Students debate world hunger at MUN event

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

Over 140 students from 25 schools discussed current world issues at the first ever Model United Nations (MUN) conference hosted by the University of Wollongong in Dubai.

The three-day conference was held to promote the MUN culture and encourage students’ interest in world issues and develop soft skills that are required to have a successful career in these fields.

The Model United Nations  conference is a recent addition to the extra-curricular activity for UOWD students. Students were challenged to brainstorm and identify solutions that can change the world for the better rather than having debates that are based on complaints.

The conference was conducted in The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) format.

Through the course of activities during the event, students demonstrated substantial researching, public speaking, debating, and writing skills, as well as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities. In addition to this, they also learned how complex issues are discussed and compromises are made.

Addressing the audience at the opening ceremony, Zaina Habib – head of communications for the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP), said that the UNWFP’s mandate is to raise awareness of world issues related to hunger and to fight hunger, with its ultimate goal being to reach a world with zero hunger.

She said, “Addressing the youth is one of the key actions that we need to focus on, as their impact on communities has never been so strong as it is now, thanks to the use of social media - which has the ability to impact thousands of people globally.

It is great to see so many students looking to be a part of the MUN as their contributions can play a role in the solution, from now until they graduate and enter the world of business.”

Franky Barreto, manager of Student Services at UOWD welcomed the talented students to the conference and witness them represent important delegates from different nations and discuss world issues.

“The participating students looked both excited although nervous and we’re very glad to be able to provide them with a platform to learn and enhance their skills,” he said.