The MUN Palestine
“Youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” – Nelson Mandela
The lack of opportunities is a massive threat in the future of youth in Palestine. It reflects several internal features, starting from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the general lack of interest in civic matters. Creating youth-friendly system would allow young people to express themselves and have faith in the future. As of today, many of them do not.
UNFPA is working to promote youth inclusion and participation and providing young people with the skills to be positive changemakers in their society. Thanks to the local youth-centred organization Sharek Youth Forum, and through the fund of UNFPA and the European Union, this year, three groups of young people from Gaza and the West Bank participated at the local Model United Nations (MUN) tackling international issues and SDG related topics.
What is the MUN?
The MUN is an opportunity for young people eager to learn more about the UN. It is a simulation that imitates the procedures of the UN during the general assembly meetings, finding solutions for real-world problems. The simulation addresses global issues from an international perspective and abolish international borders by hosting young people and asking them to play the role of state representatives. In practice, it consists in drafting resolutions, presenting speeches, and voting on resolutions proposals through negotiation, discussion, and lively debates like to the real ones happening in New York.
The MUN 2022 in Palestine
Sharek Youth Forum organized three MUN this year; in Abu Dees, Gaza, and Ramallah.
Understanding the importance of the training phase is pivotal. During the months prior to the event, the trainers covered a variety of topics, including the history and establishment of the UN, public speaking skills, basic human rights and freedoms, negotiation skills, advocacy, and conflict resolution, as well as the relationship between Palestine and the UN. 160 youth, university students and recent graduates, have been trained acquiring new knowledge and skills, and having the chance to work in group, learn from one another and exchange ideas.
The pilot MUN simulation took place on July 6th at the Al-Quds University in Abu Dis, where 40 countries were represented to debate on climate change. After the success of the first event, 30 young people from Gaza participated at the conference at the University of Palestine, on August 18th, to discuss statelessness and illegal migration, and the related challenges in nowadays scenario. Click here to watch a brief video summarizing the day in Gaza.
‘’The MUN showed me new cultures, new perspectives. Today, I have the confidence and the skills to raise my voice and remind the world how strong youth are.’’ Jenin Abo Samahdaneh, Gaza.
Some months later, on November 8th, the Arab American University - Al Rihan branch hosted the conference, in Ramallah. 40 youth represented governments such as Turkey, Greece, China, and others to debate about the consequences of the proliferation of nuclear weapons. A two-minute video of the conference can be found here.
‘’Today, we need political renaissance aiming at renewing youth political and national intellects; this is what the MUN is offering us.’’ Ibraheem Jouda, Jericho.
The third conference closed a project aimed at inspiring youth and conferring them the chance to discuss global issues. Youth engagement was remarkable, their commitment and will to learn demonstrated once again their energy and their innovative thinking. Nelson Mandela was right saying that “Youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow”, do not leave them behind.
