In a landmark event, 50 young Libyans, have participated in a Model United Nations. This was organized by a Libyan foundation, dedicated to fostering dialogue and debate and supported by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). The event marked a significant stride in engaging Libyan youth in global diplomatic practices, and human rights discourse.
The simulation, reflecting the United Nations Security Council and Human Rights Council meetings, brought together 25 young women and 25 young men from various regions of Libya. It was an opportunity for them to develop their debating and leadership skills, while gaining an understanding of the United Nations structure and processes.
Spanning four days, from 9-12 December, the event featured virtual inputs from international dignitaries such as Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Ambassador of the Netherlands. Their insights added depth to the discussions, highlighting the intricacies of international diplomacy and the importance of human rights.
Ieman Al-Ferjani, a 21-year-old law student at Misrata University, shared her enriched understanding of the complexities of international diplomacy, and the significance of collaborative efforts in solving global challenges. The simulation also fostered diverse discussions among the participants, revealing different perspectives based on the foreign policies of the countries they represented.
Abdulrahman Al-Naseer, 20, from Zawiya, reflected on the simulation’s impact, highlighting the necessary compromises in real political landscapes to achieve significant progress.
A key topic of discussion among the participants was the veto power held by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, underlining the complexities of reaching a consensus in international politics.
Bima Dornenbal, a human rights official at UNSMIL, emphasised the importance of dialogue in shaping future engagements with the United Nations.
Mohamed Abusnaina, Head of the Dialogue and Debate Foundation, commended the UN Model Conferences as an “invaluable educational platforms that enable youth to delve into global issues, and develop a keen understanding of diplomacy, international cooperation, and global priorities.”
The foundation plans to extend these simulations across Libya, allowing young people from diverse backgrounds to participate in future events, thereby fostering a generation of knowledgeable and skilled future diplomats.
Model UN’s are vital educational tools where youth role-play as diplomats in mock sessions of UN bodies. These simulations are more than academic exercises; they are vital for developing practical skills in diplomacy, negotiation, critical thinking, and public speaking. In a country like Libya, embarking on a path of stabilisation and reconstruction, such initiatives play a crucial role.
They enable youth to engage with the subtleties of international relations, and understand the mechanics of global governance. The involvement of international figures and the support from organisations like UNSMIL add authenticity to these simulations, providing a realistic view of global diplomatic affairs. This initiative in Libya is key to cultivating informed and capable future leaders, ready to navigate and influence the complex world of international relations.