The Future We Want Model United Nations (FWWMUN) took place from March 9-11, 2018 in New York City. The event was put together by a mind-blowing team of Rotaractors and persistent young diplomats in partnership with the Rotaract Global Model United Nations (RGMUN) and the Italian Diplomatic Academy (IDA). More than 2,500 youth representatives of 136 countries participated in the event. The conference provided the delegates an opportunity to explore issues the United Nations faces today. IVolunteer International was pleased to publish the event on our platform and send a delegation.
The attendees engulfed New York City with their global personalities and localities on Friday, March 9, 2018, and checked-in to their respective hotels. The check-in process was genuinely tedious but quite unexpectedly, everyone worked together to put the puzzle together and work towards success. Checking in 2,000+ delegates was no easy task, so kudos to the organizing committee. Short after check-in was completed, the opening ceremony took place at the Hilton Hotel Midtown, Grand Ballroom. The event was graced by Ambassadors’ to the United Nations, the ED of the Italian Diplomatic Academy and the Secretary-General of the conference all of whom spoke about the importance of youth leadership and youth action.
“We have the voice to change cities, countries, and the world. Excellence is not a virtue, it’s a habit. We have to continue and keep pressing.” – SG Maxton Scotland.
The Secretary General’s opening remarks were met with cheers and accepting applause. The energy that sparked at the opening ceremony was high throughout the weekend, adjusting to changing schedules, compromising to accommodate resolutions, debating to uphold national mandates and to learn, network, and grow in each other’s personal and professional boundaries.
For the next two days committee sessions were held simultaneously in the United Nations Headquarters and the Westinn, and Sheraton NY hotels. Some of the committee sessions were heated and spirited up with civil debate, some delegates adamant to uphold their foreign policy mandate and some delegates working in coalitions to achieve a common goal with compromises. The committee sessions almost stimulated a real United Nations environment and demanded strategy, diplomacy, and international understanding skills from the delegates.
The second day, IVolunteer International hosted Mr. Maxton Scotland (Secretary General), Ms. Aniqah Zowmi (Youth advisor for the Canadian Commission to UNESCO), and Adria de la Cruz (Under-Secretary-General for Press and Media) on a live interview panel moderated by Nipuna Ambanpola (Executive Director, IVolunteer International). The session discussed some key topics about the FWWMUN goals, the importance of attending, and how young people can take action in their own community. A special discussion took place about the International Women’s Day and what it means to, and how it affects women around the world.
https://www.facebook.com/ivolunteerint/videos/1850706091670531/
On the 10th (Saturday) the Rotary Club of New York hosted delegates who were Rotaractors for a Rotaract 50th Anniversary Celebration and fund-raiser at the Monarch Roof-top bar. Rotaractors around the world participated and the event ended with a massive success.
The third and final day closed up sooner than anyone expected. After the third committee sessions, the closing ceremonies took place in Hilton Midtown. The Chairpersons of each committee was able to vote and adopt the resolutions compiled by each committee and the night dawned with delegates bidding good-byes to their new friends with new strengths, goals, networks, and hope for a new future at hand.
###
Follow the discussion on social media: #FWWMUN, #Rotaract50, #IVolunteerLive
Featured Photo: GC4Women | Copyright labeled for non-commercial reuse.
