Climate action in the spotlight
Learners discuss the role of women, girls at Model UN
The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Windhoek in partnership with the British High Commission hosted the Model United Nations Namibia (MUNNAM) High School Conference at the UN House earlier this month.
This year, delegates from 12 high schools convened to simulate a UN General Assembly session on the topic “Women and girls must be empowered to make invaluable contributions to, and benefit from, climate action. In so doing we can build sustainable communities”.
The MUNNAM Conference consisted of learners from both public and private schools in Namibia, teaming up in pairs to represent their assigned countries as heads of delegations. The Model UN delegates gain practical skills upon which they can build during their studies and future career paths.
Now in its 10th year, the platform empowers Namibian youth to try their hand at diplomacy, challenging learners to share ideas, build consensus and cultivate skills of persuasion – consequently leading to an intimate understanding of international relations and the role of multilateralism.
Education is key
“Education is fundamental to the growth and prosperity of a nation. For a developing country like Namibia, it is imperative that we continue to set our sights high to complement traditional learning for our young people,” said Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Honourable Faustina Caley.
The topic of this year’s conference implored students to consider the relationship between gender and climate action, consequently highlighting the vulnerability of groups such as women and girls to the effects of climate change and their ability to adapt.
Over the course of two days, children from various backgrounds showcased great skill and intelligence in grasping and speaking knowledgeably on a complex subject. Students touched on a myriad of related issues during their deliberations including the roles of land, credit, agricultural inputs, decision-making structures, technology, training and extension services.
“Model UN is a popular activity for those interested in learning more about how the UN operates. The United Nations Model UN Programme aims to build and maintain strong links between the UN and the hundreds of thousands of students, who participate in Model UN across the globe at all educational levels,” said Sen Pang, United Nations Resident Coordinator to Namibia.
Laying foundations
MUNNAM lays a foundation for young people to have a vested interest in world politics and is a fun, experiential learning activity. It adds great value to the curriculum by covering subject matter in History, Geography, Science, Economics, and English.
“It is my personal wish that this conference ignited a desire among the students to act in their capacity to accomplish the SDGs. Whether it’s small projects at your school or within your community – I hope you leave this conference with the knowledge that change starts with action and you all have the power to act,” Pang added.
After the 2022 MUNNAM conference, the high school delegates successfully passed a resolution which included a clause “to increase access to green and good quality jobs for women and for cities to actively take actions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through prioritizing women in low-carbon and equitable mobility and urban planning solutions...”
Standout performances during the conference were acknowledged during the prize-giving ceremony. The winners were Immanuel Uirab from Hochland High - Best Delegate; Nee Thanks Uupindi from Hage Geingob High School & Andrealda Canuela from Hochland - Best Delegation; Ishaan Agrawal from Windhoek International School - Best Speaker; and Best School – DHPS.
“It was truly a pleasure to sponsor #MUNNAM2022,” said Charles Moore, British High Commissioner to Namibia.” Over the course of just two days, it was a privilege to be able to witness the learners overcome their nerves, become more confident in public speaking, and understand more about global diplomacy. They also made many new friends and contributed fresh ideas to a very relevant international topic. We look forward to Model UN 2023.”