Ghanaian students participate in model UN confab

Some Ghanaian students have through the initiative of Life Link Friendship Schools participated in the annual Global Classrooms International Model United Nations (GCIMUN) Conference which ended recently in New York.

The delegates, numbering 47, drawn from 12 junior high schools (JHSs) in the country, joined about 1,500 other delegates from all over the world to participate in the GCIMUN. They were drawn from the SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International, Queensland International, St. Peters Mission, Sap’s School, Al Rayan International, Cradle of Grace, Rosharon Montessori, Tema Parents International, North Ridge Lyceum, St. John Bosco, Aves Academy and Happy Kids School.

Deliberations

 This year’s conference simulated the committees of the United Nations, discussing pertinent global issues, some of which were militarisation of space, fight against malnutrition, rights of indigenous people and combating child labour. Resolutions were passed accordingly to provide solutions to the problems. 

As part of this year’s conference, the delegates paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mrs Martha Pobee. They also visited the Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the New York Mayor, and met with the First Lady of New York, Chirlane McCray.

In an interview, Ms Emmanuella Mensah, a participating delegate from Cradle of Grace School, said:  “meeting with other delegates from around the world has been exciting and educative, and interacting with diplomats and high profile personalities was a great inspiration”. 

Growing opportunities

The leader of the delegation, Mr Ernest Gyimah-Danquah, Director of Life Link Friendship Schools, commented on the need for young people to make use of growing opportunities to learn and expand their knowledge in international relations, and encouraged parents to register their children with such educative programmes.

The Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations Organisation. Students gather in committees such as the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, etc, to represent a particular member nation of the UN, and work towards finding diplomatic solutions to critical issues that the world faces today.

Every year, Life Link Friendship Schools organises series of Model UN programmes for JHS and tertiary students, as a forum for training future diplomats, teaching them about global issues, negotiation skills, leadership and crisis resolution.