The tenth anniversary international conference "Model UN - New Silk Way" was held at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University under the slogan "United We Stand". The event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan accession to the United Nations was organized by the Ban Ki-moon Institute for Sustainable Development of the University with the support of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the representative office of the UN Department of Global Communications in Almaty.
The global conference, which was held in a hybrid format, brought together more than 200 students and schoolchildren from Kazakhstan, Asia, Europe and America, as well as international experts, representatives of the UN and diplomatic missions of the USA, France, China and others. Young speakers discussed topical peacekeeping issues and the implementation of 17 SDGs, the process of combating global warming and socio-economic instability, investigated solutions to complex issues related to cybersecurity and infodemic, as well as the rights of women and children refugees, exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic etc.
"Model UN - New Silk Way" has been held at KazNU annually since 2012. This is an international project for students and high school students who act as diplomats of different states and model the work of the United Nations. The project is aimed at attracting the attention of young people to the global problems of our time, forming a vision of a holistic picture of the world, developing analytical skills and research activities, the ability to resolve conflicts through intercultural communication and dialogue.
The Eighth Secretary-General of the Model UN, a graduate of the NIS in Almaty, Jafar Kabidenov, noted that holding an offline international meeting after the pandemic was a long-expected event for students and schoolchildren. This event, organized by the Ban Ki-moon Institute for Sustainable Development, gives young people the opportunity to declare their commitment to the principles of the UN and the sustainable development of the world, which are also priorities for Kazakhstan.
The Chairman of the Board, Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Zhanseit Tuymebayev sent his greeting message to the participants. It said that the Head of the State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, set a number of large-scale tasks to our country to improve the national human capital index and turn Kazakhstan into a country with sustainable development as a brand.
“Clearly understanding its mission to form future specialists - citizens of the world, KazNU supports the UN initiatives. We cooperate with many of its structures. Thanks to these efforts, in 2014 our university was entrusted with the high honor to lead the UN Academic Impact Global Hub on Sustainability. In this anniversary year, we continue to fulfill this mission with dignity,” was sounded in the greeting.
In her video message, Michaela Friberg-Story, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, noted that Kazakhstan is an active supporter of regional security and cooperation. Over 30 years of the country independence, the system of the UN work in Kazakhstan has also changed.
“As students, you are the future of your country and the world. When I see how you create Model UN, I am impressed by your involvement and activity. I thank you for being part of the United Nations,” she stressed.
US Consul General Caroline Savage also addressed the conference participants with a greeting. She noted the role of the UN and the importance of cooperation and diplomacy in addressing global challenges. In her opinion, "... it is always better to talk about diplomacy, diplomacy builds cooperation, strengthens trust, language skills and cultural ties ...".
Alexis Shakhtakhtinsky, Consul General of France in Almaty, in his address to the organizers and participants of the Model, noted that, being one of the founding countries of the UN, France was among the first to recognize the independence of Kazakhstan. Moreover, 30 years ago, France supported the accession of the country into the Organization and the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. He wished fruitful activities to the participants of the Model UN in search of solutions to universal challenges.
The big international "Model UN - New Silk Way - 2022" at KazNU has become a significant event that brought together young people from different continents. At the end of the event, a solemn rewarding of distinguished students in various nominations took place.
Aizhan Smailova Director Ban Ki-moon Institute for Sustainable Development
