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Tribune News Network
Doha
CONTINUING a well-established tradition, Doha College recently held a Model United Nation (DCMUN) conference bringing together over 600 students from 18 schools to tackle most pressing issues facing the world at large.
The conference helped to hone students' skills in public speaking, negotiation, leadership and communication as they engaged in presentations, lobbying and deliberations.
The theme of the conference this year was"Humanity's Legacy", and the 40 issues discussed were grouped into 13 categories such as 'Disarmament and International Security', 'Economic and Financial', 'Social, Humanitarian and Cultural', 'Legal', 'Environment Commission', 'International Atomic Energy Agency' and more. A few examples of thorny and poignant issues like 'Organ Trade in the Black Market', 'Exploitation of People in Areas of Armed Conflict', 'Pulp Mills on the River Uruguay', 'Poaching and its Consequences on Biodiversity' give an idea of the deep and comprehensive nature of the conference.
The DCMUN conference enjoyed the contribution of a high-profile keynote speaker, namely Al Jazeera journalist Kamahl Santamaria. He brought his experience of nearly 20 years in television news across New Zealand, Australia, the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Santamaria came to Doha in 2005 to be part of the launch team for Al Jazeera English. He has presented many different programmes for Al Jazeera, in addition to being a daily news anchor.
The entire organisation of the event was carried out by the Doha College students themselves, watched over at arm's length by a team of teachers.
Joanne Conly, staff director of DCMUN, was proud of the students and how they came together to put together such a huge event."DCMUN plays such a large part in the MUN committee in Doha, and it is great to see that legacy continue. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with some of the most amazing students I have ever met through MUN."
Secretary-General Jeeveththaa Thirugnanasambanthar added:"The conference was an emotional journey for all of us, but it resulted in what I see to have been the best conference Doha College has seen. I will never forget the excitement and challenges DCMUN X brought us."
Sanskriti Tandon of Qatar Academy described the experience:"It was a pleasure to lead 40 bright delegates alongside my chairs, Yara El Naggar and Ibrahim Din. The charm, finesse and charisma they brought to the debate shed light on some of the most urgent and alarming issues affecting millions around the world today."
The schools that participated in the conference were, Al Jazeera Academy, Al Khor International School, Doha British School, Doha College, DPS Modern Indian School, Dukhan English School, Gulf English School, International School of London, Qatar, Lycee Bonaparte, Newton British Academy, Newton International Academy, Noor Al Khaleej International School, Park House English School, Qatar Academy, Qatar International School, SEK Qatar, Sherborne Qatar and Stafford Sri Lankan School.
