More than 330 young students interested in European and world affairs from nearly 30 countries participated on the second conference European Model of United Nations (EuroMUN.) The Maastricht United Nations Student Association (UNSA) under the head of Maastricht University hosted the authentic simulation of the UN General Assembly and other multilateral bodies from April 23 to 26, promising great discussions and over helming cultural exchange.

“EuroMUN is a simulation of important political international organisations. By simulating their work the participants learn about the method, work and structure of these organisations,” said the Secretary General of UNSA Faryda Hussein. She defined the main goal of the conference as “putting the human face on the world affairs,” and said, “Unity in Diversity is the slogan of Europe and such a view we in Maastricht have of EuroMUN.

United in our motivations and deeds, to come together as young people and address constructively issues of great importance to our future; diverse in our backgrounds and recognising the potential for mutual learning, we come together not only to negotiate, deliberate and socialize within a real-life UN surrounding, but most importantly to recognise that we are and have to be active and responsible citizens if we want our voice to be heard.”

Except for the direct UN bodies as Security Council, Human Rights Council or Economic and Social Council, the participants had an opportunity to challenge their social skills as well as debating skills in other non-UN committees as the European Council, NATO or the African Union. The organisers gave the chance to the participants to attend exclusive talks by analysts who gave the students more in-depth insights into the matter and to experience a live chat with the real experts from the United Nations headquarters in New York.

“You have a key role to play in building a better understanding of our United Nations; what is it, what it does, and what it can do. I thank all the participants for their commitment in EuroMUN 2009,” said Ban Ki -moon, the UN Secretary General.

Simulating international organisations began even before the birth of the United Nations, when few students held a series of Model League of Nations in the 1920s. The popularity of Model UN continues to grow and today more than 400,000 middle schools, high schools and university students worldwide participate every year. Many of today’s leaders in law, government, business and the arts participated in Model UN during their academic careers. More than one million people have participated in MUN conferences that take place in 35 countries.

“Maastricht University encourages youth empowerment, inter-cultural dialogue and social development and is therefore pleased to host this international event during which contested world issues are discussed by students of today and prospective leaders of tomorrow. I strongly believe that by participating in the European Model United nations young people will have the genuine opportunity to develop their potential as future-orientated citizens,” said Jozef Ritzen, the President of Maastricht University.

Generally, delegates participating on the Model UN are students who assume the role of an ambassador to the United Nations and most of the time the special background in the international relations is not required. Involving young people in this international event and discussion of global issues encourages according to Secretary General of UNSA the development of skills useful throughout their lives, such as research, writing, public speaking, problem solving, consensus building and conflict resolution. “I can call EuroMUN without exaggeration one of the nicest experiences of my life,” said the delegate of the conference.