First-ever Model UN at QU
Inaugural event for Qatar University Model UN Committee (QUMUN).
Qatar University (QU) held its first-ever Model United Nations on May 1-2 at Ibn Khaldoon. It was organized by the institution's International Affairs Program (IAP) and QU Model UN Committee (QUMUN) in conjunction with the QU-based Qatar Political Society.
The event was a simulation of deliberations and discussions at the United Nations in which students take on the roles of representatives of world governments. Topics included "Weapons Proliferation", "Biological/Chemical Weapons", "Regional Security", "Education bonds between OIC Countries", "Poverty,Immigration and Sustainable Development", and "The International Water for Life Decade (2005-2010)".
Over 250 students attended the event in which 5 Doha schools participated - Pakistan Education Centre, Qatar Independent Secondary School, Al-Wakra Secondary School, Al-Shaima Secondary School and Omar bin Katab Secondary School.
Keynote speaker was H.E. Dr Lulwa Bint Abdullah Al-Misnad, Acting Assistant Secretary-General of Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting. Distinguished attendees included the Ambassadors of Egypt, France and Japan, and the Deputy Head of Mission of Pakistan.
Opening the ceremony, QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad said: "We are honored to host this inaugural event which aims to further develop the participants' skills of solidarity, empowerment and excellence". She further told the participating students: "With the enduring principles of unity through diversity, we encourage you to bravely confront the difficulty and divisive issues in our global village - we are confident in your strengths, abilities and success in the days ahead".
Dean of QU College of Arts & Sciences Dr Siham Al-Qaradawi praised the participants, saying: "Particularly inspirational and promising is your energy and excitement that is causing an enlightened transformation of the Arabian Gulf".
Director IAP Dr Amira Sonbol said: "This event not only introduces students to the important issues of international relations and global community, it also strengthens their organizational and communication skills".
IAP Assistant Professor and QUMUN Committee Chair Dr Farhan Mujahid Chak noted that the event aimed to bring together young scholars to engage in an authentic simulation of the UN and to educate participants in the skills of consensus-building, conflict resolution and negotiation. "This experience will nurture them into confident, articulate, sophisticated individuals who are similarly cognizant of their religious and socio-cultural identity", he said.
He added further: "We had a wonderful turnout and hope that this will be an annual event which will encompass other QU Colleges and departments and later, other universities in Doha". |  |
