stalls of various countries were set up on the occasion.
MUNs are held at most educational institutes and include social events, mock UN assembly sessions and many other activities. Students are assigned various countries, which they represent on the ‘world stage’.
Quratulain Rizvi, principal of the school, said international affairs had an impact on internal affairs of a country and it was time to better understand both with an aim to resolve issues.
“From famines to water crisis and terrorism-related issues, we collectively need to find common solutions to common problems,” she remarked.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Asim Iftikhar appreciated the event but argued that the second part of the title could have been ‘bridge the differences’. He said it was a coincidence that the inauguration took place on Kashmir Day, when the country was paying homage to the sacrifices of Kashmiris and expressing its support for their independence.
“India should allow Kashmiris their right to self-determination as per the United Nations’ resolutions. Pakistan will never give up its principled stance on this critical issue,” Iftikhar said.
UN Information Centre Director Vittorio Cammarota, the guest of honour, highlighted the role of the UN and its agencies in conflict resolution and in the development of its member countries.
GMUN secretary general gave a brief introduction of the event.
The closing ceremony of the conference will be held on Sunday, where prizes would be given to delegates with the best diplomatic skills, among other criterion.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2015.
In an effort to give students and other participants an understanding of global issues, a local school launched a four-day Global Model United Nations (GMUN) huddle at its campus on Thursday.
“Disseminate dialogue, debase differences” is the theme for the event for this year’s event organised by the Global System of Integrated Studies (GSIS). Stalls of various countries were set up on the occasion.
MUNs are held at most educational institutes and include social events, mock UN assembly sessions and many other activities. Students are assigned various countries, which they represent on the ‘world stage’.
Quratulain Rizvi, principal of the school, said international affairs had an impact on internal affairs of a country and it was time to better understand both with an aim to resolve issues.
“From famines to water crisis and terrorism-related issues, we collectively need to find common solutions to common problems,” she remarked.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Asim Iftikhar appreciated the event but argued that the second part of the title could have been ‘bridge the differences’. He said it was a coincidence that the inauguration took place on Kashmir Day, when the country was paying homage to the sacrifices of Kashmiris and expressing its support for their independence.
“India should allow Kashmiris their right to self-determination as per the United Nations’ resolutions. Pakistan will never give up its principled stance on this critical issue,” Iftikhar said.
UN Information Centre Director Vittorio Cammarota, the guest of honour, highlighted the role of the UN and its agencies in conflict resolution and in the development of its member countries.
GMUN secretary general gave a brief introduction of the event.
The closing ceremony of the conference will be held on Sunday, where prizes would be given to delegates with the best diplomatic skills, among other criterion.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2015.