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I was part of a group of eight students from Deira International School, Dubai, which went to Cairo last month to take part in a Model United Nations (MUN) assembly held at The American International School, Cairo. All of us agreed that the adventure began almost from the time we boarded the plane.
We had been preparing for the MUN for three months researching international issues such as strengthening the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Georgia-Abkhazia conflict.
Delegates, as we were all called, represented countries such as Denmark, Libya, Iceland and Madagascar. We participated in the General Assembly A, General Assembly B, Security Disarmament and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) forums.
Endless Debates
The first day of the conference began with a session on 'lobbying and merging'. All the delegates sat together for a discussion that lasted for hours. Our task was to arrive at some unanimous resolutions. We finally agreed on three resolutions.
There were more debates and discussions on the second and third day of the conference. Although the topics were quite serious, there were quite a few funny moments such as when the sessions coordinator declared: "Delegates, laughing is out of order"; and "Delegates, please behave yourself". We even passed notes to fellow delegates!
In my forum (General Assembly A), where I was a delegate from Madagascar, we debated for about two hours on human rights issues, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, stockpiling of weapons and anti-personnel mines.
— The writer is a student of Deira International School, Dubai
The experience
What other students in my group had to say about their experience:
Mohammad Tahboub, grade 9
"I represented Libya in the General Assembly A forum. I can proudly say I made a difference and spoke as a representative of my country who's there to make a change in the world."
Karim Mansour, grade 10
"I was a delegate from Madagascar at ECOSOC which discusses global issues. It was a great, rewarding experience. I advise anyone who can to join an MUN."
Al Hassan Al Shaibani, grade 12
"Model UN gave me a chance to investigate political situations around the world, develop personal confidence, improve public speaking skills, make many friends and allow room for personal growth."
Ameen Al Shaibani, grade 10
"Model UN was really memorable. One of my resolutions got passed and that's what made my conference even more rocking!"
Yahya Abdul Majeed, grade 9
"MUN was one of the best conferences I've ever attended. I am ready for next year's conference and to make a change as a citizen."
Ali Obaid, grade 9
"It was fun debating and every time I spoke I made sure I surprised, or rather shocked, fellow delegates. It was really amazing and I can't wait to go next year."
Jordon Hollis, grade 10
" The forum I was in managed to come up with resolutions for all of the issues discussed. I cherish the memory of my time at the conference."
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