From debate to action: 17th AUSMUN drives solutions for a better world

Embracing the boundless potential of youth to catalyze meaningful progress, over 1,000 students from 39 schools and universities in the UAE and the wider region gathered at the highly anticipated 17th Annual American University of Sharjah Model United Nations (AUSMUN) to discuss, debate and negotiate over the world's most pressing global issues.

Simulating the workings of the United Nations, AUSMUN provides a platform for student delegates to immerse themselves in the complexities of international diplomacy. With topics ranging from disarmament and economic development to cultural preservation and conflict resolution, delegates participate in various committees, including the General Assembly, Security Council and specialized agencies. Prior to the event, student delegates conduct research and develop position papers and policy proposals, working with other MUN delegates from their respective schools and universities.

Supported by the Department of International Studies at the AUS College of Arts and Sciences, the conference also delved into legal matters through sessions in the International Court of Justice, while specialized agencies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime addressed counterterrorism measures.

Socio-economic and human rights issues, including hyperinflation in Lebanon and minority inclusion in development, were tackled by bodies such as the United Nations Development Programme and United Nations Human Rights Council. Environmental topics, such as microplastic pollution and the Caspian Sea crisis, were on the agenda, alongside health-related matters including childhood immunization and pandemic prevention by the World Health Organization.

The Arab League session addressed regional issues, while the Peacebuilding Commission session focused on conflict resolution efforts

The AUSMUN Executive Board, led by Secretary General Muhammed Junaid and Deputy Secretary-General Shahd Mahmoud, comprises AUS students Jawwad Sheikh as the Director of External Relations, Nethanya Saji as the Director of Media, Sarvagya Sharma as the Director of Research and Malek Bachir as the Director of Human Resources. 

“With a rich history of engagement in more than 20 conferences, I possess great confidence in the transformative potential of MUNs and their profound influence on both personal and professional development. I hold a positive outlook that the invaluable skills cultivated during this conference will amplify their positive impact, offering benefits to all participants across diverse facets of their lives,” said Shahd Mahmoud, industrial engineering student and MUN Deputy Secretary-General.

Sponsors of the event included Uprizing Events Management as a gold sponsor, RACKS Board Game Cafe and Eco Matcher as silver sponsors, and Freakin Healthy, INK, Tutoring Club, RedBull and Back to Games as bronze sponsors.

The Department of International Studies at the College of Arts and Sciences provides an ideal vantage point for students to engage in multidisciplinary approaches to understand the complex political, economic, social and cultural conditions in the region and beyond. For more information about the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, visit www.aus.edu/cas/bais.