AUS team wins Distinguished Delegation Award at Model UN Conference in New York

A team of seven students from the Student Leadership Program at American University of Sharjah (AUS) earned the Distinguished Delegation Award at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference held in New York in April 2023. The conference brought together thousands of college and university students to discuss current global issues in a real-world context.

The Distinguished Delegation Award is an honor given to the top 10 percent of delegations in each committee. The NMUN evaluation committee judged the students' performance based on their ability to remain in character, their participation in a committee and the proper use of the rules of procedure.

The AUS delegation represented the Sultanate of Oman in six committees, including the United Nations Environment Assembly, Economic and Social Council Plenary, International Atomic Energy Agency, and General Assembly (GA) First, Second and Third Committees. They covered a range of topics, including sustainable development goals, climate change, nuclear waste management and economic development.

The delegation consisted of Khaled Khawaja (architecture), Nour Alblooshi (international studies), Muhammad Aaiz Kashif (information systems and business analytics), Shahd Mahmoud (industrial engineering), Rabab Khan (international studies), Jawwad Imran Sheikh (mechanical engineering) and Utkarsh Chauhan (mechanical engineering).

Haifa Ismail, the Director of Student Leadership and Engagement at AUS, expressed her pride in the students' achievements, saying: "Participating in the NMUN is an incredible opportunity for students to not only gain valuable skills in diplomacy, negotiation and public speaking, but also to broaden their horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world's most pressing issues. We are thrilled to see our AUS delegation perform so well and represent the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman with such professionalism and passion."

Rabab Khan, an international studies student who participated in GA1, was grateful for participating in the NMUN conference.

"As a member of the AUS delegation, I was able to engage with students from all over the world and gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives on current global issues. The conference was an opportunity to connect with students and offer valuable insight into problem-solving and critical thinking," she said.

Utkarsh Chauhan, a mechanical engineering student who participated in GA3, said: "Attending the NMUN conference in New York was unforgettable. It broadened my perspective and helped me grow as an individual. I was thrilled to explore the vibrant city, but meeting incredible students from around the world was the highlight. The conference pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop my skills. I am grateful for my university which prepared me for this prestigious platform."

AUS is committed to empowering its students and providing them with opportunities to enhance their educational experience. Through the Student Leadership Program, AUS students have the chance to develop their leadership skills, critical thinking abilities and global awareness, all while making a positive impact on their communities and the world.