Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) in close partnership with the UNDP in Uzbekistan hosted a day-long student’s conference of Model UN on 17 April 2010. The theme of this year’s conference was “Global Climate Change: Agenda for the Future”. Over 70 students of the University performed a hands-on simulation conference of international negotiation representing permanent members of the UN Security Council plus 30 countries of Asia-Pacific, Caribbean, Africa, America, Europe and the Middle East. It is worth noting that all of the conference proceedings were held in the English language.

Conducting of Model UN conferences at this University turned into a good tradition. In the past few years, MUN meetings have become an increasingly popular and valuable means of educating students about the United Nations and global issues. Model UN enhances students’ aptitude to employ a variety of communication, research and critical thinking skills, engage in diverse aspects of conflict resolution and it also creates a life-long opportunity to make new acquaintances.

This year the students of the International Relations Faculty had held series of preparation sessions to make this conference as authentic as possible. Earlier during the sessions the students had orientation courses on mechanisms of the UN and its specialized agencies, wrote preliminary position papers of their representing country; enhanced their oratory, caucusing and negotiating, team work, leadership and note taking skills.

The UWED being a member of the Global Model UN network and the nation’s main alma mater in preparation of international relations cadres aims at turning into a focal point of all MUN related activities among other dozens institutions of higher learning throughout Uzbekistan and strives to embolden the next generation of talented leaders to become engaged in national and global issues.

Rano Baykhanova, Climate Change Specialist, Environment and Energy Unit, UNDP gave her presentation on instruments and specific measures of climate change mitigations being undertaken within the framework of the UNDP Uzbekistan Project Portfolio. The team building and public speaking skills of students have been evaluated by two career diplomats Mr. Alisher Vakhidov, former Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Prof. Alisher Fayzullayev, ex-Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the Benelux, EU and UK.

The conference was concluded with presentation of certificates and awarding the most distinctive participants in Best Delegation, Best Position Paper and Best Speaker nominations with the UNDP prizes. The next Model UN conference is scheduled to be held in October, 2010 with the involvement of more students from the regional universities of Uzbekistan.