TIRANA – 11 March 2010 – Albanian students from 17 high schools across the country, will participate in the 3rd Albania Model UN Conference, to be held in Tirana on March 11 – 13, 2010. Students involved in this year’s event have been selected from all Albanian geographical regions, 75% of which are girls, encouraging also the empowerment of young women.

During the conference, the Model UN Teams will take part in simulations of the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. The delegates will assume the role of diplomatic representatives and will be faced with the challenging and engaging task of working on items from the UN’s vast agenda. The topics that will be discussed at the conference include: Impact on Children of the Illicit Trafficking of Arms and Light Weapons, Promoting Social and Economic Gender Equality, and The Need for Action in the Face of a Global Water Crisis.

During the opening ceremony of the Model UN Conference, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Gülden Türköz-Cosslett welcomed the participating students, commenting: “Today, I am heartened to see such a large and enthusiastic group of young adults engaged in global issues”. Ms Türköz-Cosslett went on to highlight: “Your voice, your activity and energy can help highlight the role of the United Nations. And, as leaders of the future, you can come up with innovative approaches to help confront the challenges facing the global community. We need the energy, enthusiasm and creativity of young citizens like you”.

As part of the Model UN Conference acivities, students will visit several diplomatic insituttions in Tirana, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, Turkey, Egypt, and various UN agencies. As part of their visit, students will have the opportunity to meet with real diplomats and learn about the work of these institutions in Albania.

Participation in the Model UN provides students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of international relations while strengthening leadership, negotiation, conflict resolution, public speaking and research skills.

The Model UN Programme encourages young people to take an active role in international affairs, and promotes their rights and aspirations for a better global partnership. The greater participation of young people in decision making is an integral part of achieving durable peace and sustainable development.

Photo: US Ambassador Mr. John L. Withers and United Nations Resident Coordinator Ms. Gülden Türköz-Cosslett

The Model United Nations in Albania is a joint effort between the Ministry of Education and Science, US Embassy, Peace Corps Albania, and the UN system in Albania. The Model UN is intended to raise awareness and interest of Albanian high school students and their teachers in international affairs and issues of global concern. Through the Model UN, students become aware of the work of the UN, and its role in promoting international cooperation. Students have the opportunity to create a network in different regions of the country for collaboration and to exchange experiences and ideas.

For more information, contact:

Nora Kushti ,
Communications Manager
Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Albania
nora.kushti@undp.org
  

Besian Xhezo,
Model UN Coordinator
besian.xhezo@undp.org