The days between November 28th to December 2nd 2019 were eagerly awaited by the Ismaili Youth all over the United Arab Emirates as this was when the inaugural Ismaili Youth Model United Nations Conference, the first of its kind, was held in Dubai. Bringing together youth between the ages of 10-18 to participate in fruitful debate and thought-provoking discussions concerning issues of global significance, the event offered Ismaili youth with a glimpse of a typical United Nations conference.
The aim of the conference was to provide the future leaders of the world with a platform to express fact-based viewpoints on matters of global concern in an articulate manner and reach a consensus by suggesting realistic and innovative resolutions, remaining in keeping with the conference’s theme of ‘A Clash of Ignorance’.
According to Rayan Zindani, delegate of the UAE in the Economic and Social Council, “IYMUN was a very useful experience as it enhanced my research and communication skills, both of which are very important. The debates were not only beneficial, but fun too.”
IYMUN followed the procedure of The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN). In the words of Zain Sadruddin, who was awarded best delegate for the First General Assembly following an impressive performance as delegate of the United States, “With the THIMUN structure, tackling resolutions head-on gave me a newfound appreciation for the conference as it shed light on the key values of empathy and determination upon which the United Nations was established. IYMUN was an incredible experience that provided me with multiple perspectives into how intergovernmental organizations aim to resolve global issues.”
The conference was led by Abeer Ladhani, who was elected as the IYMUN Secretary-General, and involved three committees running simultaneously that focused on two global concerns each. Each committee was led by at least one Chair whose role was to guide the delegates, maintain decorum within debate sessions, ensure that the conventions of a typical UN conference were being followed, and advocate equality throughout the debates that took place.
The First General Assembly, consisting of delegates within the 13-18 age group, tackled issues of threats to national stability caused by religious intolerance and the implementation of the UN Counterterrorism Strategy. This committee was led by Committee Chair Ameeqa Qureshi.
The Human Rights Council, consisting of delegates within the 10-12 age group, focused on matters of ensuring the rights and security of refugees and asylum seekers from the Middle East and Africa region and addressing the impact of traditional practices on the human rights of women in Asia. This committee was led by Committee Chair Alizain Babul and Deputy Chair Sara Firdous.
The Economic and Social Council, consisting of delegates within the 10-12 age group, discussed concerns of implementing the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and limiting the negative effects of climate change on the global marine environment. This committee was led by Committee Chair Insha Bandeali.
In addition to training and debate sessions, participants interacted with their fellow delegates during the fun filled IYMUN Social Night, an event that was integrated within the IYMUN experience in keeping with the components of a typical Model United Nations conference.
The impact that the IYMUN has had on all individuals that have been part of the experience is immense and long-lasting. As His Highness the Aga Khan stated upon receiving the Tolerance Award in 2006 at the Tutzing Evangelical Academy, Germany, "When hope takes root, a new level of tolerance is possible." In the words of Secretary General Abeer Ladhani at the closing ceremony of the IYMUN, “Now, having seen this hope take root in each and every one of our delegates, I can say with certainty that our youth have reached a new level of tolerance and truly tackled this clash of ignorance.”
His Highness the Aga Khan has communicated with conviction his strong expectation that educational initiatives, much like the IYMUN, will contribute powerfully to building new bridges of understanding across the gulfs of ignorance. In alignment with this notion, The Inaugural Ismaili Youth Model United Nations has been a steadfast journey of intellectual growth, harmonious collaboration, and a collective strive towards global consensus in the hopes of building a world that is full to the brim with opportunity. Thus, the first annual IYMUN is a stepping stone towards inspiring Ismaili youth all over the world to epitomize the ethics of Islam, and in doing so, work towards fulfilling the Imam’s utmost ambition to build a peaceful world.
Written By: Ameeqa Qureshi
