Ex-UN chief Ban exhorts students to excel
Model United Nations conference at GEMS World Academy sees 600 school delegates
What we need is innovation for social good. Young change makers like you are stepping up to the challenges humanity faces. We need your passion, innovation and leadership.”
Ban Ki-Moon | Eighth UN secretary-general
GEMS World Academy – Dubai played host to its official ambassador, Ban Ki-Moon, the eighth UN secretary-general on January 27 as he took to the stage to open what was the IB school’s largest Model United Nations (MUN) conference to date.
Speaking to a packed auditorium with more than 600 delegates from 50 schools across the UAE, Ban shared his message of global citizenship and a call to action, in line with the theme of this year’s conference, ‘Envisioning innovative approaches to conflict mitigation’.
“What we need is innovation for social good. Young change makers like you all around the globe are stepping up to the challenges humanity faces today. We need your passion, innovation and leadership,” he said.
“I ask all of you to act with passion and compassion to prevent conflict in your own families, within your circle of friends and communities and strive to find a job that gives you joy but also serves humanity — be a global citizen.”
Addressing the MUN delegates, Dr Saima Rana, CEO/ Principal of GEMS World Academy – Dubai and Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, said: ““Innovation, making a difference, having a say – these things will be difficult. Most things that are worth anything usually are. Pace yourselves, toughen up and build those support networks that will sustain you through both the good and bad moments. You’re inspiring. I wish you all well.”
The annual three-day MUN Conference is an entirely student-led event – organised by and for student delegates of varying ages and backgrounds. Participating students are engaged in wideranging debates and discussions, which this year focused on how international and national bodies, states and organisations can cooperate efficiently to avoid the negative impacts of both natural and manmade conflicts.
The 2023 Conference was led by the current joint GWA MUN secretary-generals, Arnav Kedia and Sofia Faghihy, both Grade 11 students at GEMS World Academy – Dubai.