Future Leaders take on MUN

Last week, the United Nations Namibia and the British High Commission in Namibia jointly hosted the MUN High School Conference from 10 – 11 November.

The 60 Precocious learners from public and private schools in Windhoek, representing 30 different countries, simulated a UN General Assembly discussion on “the role of fossil fuel production in the climate crisis”.

“It is fitting that this conference has taken place now to engage the youth of Namibia, at the same time that the world meets in Glasgow for COP26,” said Charlotte Fenton, Deputy British High Commissioner.

She emphasised the importance that this experience gives to youth, not only in core diplomatic and negotiating skills, but using the platform to boost the power of their voices in tackling this critical global issue.

The COP26 summit, which took place from 31 October – 12 November 2021 brought nations together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. COP26 crucially called for renewed solidarity among nations and the youth at the MUN got first-hand experience on how multilateral dialogue is crucial to addressing global issues.

“I believe Model UN is a stepping-stone for young people to take their place in civic engagement as global citizens. We are bringing attention to a subject on which urgent youth leadership and action is vital in Namibia and the world at large to ensure the survival of the planet”, said Sen Pang, UN Resident Coordinator to Namibia.

MUN helps students develop public speaking, writing and research skills, and very often, it is the first entry point in learning about the United Nations and its development agenda.

After three rounds of grueling lobbying and deliberations, the assembly finally managed to adopt a resolution on the second day of the conference.

Sponsored by The People’s Republic of China, The Russian Federation; The Arab Republic of Egypt; Republic of India and the Federative Republic of Brazil, the resolution called for countries to replace 60% usage of fossil fuels by using alternative energies such as renewable energy by 2030, investing in solar and wind farms, hydropower stations, geothermal energy”.

Several learners received awards for their respective stand-out performances. Joint “Best Delegate” winners -  as voted by fellow delegates - Moses Filipus from Jan Möhr High School and Yanessa Oliveira from Concordia High Schools, were congratulated by Anthea Basson, Head of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Windhoek, for their consistency throughout the conference. The Model United Nations in Namibia is a flagship educational programme of the UNIC Windhoek.

Basson also announced the winners for Best Delegation, Prince David from Combretum Trust School and Christiaan Prinsloo from Windhoek High School, who received trophies in addition to trees to plant at their respective schools.

 It was the first MUN Conference for many delegates a number rose to the occasion.

“It wasn’t my decision to do it, my debate teacher was the one who told me I should and I am thankful he did cause I did have so much fun and I appreciate the experience – I learned a lot about what is currently going on in the world”, said Prince David.”

“Best Speaker” was awarded to Zest Hill, from Windhoek Gymnasium, while Vimbayi Musavengana from Windhoek International School won the “Special Recognition Award”.

The winning delegates handed over the resolution passed in the assembly to the Deputy High Commissioner, along with a work of art created by Nambowa Malua. The artist transformed doodles and phrases from delegates into a striking image as way for all to remember the conference and the ideals fostered during the conference among the learners.