The Words of the Oficerov Family
|
|
The Words of the Oficerov Family |
Novosibirsk, Siberia -- In the assembly hall of the Novosibirsk University of Economics and Management, an inter-religious students scientific conference on the theme of the "Novosibirsk Model UN" opened on March 10.
A Model UN is a synthesis of a conference and a role-game. Participants play the roles of representatives of the UN member-countries. Their main goal is to represent and support the official position of their nations concerning the current issue. The ultimate goal of each committee is to propose a resolution with recommendations for solving the issue under discussion. Simulations of this kind help young people develop the skills of cross-cultural communication, written and verbal communication, and public debate. It expands their worldview and promotes understanding of the principles of international bodies' activity.
Within the period of three days, students and post-graduates from Omsk, Yekaterinburg, Tomsk, Tyumen, Kemerovo, and Krasnodar became diplomats representing sovereign states and acting according to the rules of diplomatic etiquette and proceeding. One could envision them participating in a meeting of the UN General Assembly.
Three bodies worked simultaneously: the Second and Third Committees of the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. The Second Committee discussed issues of cyber-security and Internet regulation. The Third Committee explored ways to solve the worldwide problem of drugs abuse. The Security Council discussed the situation in Afghanistan.
Words of guidance were delivered by the university rector for innovations and education, Sergei Aleftinovich Smirnov. He emphasized the importance for the young people, who in 20 years or so will take responsibility for their nation, to understand global trends and get ready to meet challenges. Thereafter, the dean of the International Relations Institute, U.P. Ivonin, took the floor. He expressed hope that contrary to the assertions of skeptics, the UN didn't dissipate its energies and the present Model UN proved optimistic prognosis.
Support for the conference was given by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Its representative, Svetlana Mikhailova, wished the delegates success in establishing a constructive dialogue and promoting mutual understanding.
During the opening ceremony, two projects aimed at development of friendly international contacts were presented. The Model UN expert, Natalia Burlinova (from Moscow), presented to the audience her grass-roots initiative "Creative diplomacy" aimed at improving the image of Russia in the world, and other good purposes. Dmitry Oficerov shared about UPF activity and called upon the participants to cooperate for the sake of world peace.