Model United Nations in Kazakh National Agrarian Research University
Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) hosted an international conference "Model United Nations". This conference was organized to commemorate Kazakhstan's accession to the UN and its contribution to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The theme of the conference was "Implementation of the SDGs and global challenges: Kazakhstan's contribution". The event aimed to engage students and raise their awareness about the importance of working with global challenges and SDGs, through diplomatic negotiations among students. Over 120 students from various universities in Almaty, such as KazNU, KIMEP, UIB, Turan, Ablai Khan University, etc., participated in the conference, representing different specialties such as economics, management, and applied sciences.
Model UN is a popular international program in a brainstorming and student conference format that replicates the work of the United Nations. For one day, students transform into diplomats and heads of state, acting as representatives of the UN. On March 2, 1992, at the plenary session of the 46th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Republic of Kazakhstan officially joined the UN, becoming a full-fledged subject of international relations. Almost exactly a year later, on the memorable date of February 16, 1993, the first office of the UN representative office in Kazakhstan was opened in the architectural monument of our republic, the Kazakhstan Hotel in Almaty. The first UN Permanent Representative to the Republic of Kazakhstan was Mr. Nigel Ring.
For more than 30 years, Kazakhstan has maintained a balanced and multi-faceted foreign policy that wholeheartedly supports the United Nations' efforts to address global challenges. Kazakhstan values the UN's indispensable role in shaping international relations and it is proud to have established 21 UN agencies in the country (including FAO, UNDP, UNESCO, etc.), working together to implement meaningful projects across various sectors. These enduring and fruitful partnerships with the UN have enabled Kazakhstan to make a significant contribution to the work of global community on implementation of SDGs, and the country remains committed to working alongside the UN to build a better world for all. life.
The following were invited to present the opening of this event: Representative of UN Global Communications in Almaty - Mr. Vlastimil Samek, Representative of the US Consulate General in Almaty - Mr. Chad Kinnear. Representatives of FAO, project coordinator - Ms. Aizhan Karabaeva and consultant for the development of partnerships - Ms. Gulnaz Iskakova. The director of the Italian Cultural Center is Mr. Carmine Barbaro. EFES Kazakhstan was a business partner and co-sponsor.
Mr. Vlastimil Samek shared the main points of the event, greeted the children and noted the importance of organizing and participating in this event. He noted 3 important areas:
1) What is the UN Model and its importance;
2) A completely new direction (trend) for Kazakhstan;
3) Development of diplomatic skills plays an important role for young people.
Mr. Chad Kinnear, in turn, shared the current situation happening in the world and also noted that young people should be knowledgeable about what is happening and take part in events such as the Model UN. And that it will significantly improve their skills in diplomatic negotiations, help them be aware of political issues and help develop diplomatic writing skills.
During the event, the representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) discussed the critical role of education and scientific research in ensuring food security at the global and regional levels. The project coordinator, Ms. Aizhan Karabaeva, highlighted the significance of these factors in achieving sustainable and resilient food systems that can meet the current and future demands of the growing population. Her emphasis on education and research underscores the importance of promoting innovation, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building to address the complex challenges of food security in the 21st century.
Rafis Abazov, the Executive Director of the International Institute of Green and Sustainable Development KazNARU, and the Coordinator of the Model UN program, has highlighted the significance of such forums. In addition to providing a platform to discuss and present one's perspective on pertinent issues, these MUN conferences facilitate the development of international networks and alliances. He quoted the UN Secretary General’s Mr. António Guterres, "Now, more than ever, we need global solidarity. We need the United Nations. And the United Nations needs you [the youth] to bring your energy, creativity, courage, and engagement."
Mr. Carmine Barbaro also welcomed the students and noted the importance of the cultural and educational aspects of diplomacy and the holding of this meeting.
It is worth noting that the event was organized as part of the preparation for the implementation of the “Green Campus” program, carried out with the support of the International Institute of Green and Sustainable Development at KazNAIU, International Office.
The working group includes managers with extensive practical experience, scientists and employees of KazNAIU: Rafis Abazov (Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and Strategic Development), Esbol Omirzhanov (Head of the International Office), Maya Suyunchalieva (International Office).
Press service of KazNARU
