Model UN to simulate COP26 on Climate Change next week

Windhoek, 04 November 2021 – The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Windhoek in partnership with the British High Commission in Namibia will be hosting the Model United Nations Namibia (MUNNAM) High School Conference from 10 – 11 November 2021 at the UN House in Klein Windhoek.

Delegates from ten (10) high schools will convene to simulate a UN General Assembly session on the topic, “The role of fossil fuel production in the climate crisis.” Delegates from both public and private schools will team up in pairs to represent their assigned countries as heads of delegations.

The MUNNAM Conference will empower Namibian youth through providing a platform to share ideas, build consensus and walk in a diplomat’s shoes – consequently leading to an intimate understanding international relations and the role of multilateralism.

The topic of this year’s conference is internationally relevant and resonates strongly with the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) on Climate Change currently taking place in Glasgow. COP is the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference attended by world leaders to discuss climate action.

This year’s COP is of major significance as world leaders need to revise the plans borne out of the COP21 and the landmark signing of the Paris Agreement that saw countries commit to reducing carbon emissions and lowering global warming.

The Republic of Namibia has pledged to reduce its emissions by 91 percent. Namibia is well positioned, in terms of resources, to play a role in crafting climate change solutions and through its green economic recovery plan, the country endeavours to build a more sustainable future for the next generation.

The science shows the climate crisis is a “code red” for humanity. The Glasgow Climate Conference, under the UK’s presidency, must be a turning point that delivers a clear roadmap to keep 1.5 Celsius within reach, provide protection to the millions of people hit by climate impacts and ensure that developing countries get the financial and technical support they need. COP26 must be a moment of renewed solidarity between nations.

“Countries must come together and collaborate to rebuild trust, commit to action, and deliver in full on the promises made in the Paris Agreement,” said Charles Moore, British High Commissioner to Namibia. He added: “There are four pillars of activity – mitigation, adaptation, finance and collaboration – all of which are essential if we are to deliver on our commitments”.

“Our young delegates have undertaken rigorous training and research in preparation for the MUNNAM Conference, and as Namibian delegates raise ambitions and climate action in Glasgow, our young people will be doing something similar in Windhoek. It is my hope that this educational simulation will invigorate young advocates for climate action who will hold us accountable for implementation and drive action at grassroot to high level,” said Sen Pang, UN Namibia Resident Coordinator.

About MODEL UN

Model UN is a popular activity for those interested in learning more about the how the UN operates. Many leaders, local and international, have participated in Model UN as students or learners. The MUNNAM programme in Namibia is a flagship educational programme of the United Nations Information Centre in Windhoek. Delegates learn useful life skills such as research, public speaking, resolution writing, debating, negotiating, lobbying as well as solutions-based thinking and diplomacy. Participants learn more about the UN, multilateralism and the ability to take on a position outside their own. MUNNAM has been running for close to a decade with UNIC Windhoek as custodian.

About COP26

The UK is hosting the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October – 12 November 2021.The COP26 summit brings parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The UK is committed to working with all countries and joining forces with civil society, companies and people on the frontline of climate change to inspire climate action ahead of COP26.

More: https://ukcop26.org/