Global Model United Nations General Assembly

With the complicated systems of the United Nations and the high profile mandate that it carries, this event is designed to orient the upcoming world leaders on the procedures of this largest international body. The 2010 GMUN, held in Kualar Lumpur Malaysia, was the second of its kind.

The theme for this year’s GMUN was “Towards an Alliance of Civilizations- Building Cultures to Achieve Peace and Development”. It called upon the youth participants to explore ways in which the modern world can be more secure and prosperous and youth participants deliberated on issues such as terrorism, education, migration, culture, youth, human rights and religions. Apart from the member countries, there was representation of other international bodies such as the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Arab League and The Islam Federation. The Kenya RYC Michael K. Mburu was nominated to represent the Commonwealth Secretariat as the head of delegation- thereby representing the Commonwealth Secretary General- along with four other young people across the Commonwealth as members of the delegation whose the role was that of an observer as is the case in the UN assemblies.

The structure of the summit was as follows:

1) Plenary session: opening ceremony and induction/ orientation

2) Committee Sessions: which included themes such as Education and Civic Engagement ;The Global Information Society: Removing Barriers and Strengthening Cultural Dialogue ;Cultural Challenges to Global Human Security ;Forging Alliances towards Peace and Security

3) Plenary Session: adoption of resolution and closing ceremony

Summary outcomes

ICT and the internet, the assembly believed that governments, media institutions, and civil societies need to work together to develop the internet as a channel promoting cross-cultural dialogue and therefore broadening its access.

Education, Member governments reaffirmed their commitment to universal education for both genders, they pledged to ensure that education is passed on to the learners in factual details.

On media, the delegates called upon media houses across the globe to concentrate more on educational content and programmes that inspire cultural and religious tolerance.

Migration, the assembly recognised that the process of international migration stimulates the exchange of culture, technology and knowledge. However, there was a concern about the obstacles which inhibit the positive outcomes of migration. The assembly noted the problems to be solved for this issue which are human trafficking, illegal immigration flows, and intolerance to cultural and religious views and convictions, which increase the risks of discrimination.

Youth issues, the assembly recognised that almost half of the world’s population consists of the youth under the age of 20, though their views and voices have few channels of expression. It further recognized the efforts made by the United Nations in their proclamation of the commencement of the International Year of the Youth from 12th August, 2010 to 11th August, 2011, intended to promote dialogue and mutual understanding and to advance the full and effective participation of the youths in matters pertaining to all aspects of society in hopes of building an alliance of civilizations.

Intercultural dialogue, the heads of states stated that they would spare no efforts to educate citizens everywhere about the need for intercultural acceptance and dialogue. Education on cultural and religious diversity will be streamlined so as to enable mutual understanding and respect.

On cultural issues related to human rights, the assembly resolved to address the issues regarding migrants, refugees and minority populations in order to reflect its commitment as reaffirmed by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by first facilitating and supporting campaigns regarding the peaceful messages in the holy texts of all religions, the original non-violent, unifying messages advocated by all cultures and religions of the world. Secondly, providing political freedom; economical and social welfare to all layers of society and finally, protecting and respecting migrant or minority groups and preserving their cultural heritage during any kind of educational reconstruction and/or intercultural dialogue.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1) Governments should put measures in place to integrate minority groups

2) The Ministries of Youth should support initiatives to strengthen the primary identities of youth at risk of violence.

3) The Ministries of Youth should accelerate the effort of making the internet available to young people as a source of information and new opportunities