2008 News Archive
“Model United Nations 2008”
March 24, 2008
150 students, from 30 schools and lyceums participated in the National Conference for High-School students “Model United Nations 2008”. The Student Alliance of Moldova in cooperation with Peace Corps Moldova organized the event for the third year in a row, with the financial support of the US Embassy in Moldova and the Ministry of Education and Youth, and assistance of volunteers, including FLEX alumni.
The MUN 2008 conference was held from 14th to the 16th of March in the Academy of Economics Studies of Moldova. Students became delegates of different countries of the world. They simulated the work of UN and represented the UN Security Council and several committees. Kaarina Immonen, the UN Resident and UNDP Representative in Moldova spoke at the opening ceremony and held a dialogue with participants about the role of the UN in the world and in the Republic of Moldova.
Friday continued with country presentations. All the teams challenged their imaginations in presenting the culture and history of the countries for which they were delegates. The five most ingenious teams, representing the US, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Australia received awards.
Friday and Saturday the students’ work in committees was filled with serious discussions and debates. Maxim Calancea, Chair in the UNODC committee, said that “I was especially happy to see the evolution in the level of the Conference. MUN really makes a difference and is a unique experience, in particular for the students that come from villages. “
Sunday Sharon Ketchum, US Embassy Acting Public Affairs Officer, joined the participants for the most awaited moment – the awards ceremony. The three best teams and six best delegates, one in each committee, were given prizes by the Moldcell Company.
Model United Nations in Moldova is already a tradition. Each year students have the oppurtunity to learn more about international law and find solutions to the worlds hottest problems. By learning parliamentary procedure, they also learn the rules of democratic debate. Through preparation for the country presentations, the students explore the cultural and social aspects of the countries. MUN provides students with a vast discovery of the world, and also a unique posibilty to grow on personal level.
Author : Ileana Pârtachi
MUN 2008 Project Coordinator