Feature Photo by Pulse.
National Youth Model United Nations (NYMUN) seeks to give delegates an insight into the workings of the United Nations and expose them to the dynamics and dimensions of the international political system by assuming the roles of UN representatives and members of other international bodies. NYMUN is an exciting opportunity for students to debate issues that confront world leaders and draft resolutions in response to these global issues.
Most Model United Nations (MUN) experiences on the island, thus far have been limited to school level engagement, with very little engagement as unique as the MUN experience beyond high school. The NYMUN Secretariat having recognized the importance and need to extend this opportunity to those currently pursuing tertiary level education as well as those engaged in professional life whilst still giving the opportunity to school goers, is now laying the foundation for sustained engagement of such individuals beginning with this year’s conference. We believe that by including passionate and diverse youth currently engaged in various academic and professional ventures, we will give them the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills, whilst developing perspectives and attitudes necessary for leadership and civic engagement.
By engaging youth, our hope is that they come to possess the core values young leaders must possess; the ability to communicate, compromise and reach sustainable solutions that are inclusive of all communities and individuals. NYMUN will also function as a platform to meet and exchange ideas, as well as build lasting connections between dynamic individuals who may perhaps one day be at the forefront of our nation.
The Conference & Event
The event will take place on September 16 and 17, 2017 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The National Youth Model United Nations (NYMUN) 2016 was a two-day conference that functions as a national simulation of the United Nations and its affiliated organizations, for youth aged 16-30. Organized by Connect Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, this initiative which has been endorsed by the National Youth Services Council and the UNFPA, is conducted under the goodwill of Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies. The conference took place on the 20th and 21st of August 2016 in Colombo.
NYMUN 2017 will be similar to its original version, albeit the fact that this year it will be targeting a larger audience in terms of youth across the nation.
Responsibilities of the Chair
The Chair is the representative of the committee – they make statements on behalf of the committee as a whole, to the committee as well as to other stakeholders, including the media, the Secretariat, the organizers, and others. It is essential, thus, that in this role they speak and act impartially and not seek to promote any national or personal views. They must treat all delegates equally and impartially, and not appear to favour any party or any side of a contentious issue.
Benefits to Participants
Youth participating in this conference will benefit from the recognition of the importance of their participation. Young people are vulnerable to a number of challenges that are exclusive to them, and while most aspire to full participation in the life of society, their voices tend to be ignored. The problems facing youth, challenge not only today’s societies but future generations as well. It is essential that we, as the youth, are given a role and a voice in seeking to address these challenges, as young people are both a major human resource for development, and key agents for social change, economic development, and social innovation. By enabling more effective and inclusive participation of young people we can benefit from their energy, idealism, unique perspectives, and innovative and creative ideas. Young people are the best voices on the issues that affect them and as such, are integral to achieving effective and enduring solutions. By empowering young people to participate more fully in society and decision-making processes, they become engaged as partners in shaping the world they will inherit and pass on to future generations.
Write to the Secretary-General Mr. Sulaiman Rameez to apply.
