Near East University hosted the first comprehensive Model United Nations (NEUMUN) Conference held in Cyprus with international participation. Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General for Cyprus, also participated in the conference with a video message.
Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, which have been held around the world for many years, were held for the first time in Cyprus with the Model United Nations Conference (NEUMUN) organized held by the Near East Institute.
The conference, which brought together students from many universities, was held at the Grand Library of Near East University. The conference, which addressed human values and global issues, featured students seeking solutions to important issues on the world agenda. Three separate committees addressed the topics of “Global Human Trafficking,” “South Africa’s genocide case against Israel,” and “Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.”
Colin Stewart Participated with a Video Message!
In sessions organized in the format of the United Nations Human Rights Council, International Court of Justice and Special Political and Decolonization Committee, participants developed solution proposals by reflecting the perspectives of the countries they represented. Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to develop their negotiation, public speaking and persuasion skills.
The opening speeches of the conference, which was attended by Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General in Cyprus, via video message, were made by Near East University Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Tüzünkan and Near East Institute Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çıraklı. The conference was coordinated by Zainab Suleman, a 4th-year student at the Near East University Department of International Relations, and Abdullah Alkatheri, a research assistant at the Near East Institute.
Future Diplomats Simulated United Nations Meetings
Near East University Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Tüzünkan emphasized that the conference provided an important learning and development opportunity for students. Saying “The Model United Nations Conference contributes to our students’ ability to understand global problems and develop solutions,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tüzünkan stated that the event also encouraged dialogue, understanding and cooperation. He drew attention to the fact that universities are not only centers of knowledge production, but also areas where different views meet and new ideas sprout. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tüzünkan said that NEUMUN builds bridges between students from different parts of the island and that such organizations are in line with the university’s vision of raising individuals with a sense of global responsibility.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çıraklı, Director of the Near East Institute, stated that the event provided young people with the opportunity to think about diplomacy and global issues. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çıraklı said, “This conference contributes to raising not only today’s but also future leaders.” and emphasized that young people are encouraged to take responsibility on global issues and their skills in negotiation, constructive communication with different views and understanding multilateral diplomatic processes are developed.
Zainab Suleman, a 4th year student from the Department of International Relations who assumed the role of Secretary General of the conference, thanked the Near East Institute and the university administration in her speech and said that NEUMUN offers students the opportunity to experience universal values such as diplomacy, dialogue and determination.
Conference Coordinator and Near East Institute Research Assistant Abdullah Alkatheri stated that the experiences young people gain on such platforms prepare them for the future as more conscious, sensitive and solution-oriented individuals.
