Series of Model UN Conferences launch in Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - The UN Department of Public Information in cooperation with the Armenian UN Association, the “Center of Organizing Youth Activities” of the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs and International Organization for Migration Mission organized the first of a series of Model UN Conferences in 2010, which was opened on May 26 in Ijevan.

Five Model UN Conferences are going to be conducted involving all regions of Armenia during 2010. The best participants will be selected to participate in the Republican Model UN Conference in the autumn.

This year Conferences are simulation of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, featuring the theme: “Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice: criminal justice response to trafficking in persons: links to transnational organized crime” and outcomes of the 12th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

UN DPI Representative Ms. Maria Dotsenko said: “Our principal objective is to raise interest among youth on the UN values and functioning. It is important not only to empower them with communication, negotiation and leadership skills but also to raise their awareness on the UN tools for prevention of trafficking in persons, the prosecution of offenders and the protection of victims and to learn how these mechanisms work in different countries.”

Mr. Arsen Soghomonyan, Head of the Youth Policy Department of Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs expressed appreciation for the initiative of UN DPI and AUNA to held Model UN Conferences in regions. “The youth in regions is more vulnerable and these initiatives help them to be more active members of their communities.”

AUNA Executive Director Ms. Arpine Danielyan mentioned: “From 2006 we conducted more than 20 Model UN Conferences around the country. UN Models are the best opportunity for youth of regions to learn more about work of the UN and this motivates them to contribute to the democratic development of Armenia.”

Model UN Conferences are a simulation of the UN bodies during which participants represent different UN member countries and discuss issues of global importance. The models enjoy great popularity among youth in many UN member states as well as in Armenia. Participants do research on proposed mock study cases, present their respective country statements, discuss their positions and negotiate a joint resolution.

The second and third Model UN Conferences will be held on June 3 and 4 in Artashat and Hrazdan respectively, UN press service told PanARMENIAN.Net