High School Learners take top honours at MODEL UN Conference

The 12th annual Model United Nations Namibia (MUNNAM) Conference took place on November 5-6, 2024, at the United Nations House in Klein Windhoek, where high school learners were honoured for their outstanding contributions during the closing ceremony. Jointly hosted by UN Namibia, the British High Commission, and the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, the conference allowed learners to simulate a UN General Assembly session focused on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Over two days, delegates successfully passed one resolution out of four tabled. Awards were presented by H.E. Charles Moore, British High Commissioner to Namibia, and Dr. Carlos Fernandez Garcia, Team Leader & Strategic Planner at the UN Resident Coordinator's Office.

The top honours went to the following delegates:

Best Delegation: Delegation of Haiti

Ndapewa Shilemba (Windhoek International School) and Johannes Johannes (Hage Geingob High School)

Best Delegate: 

Johanna Shikongo, representing Australia (Hage Geingob High School)

Best Speaker: 

Benjamin Oldenburg, representing India (Windhoek International School)

Best School: 

Windhoek International School

All participants received certificates of participation, with 16 schools and 93 delegates marking a successful conference. 

Reflecting on the event, Charles Moore stated, "I was truly impressed by the outstanding display of diplomacy from our young delegates. It is clear that the Namibian youth are well poised to lead in the future. Listening to their ideas and perspectives inspires hope for a brighter tomorrow."

Samuel Ocran, UNICEF Representative and Acting UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized the importance of youth engagement: "Youth are not just beneficiaries of the UN Agenda; they are essential partners in shaping a sustainable future. With their energy, creativity, and innovation, young people play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals."

The MUNNAM conference continues to empower Namibian youth by fostering critical thinking, public speaking skills, and international cooperation. This initiative not only enriches their educational experience but also equips them with invaluable skills for their future endeavours.

About MODEL UN

The Model United Nations Namibia (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 12 years with UNIC Windhoek as custodian.