The American University in Dubai (AUD) participated in the 43rd session of the University of Pennsylvania Model United Nations Conference (UPMUNC) that took place November 12-16th in Philadelphia in the US; one of the top MUN events in the US held at an IVY League Institution and AUD was the only institution invited from the Middle East.

Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about civics, effective communication, globalization and multilateral diplomacy. In standard Model UN, students take on roles as diplomats and participate in a simulated session of an intergovernmental organization (IGO). Participants research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult, and then develop solutions to world problems.

According to Ms. Poorvi Kunzru, Secretary-General - UPMUNC 2009 in the welcome letter to Delegates and Faculty Advisors:

“UPMUNC is undoubtedly among the largest MUN Conferences in the world. UPMUNC consistently attracts about 1200 delegates from over 75 of the top universities in America and from around the world. Even with this enormous delegate count, UPMUNC remains a truly personal experience because the Conference is powered by a staff of 250 motivated and passionate Penn students who often regard a United Nations simulation to be as, if not more, enriching than their Ivy League education”.

Five students from AUD attended UPMUNC 2009, Charvi Bhatt - Senior Vice President and Deputy Secretary General AUD Model United Nations Organization (AUDMUN), Shivani Moorjani, Disha Pagarani, Rasin Sebai, and Dana Eid; many of the delegates have had extensive exposure to public speaking and have participated in events of such high caliber such as the MUN Conference at UP.

Philip Apaza, the President and Deputy Secretary General for AUDMUN, who was actively involved in their training and preparation of the conference, attended as the advisor of the AUD Delegates on behalf of Ms. Peggy Awad, AUD’s External Relations Manager and advisor to the AUDMUN.

AUDMUN was initiated by the External Relations Office at AUD with the determination and hard work of the AUD Students, after realizing the need for such an organization at an institution of higher learning that holds more than 90 nationalities as part of its student body. The response to put such a club together has been one of great enthusiasm, dedication and support from the AUD Community as a whole.

On the participation of AUD students in the MUN Conference at UP, AUD’s External Relations Manager Peggy Awad says:

“We are proud to be able to provide our students with the opportunity to participate in high caliber conferences around the world as AUD Ambassadors at IVY League Institutions. The importance of their participation in a Model United Nations Conference is significant to further educate students about world issues, promoting peace and the work of the United Nations through diplomacy and cooperation”.

She continues:
“The Model UN experience offers students different kinds of talents that can be developed including skills such as teamwork, persuasive writing, debating and negotiations -- all of which play a crucial role in the importance of personal development that could contribute to their future success”.

Under the guidance of the External Relations Office, Philip Apaza, with the help of two study abroad students at AUD: Lisa Maroni from Saginaw Valley State University and Jean Paul Behrens from University of Tampa, lead the delegates through an extensive training on Model United Nations and worked tirelessly with them to prepare them for the conference.

On choosing Apaza for this role, Awad comments:
“Phil was selected to be the advisor of the delegates due to his extensive experience in MUN Conferences and the many awards that he has won so far including 4 Best Delegate Awards, an outstanding Delegates Award and 2 Honorable Mentions”.

Awad is building strong ties with UPMUNC and hopes to “find ways to build upon our friendship and plan joint activities between UPMUNC and AUDMUN”.

This unique experience offers the students opportunities to learn and experience many different cultures and to be challenged in a different environment. The AUD Administration hopes that the students have been able to add an international dimension to their education and have a memorable experience while expanding their worldviews.