Two AUS students secure diplomacy awards at Model UN

An eight-member delegation from American University of Sharjah (AUS) Student Leadership Program participated in the Bahrain Universities Model United Nations 2012 (BUMUN 2012) held November 29-30. 

The event, held under the patronage of His Excellency Hisham Mohammed Al Jowder, President of the General Organization for Youth and Sports, Bahrain, helped AUS students gain experience in public speaking, negotiation, research, debating and knowledge of international affairs. Students are assigned countries to represent during the event, and must prepared extensive research about these countries in order to understand their political, social and economic statuses. 

Two members of the AUS team secured diplomacy awards for their outstanding performances. Christian Momah, a chemical engineering student, won the Diplomacy Award for General Assembly representing South Africa. Mennat Allah Khalil, a finance major, won the Diplomacy Award for General Assembly representing Mexico. 

"This was an unforgettable experience, filled with both competition and great company. BUMUN 2012 made each participant a winner and taught us the art of real diplomacy," said Momah. 

"Attending and representing AUS at BUMUN 2012 was an honor," said Khalil. "This trip marks one of the most incredible experiences in my personal and university life. Surrounded by good company, filled with the excitement to debate, and aiming to participate in the most effective manner possible, we were privileged to gain experience in teamwork and public speaking. In addition, we had the chance to travel to a neighboring country and engage with fellow university students. I recommend students grasp the opportunities of attending such conferences and I would like to thank the Student Leadership Program for creating such chances," she added.

"During my trip to Bahrain, the UAE's roads flooded with rain for the very first time in a while. My family took the opportunity to spend the weekend in a beautiful resort in the outskirts of Dubai. Nonetheless, I am very proud to admit that I would not trade any of that for the wonderful time I spent at BUMUN 2012. AUS' talented and dedicated delegation of eight fearlessly performed speeches, wrote resolutions and defended their assigned country's views along the way-no matter whether they disagreed with them at a personal level. Doing so encourages public speaking, creativity and, most importantly, diplomacy. The trip as a whole was a valuable educational opportunity not to be missed. I would like to sincerely thank the Student Leadership Program for making the trip happen," said Omar Al Mutawa, a freshman international studies major.

"Our students excelled and we are not surprised at how well they did at BUMUN 2012; this is the third year that AUS students secured diplomacy awards. We are proud of their achievements and are impressed by the dedication and commitment exhibited by the delegation. Model United Nations offer leadership development opportunities and are good practice for communication, presentation and diplomacy skills. We encourage students to get more involved in our programs," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.