Seeking solutions through debate

Dubai: Five students from the American University in Dubai (AUD) participated in the 43rd session of the University of Pennsylvania Model United Nations Conference (UPMUNC) that took place earlier this month in Philadelphia, US. The event is one of the top MUN events in the US and AUD was the only institution invited from the Middle East.
Charvi Bhatt, senior vice-president and deputy secretary-general, AUD Model United Nations Organisation (AUDMUN), Shivani Moorjani, Disha Pagarani, Rasin Sebai, and Dana Eid made up the AUD team. Philip Apaza, president and deputy secretary-general, AUDMUN, attended the conference as adviser to the delegates.

UN simulation

The MUN is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about civics, effective communication, globalisation and multilateral diplomacy. Students take on roles as UN diplomats. They are assigned a country, which they research and represent at simulated sessions during which through debate and consultation, members arrive at solutions to world problems.
“The Model UN experience offers students different kinds of talents that can be developed including skills such as teamwork, persuasive writing, debating and negotiations — all of which play a crucial role in the importance of personal development that could contribute to their future success,” said AUD’s external relations manager Peggy Awad.

The American University in Dubai Model United Nations Organisation was initiated by the university’s External Relations Office after realising the need for such an organisation in an institution that has more than 90 nationalities as part of its student body. Its goals include educating members on the procedures and styles of a model UN and hosting local-level conferences/summits with other universities in the region.