While the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) is not involved as such in Model United Nations, numerous UNAI member institutions conduct or host such activities. Among these , which recently hosted the International Student Conference Model UN - New Silk Way-2018. For more information on Model United Nations, please visit the of the United Nations Department of Public Information. The report below was prepared by students of Al Farabi Kazakh National University.
11 May 2018 -?The UNAI Global Hub on Sustainability jointly with the Model United Nations (Model UN) New Silk Way Program organized the International Student Conference Model UN - New Silk Way-2018 (MUN NSW-2018) in Almaty at Al Farabi Kazakh National University (Al Farabi KazNU) from April 27-29. The delegates of the conference focused on the global challenges of the 21st?century, including the events in the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula. The students were encouraged in particular by the historic summit and meeting between leaders of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea?and hopes raised by the series of meetings of all major stakeholders in the situation in Syria that have been taken place in Astana City (the Astana process).
In addition, the participants discussed the challenges in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region of Central and South Asia. The conference itself was organized around the following committees: United Nations General Assembly, United Nations Security Council, United Nations Economic and Social Council, United Nations Children's Fund and the World Health Organization. Among the participants were 350 delegates from 20 countries including Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, as well as students from Italy, Vietnam and China. The delegation of Kazakhstan was represented by students from all regions of Kazakhstan who joined into a large delegation.
The MUN NSW?is one of the largest Model UN conferences in Central Asia. It provides an opportunity to practice and acquire diplomatic, leadership, rhetoric and language skills and also serves as a network platform for young leaders. The Journalism student of Al Farabi KazNU Ms. Zaure Kerimkul called the MUN NSW-2018 a deeply motivating event which provides an amazing experience. Representatives of different agencies of the United Nations System in Kazakshtan, the diplomatic corps in Kazakhstan and the?Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs spoke during the event and had the chance to meet with the?students and to answer numerous questions from them.
Furthermore, the conference allowed the delegates to discuss?steps towards advancing the SDGs and the ten principles of UNAI and to broaden the involvement of students in solving global problems.?The Model UN New Silk Way is an integral part of the global network of Model UN and it is an effective and exciting platform not only for students but also for all young people to learn more about the United Nations System and about global development, as well as to take direct part in international debates. This programme?was established in Al Farabi KazNU?in 2013,?as a national and regional center to unite all students and people who have interest in the work of the United Nations and to promote discussion of issues related to sustainable development.