United Nations Department of Public Information continues to support Model UN Conferences

The UN Department of Public Information Office in Armenia, in cooperation with the Armenian UN Association, the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized a Model UN Conference simulation of the Security Council session, which was held yesterday in Yerevan.

This Republican Model UN Conference summarized five Model UN Conferences, which were conducted for the first time all over Armenia in 2010 for 150 young people. The delegates of this Model UN were the best participants of the regional UN Conferences and other active youth from their respective regions.

Some 30 students represented 15 UN Member States simulating the work of the UN Security Council.   They prepared their countries’ positions on the topic of the Conference “Opening the Borders: Reassessment of Armenian-Turkish Relations”.

Maria Dotsenko, Representative of the UN Department of Public Information, said: “I am impressed how well these participants are prepared. The UNDPI traditionally supports the organization of UN Model Conferences.  Youth from all over the country have a unique opportunity not only to learn more about the functioning of the UN and its values, but also to improve their negotiation, communication and consensus-building skills, which will help them to be more active participants in society.”

Mr. Vahram Kazhoyan, Head of the Department of International Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added: “Discussions about Armenian-Turkish relations will help young people to look at this sensitive issue from the global perspective and will strengthen their knowledge of Armenian foreign politics and international relations”.

Arpine Danielyan, the Executive Director of the Armenian UN Association commented: “Our Association has always encouraged youth involvement in public activities. I am sure that the participation in the Model UN Conferences is one of the best ways for youth to express themselves as decision-makers”.

Prior to the Conference, a training was held to educate the participants on the UN, the functions and structures of the Security Council and the Rules of Procedures.  Experienced trainers guided the participants’ research and distributed specially designed guidelines.

Armen Martirosyan, from Lori, Vanadzor, was chosen by participants as the Best Delegate and his work received a special recognition by a symbolic award.

Model UN Conferences are a simulation of the UN bodies during which participants represent different

UN member States and discuss issues of global importance. The models enjoy great popularity among youth in many UN Member States as well as in Armenia.  Participants do research on proposed mock study cases, present their respective country statements, learn to find consensus, discuss their positions and negotiate a joint resolution.