Diplomats in training

Students from the UAE University (UAEU) are trying to raise Dh120,000 in sponsorship funds for their trip to the World Model United Nations (World MUN) in Singapore next month.

A group of 20 female students are seeking sponsorship for their airfare, room and boarding costs during the four day conference.

They have contacted over 100 companies with their sponsorship proposal and have yet to receive promising responses.

"Last year, UAEU was the only university representing the Arab world and we were the only all women's group, which I think is the same case this year," said Nasra Al Rahma, 19, who studies political science and philosophy.

Eager to attend her first Model United Nations (MUN) conference, Rahma wants to join in the events that countless numbers of students participate in worldwide.

So what exactly is MUN and why are so many students excited about pretending to be diplomats at a mock conference?

"Obviously it's just a game but it makes you feel very important," said Ksenia Sinelnik, Secretary General of the Emirates International MUN (Emimun). In it's second year, Emimun was held at the Dubai branch of the Saint Petersburg State University of Engineering and Economics last week. It saw more than double its student participants from last year, bringing the total number of delegates from nearly 20 countries to 120.

"It's entertaining and fun and makes you feel like you are a real diplomat."

University students hold MUN conferences at their own institutions. They role-play as diplomats representing a nation or non-governmental organisations (NGO) in a simulated session of a UN committee, such as the Security Council or General Assembly.

Delegates on a committee represent a country, other than their own, to research its history, geographical position and political situation. They then debate, deliberate and consult from their appointed country's standpoint on specific world issues on the current United Nations agenda.

International conference

Active local MUNs then go on to participate in international conferences such as the World MUN or the London International MUN. They can also participate in conferences at other institutions around the world who host international university delegates.

For example the American University in Dubai's MUN (Audmun) recently represented the Republic of Haiti at the National MUN in Washington DC.

"MUN is a gateway to understanding diplomacy, international relations, foreign policy and trade relations," said Philip Apaza, President and Secretary General of Audmun. "MUN can change your perceptions about global issues and introduce you to new people, making it an avenue for greater success in life and career." At the end of each international and local conference each committee puts together a resolution which is sometimes sent directly to the UN offices in the hosting country.
 
"There have been some cases that have made history whereby the UN adopted the proposed resolution devised by students at MUNs," said Sinelnik. "Students don't have such a template mind like real diplomats so they are able to absorb situations from different perspectives."

 Upcoming events

For information on worldwide Model United Nations (MUN) conferences or to register a university MUN conference visit: www.unausa.org/muncalendar

For up-to-date information on all worldwide university level MUN conferences, except in the US, visit: http://mun.pubintel.org or search Model United Nations MUN Calendar on Facebook.