Youth Model United Nations 2011: The opportunity to make a difference

Political instability in the Middle East, food shortages surfacing in Africa and a debt crisis in Greece that nearly destabilised the European economy are only some of the mainstream issues that have plagued the world in the recent past. With terrorism on the rise and issues such as poverty and climate change receiving insufficient attention, it is clear that we continue to live in uncertain and tumultuous times. Often, such turbulent events provoke us to ask ourselves as to what we can do to make a difference.

Youth Model United Nations 2011, organised by the Rotaract Club of Colombo North, gives you the opportunity to go beyond just asking such questions. It aims to give you the chance to not only consider but also analyse and envision solutions for the issues that face the world at large. At YMUN, delegates will gain an insight into the workings of the United Nations and the dynamics of international relations by assuming the roles of UN representatives and members of other international bodies and national cabinets. YMUN is an exciting opportunity for students to debate issues that confront world leaders and to draft resolutions in response to such global issues. Participants will develop their ability to work with others who are equally motivated and passionate and discuss a diverse array of topics ranging from disarmament and international security to economic, social and humanitarian issues and thereby provide delegates with a unique and enriching experience.

They will also have the opportunity to debate and discuss areas of concern particularly relevant to modern times such as terrorism and climate change. In addition, the Conference will also pay special attention to issues pertaining to reconciliation as Sri Lanka is emerging from a war ravaged era.

The Conference, organised under the theme “Respecting Rights. Respecting Lives”, will be a pioneer in the field of MUN as Youth Model United Nations 2011 will be the first ever of its kind organised in Sri Lanka for youth and university level students. As most Sri Lankan youth are not familiar with the procedures and protocols followed by the different committees of the United Nations, the organising committee of YMUN will be conducting over 10 workshops in districts such as Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Matara, Gampaha, Kurunegala.

Prospective delegates are able register as a delegation from a particular university/institution or as individual delegates. At present, over 250 delegates have registered from around the country including students from the University of Jaffna, University of Colombo, Open University, South Eastern University, University of Moratuwa and University of Kelaniya. In addition, the participation of foreign delegates, including a 25 member delegation from the University of Nottingham, Malaysia and a delegation from the University of Cambridge United Kingdom are expected.  This will undoubtedly enhance the quality of the Conference and those delegates can expect the debates and resolutions drafted to be of a high standard. The Conference is scheduled to be held on 17 and 18 December 2011 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo and is open for university level students and youth aged 18 - 30. YMUN is also accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education of Sri Lanka, the United Nations Organisation, United Nations Volunteers (Sri Lanka), the Embassy of the United States of America as well as the Training for Trusteeship Programme of the Weeramantry International Centre for Peace Education and Research.