CIMUN: Model United Nations equip young people to lead and create social impact
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There’s a desire that exist amongst young people, the desire to excel, to be better. This ambition is reflected in the exuberance they display in every situation, and it leads to capacity building, cutting across every fields. Perhaps, the dilemma young people face in an ever changing world is not knowing where to start from. An area of capacity building that gets talked about in the 21st century is leadership, social skills and emotional intelligence. To build these, participating in a MUN can be just what we need to increase competency in young people, revamp the education system, develop leadership potential, and ultimately achieve social impact.
But What is MUN, What’s the Big Deal
MUN is an acronym for Model United Nations. It is a simulation of the operations of the United Nations (UN)- the world’s apex political association of states created to maintain international peace and security. Model UN replicates the UN general assembly and its other multilateral bodies in different locations across the globe. It is for people interested in learning more about how the UN operates and it mostly comprises students and young people who take on ambassadorial roles while debating topics of global importance such as gender equality, climate action, global health and more.
The UN is a sophisticated organization that is important in world politics. Young people in local communities frequently experience a sense of alienation and distance due to the politics that takes place on a global scale. MUNs exist to close this gap by bringing UN activities to individuals all around the world in their various communities. MUNs support youth networking and problem-solving collaboration. The age categories represented range from 12 to 25. Young people benefit from learning about and considering global solutions prior to making decisions. MUN fosters a vital sense of community among young people we since they are tackling a global issue.
The rationale behind creation of MUNs is that, if we can create a forum for young people to discuss about global matters, similar to the UN, they will get a knowledge of these topics, provide distinctive viewpoints, and use the skills learned to generate solutions to local problems.
MUNs provide students with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the inner workings of the United Nations and build skills in diplomacy, compromise and decision making. Its history can be traced to the League of Nations, the predecessor of the UN. MUNs offer a myriad of benefits for young people and students all over the world, thus improving social impact.
MUNs and Social Impact: The Nexus
Giving people the tools they need to succeed in their communities is what social impact is all about. MUN plays a crucial role in the improvement of social impact since it has a good impact on human capital by boosting competency and giving young people the tools they need to stand out. It serves as a breeding ground for future leaders and change agents. By teaching students 21st-century soft skills like critical thinking, creativity, cooperation, effective communication, information and media literacy, and leadership, MUNs have a wonderful impact on young people.
Essentially, Students with MUN experience become better acquainted with world issues, and provide them with the necessary skills to contribute to sustainable development in their communities. MUNs has also been the foundation of prominent world leaders like Malala Yousafzai, Kofi Annan, Ban Ki Moon, Barack Obama and Antonio Guterres.
MUNs in Nigeria: The Covenant International Model United Nations.
MUNs have obtained credibility in Africa, especially Nigeria. Nigeria is a member state of the United Nations and it acknowledges the importance of quality human capital as one of the criteria of a prosperous nation and as such welcomed the MUN initiative by encouraging its practice in various tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The Covenant International Model United Nations (CIMUN) is one of the most prestigious MUNs in Nigeria, curated by Covenant University, one of Africa’s Top universities according to Times Higher Education. The establishment of CIMUN aligns with the mission of Covenant University, which is to raise a new generation of leaders. CIMUN is prepared to inspire a significant number of young people to take concrete steps toward creating workable solutions to important global issues through diplomacy and international cooperation.
How CIMUN benefits you…
CIMUN gives students hands-on learning opportunities by involving them in the crucial choices that diplomats and business executives make every day in the field of international affairs.
By guaranteeing that each delegate (student) becomes an expert in one facet of an issue or policy for their delegation to share their expertise with other esteemed delegates during plenary sessions, CIMUN promotes a cooperative learning environment. This fosters a supportive atmosphere where young people collaborate to achieve common objectives.
Students stand to benefit from a multicultural education that helps them overcome their preconceptions about international issues and appreciate different points of view. Young people will learn the knowledge, abilities, and attitudes required to function well in a country and a world that are varied in terms of culture and ethnicity.
Young people can learn future-focused skills including teamwork, communication, writing, and effective leadership through CIMUN. It broadens students’ knowledge bases, improving their subject-matter tolerance and cognitive capacities.
This year CIMUN would be holding its 4th session themed “Global leadership and shared responsibilities, for peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies”. And it promises an incredible experience to delegates leaving them with an increased self awareness and a unique perspective in addressing problems.
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