High School learners gear up for Model UN Conference

 Jointly hosted by the UN Namibia and the British High Commission, the conference will bring together 90 high school learners to simulate a UN General Assembly session focused on "Advancing gender equality and women's empowerment: building sustainable societies globally."

The two-day conference will provide high school delegates with the opportunity to debate, negotiate, and develop resolutions addressing gender inequality and promoting women's empowerment. Representing UN member states, learners will engage in thoughtful diplomatic discussions using UN frameworks, protocols, conventions, and national policies.

At the end of the conference, participants will receive certificates and awards for Best Delegate, Best Speaker, Best Delegation, and Best School.

The United Nations System in Namibia, the British High Commission, and the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture proudly support the Model United Nations programme in Namibia. Recognizing its immense contribution beyond the school curriculum, the programme hones practical life skills and exposure across various subjects. Since its inception in 2012, Model UN in Namibia has become a powerful tool for youth engagement, empowering Namibian learners to explore complex global issues and develop a deep understanding of international cooperation.

"Since my arrival in Namibia in 2021, it has been a pleasure for the British High Commission to sponsor the Model UN. Each year, I have been hugely impressed and humbled by the maturity and professionalism of the learners who take part, and it is always gratifying to see how much their skills improve in just two days, in diplomatic knowledge, public speaking and listening to others. It's what the United Nations really is all about,’’ said Charles Moore, British High Commissioner to Namibia.

"Model United Nations is more than just a simulation; it's a catalyst for young people to engage with the world's most pressing challenges," said Hopolang Phororo, UN Resident Coordinator in Namibia. "By immersing themselves in diplomacy, human rights, and sustainable development, young people see first-hand the opportunities available to advocate for a better future."

In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 17 on partnerships, the Model UN programme harnesses the expertise and resources of UN Namibia and the British High Commission to create a meaningful youth engagement platform that has positively influenced thousands of Namibian youth for over a decade.

"It's rewarding to know that we can provide Namibian youth with the same opportunities that many young people enjoy globally," Phororo continued. “We are grateful for this tripartite partnership with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and the British High Commission and we are glad to see the interest of schools growing. In 2012, we had 60 students participate and this year, 95, facilitating an opportunity for Namibian youth to acquire new skills and broaden their perspectives beyond their homes, schools, and communities."

Delegates will represent 50 UN member states, paired into delegations from various schools. Sixteen ( 16) schools and youth organisations will participate in the conference. With the guidance and support of school principals and teachers, youth delegates will embody the role of diplomats, accurately representing their countries' positions on the discussed topics. In preparation, learners will conduct thorough research on their assigned countries and their stances, aiming to conclude the two-day conference with the adoption of a resolution.

On 28 September 2024, a training session was held to prepare delegates for the upcoming conference. The training covered essential topics such as research, writing opening speeches and position papers, drafting UN resolutions, debating resolutions, making amendments, and conducting themselves during formal proceedings. This training was the first step in providing ongoing support and guidance to learners in the run-up to the November conference.

"I wish all delegates the best of luck in their preparations and research," concluded Charles Moore. "We look forward to meeting the next generation of diplomats at this year's MUNNAM."