4-day Model UN Confce begins at DU

A four-day Model United Nations (UN) conference began at Dhaka University (DU) on Wednesday, bringing together around 500 students from different countries to discuss global issues, diplomacy and international cooperation.

The conference was organised by DU Model UN Association and began at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building. 

DU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam inaugurated the conference as the chief guest.

Professor Mohammad Ainul Islam, moderator of the association; Dr Susan Vize, UNESCO Head and Representative in Bangladesh; and Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC Bangladesh, spoke at the opening ceremony.

The theme of this year's conference is “Strengthening Effective Multilateralism by Maintaining Unity in Diversity in a Changing Global Context.”

VC Obaidul Islam said cooperation should be built by accepting differences. He said unity in diversity is important as the world faces growing divisions and weakening multilateral institutions.

He said Model UN helps students develop skills in debate, leadership, diplomacy and responsible decision-making. Listening carefully and understanding the causes of problems are also important for solving global issues, he added.

Referring to the July mass uprising at DU, VC said there was a link between Model UN and young people's efforts to organise themselves, present their views through reason and seek accountability.

During the conference, students will discuss gender inequality, health, the economy, human rights, human trafficking, migration, international law, geopolitics and diplomacy.