UN holds first Mock Model Conference

The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Namibia held its first Mock Model United Nations Conference on Tuesday which saw learners simulating different countries, debating the topic, “Women and children in armed conflict.” This week’s mini mock conference was in preparation for the main conference on 14 and 15 September.
Welcoming the delegation of learners, Head of UNIC, Anthea Basson, said the simulation debate was only the beginning as UNIC was committed to host annual conferences and mini simulations on a regular basis. “Today, you are making history as one of the first delegates to participate in a MUN conference on Namibian soil,” she told the learners. The delegates were each given four minutes to present their argument after which questions were posed to them from other delegates. In true United Nations style, motions were raised, resolutions were brought forward and the delegates engaged in debates.
The Model United Nations is a unique, globally organised programme for High School learners and University students, which teaches many of the needed skills to be successful in a globalised world such as leadership skills, public speaking, debating, research and writing, teamwork and diplomacy along with a range of international substantive issues ranging from human rights to nuclear disarmament to science and technology.
According to Basson, the UN vision is to see a delegation of the Namibian students participating in the most important Model United Nations Conference at the UN Headquarters in New York. The Debating Society of the Polytechnic of Namibia will assist the conference.