Emirates International Model United Nations 2014

Emirates International Model United Nations proved to be a success for the 5th time featuring the Arab League held in Arabic and the participation of Emirati delegates and UAE students. Students from 12 countries had a chance to debate on the most current international issues such as accessibility of education in Arab countries, education for women, sustainable development and explore the city of Dubai.

Event: Emirates International Model United Nations 2014
Date: 1-4 February 2014
Place: International Oriental academy, DKV, Dubai, UAE.

Emirates International Model United Nations 2014 (EMIMUN-2014) was held 1-4 February 2014 under the patronage of International Oriental Academy FZ-LLC and Russian Academic Foundation, and in cooperation with and Moscow International Model United Nations Secretariat.

Model United Nations, or MUN, is simulations of United Nations proceedings training delegates in international negotiations whilst developing their communication skills, knowledge in international relations and diplomatic reasoning. Students play the roles of Ambassadors or Foreign Affairs Ministers when participating in simulations of different United Nations bodies and committees. Active participation in the debate seeking solutions requires extensive research on countries' foreign affairs and ongoing international issues. The main goal of each committee is to adopt a resolution corresponding to the interests of the represented states.

EMIMUN is the first large-scale international youth summit held in the Gulf region on the annual basis. In 2014 the conference celebrates its 5th anniversary. The previous four have proved to be an overwhelming success because of EMIMUN's unique format and scope attracting the attention of the international student community and being covered extensively by both locally and internationally.

The conference was attended by the students of Dubai and Abu Dhabi schools, universities and delegations from Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Germany, Egypt, Kenya, Indonesia and others making a total of 150 students.  During this MUN conference 5 committees were simulated: Security Council, Human Rights Council, Disarmament and International Security Committee, United Nations Development Program Executive Board and Arab League covering the most current social and economic issues.

Russian businessman and public figure, director of the Fund for Support and Development of higher education «Russian Academic Foundation» Roman Putin was among honorable guests at the EMIMUN 2014 Opening Ceremony. In his speech Mr. Putin confirmed that Russia adhered to the principles of the UN and was ready to make substantial contribution to the international development by its projects, educational ones in particular. At the end of his speech Mr. Putin wish participants worthy and successful debates at this conference.

Other honorable guests included Igor Egorov, the Chairman of Russian Business Council in Dubai and Nothern Emirates, Maxim Mineev, Deputy Director of International Oriental Academy, Victor Dopira, Consul of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Dubai and Northern Emirates.

Besides five modeled committees EMIMUN 2014 held a special Emergency Session in response to a mock crisis situation in one of the South Sudanese schools. Arab League and Security Council merged for this session. It evoked a very heated debate about the security and openness issues for education institutions. The simulation was so realistic that some participants truly believed the situation happened.

Tim Hausweiler, Chairperson, Security Council: “The delegates were insisting on solving the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan as soon as possible and in the most peaceful ways.” The most memorable moment for Tim was an unmoderated caucus at the beach.

Marina Vatrasova, Chairperson, UNDP Executive Board: “UNDP Strategic plan 2014-2017 included such broad issues as education, sustainable development, poverty problems. To be honest, I was worried that it would be challenging for the delegates to work on this agenda as it was too general and a lot of participants were new to the model. But we successfully adopted a resolution of 24 clauses – the longest one in EMIMUN 2014”. While visiting Dubai, Marina was amazed on how many nationalities and cultures successfully merge and cooperate in Dubai society.

Arab League delivered resolutions on such problems as accessibility and funding of education in Arab countries, education for women, education certificate recognition, skilled-based learning etc. Sama Shakhshir, Chairperson, Arab League: “To be honest EMIMUN became one of the best experiences of my “model” life. I am a native speaker of Arabic and I understand how hard it is to moderate in it. It is my first experience of such kind that is why it was so exceptional. I was pleasantly surprised with the level of Arabic of our US delegate.”

Salma mentioned a UAE national Shaima Al Mansoori to be one of the most active delegates. Shaima took part in Model UN for the first time and really enjoyed it. She would like to become a part of the Organizing Committee next year to bring in more participants from UAE for EMIMUN 2015.

Alena Korkina, Secretary-General, EMIMUN 2014: “I believe EMIMUN 2014 was really massive and international. We had delegates from 12 countries and for the first time the Arab League sessions were moderated in Arabic. I hope it will become a great tradition for future EMIMUN conferences”. The most memorable moment of Alena's stay in Dubai was quad-riding in the dessert.