UNIC Manama highlights youth engagement in global diplomacy at a MUN Conference
10 November 2024
On November 8th, at a MUN conference hosted by Al Hekma School, UNIC Manama engaged with youth to highlight their crucial role in global diplomacy.
The United Nations Information Center for the Gulf Countries (UNIC Manama) highlighted the importance of engaging youth to solve global challenges at a Model United Nations (MUN) conference organised by Al Hekma International School on 8 November.
UNIC Manama Director Ahmed Ben Lassoued spoke to the MUN delegates about dialogue and diplomacy and their role in achieving the United Nations’ vision for a brighter, more sustainable future.
He quoted the Secretary-General, Mr Antonio Guterres, saying, “Dialogue, diplomacy, and multilateral solutions provide the surest path to a peaceful and just world.”
Ben Lassoued stressed the importance of giving a global platform to silenced voices, including women and youth, to realise the needs of the people and the planet, pointing out that the United Nations has been the place to do so.
“The United Nations has been about uniting people behind global solutions to global problems,” he said, highlighting the indispensable role of youth in coming up with these solutions and encouraging students to implement their skills outside of the confines of the conference.
“We need leaders like you—leaders willing to listen, lead, and achieve peace, dignity, and equality on a healthy planet.” Ben Lassoued told delegates.
He pointed out United Nations campaigns where youth could make their voices heard and encourage positive change, such as the United Nations Youth Office’s “Let #YouthLead for the Future” campaign.
The UN Youth Office leads system-wide collaboration, coordination and accountability on youth affairs, harmonising how the United Nations works with and for young people in all their diversity.
Dr Felipe Paullier, Assistant-Secretary General for Youth Affairs and Head of the UN Youth Office visited Bahrain this week to participate in launching the “Hope Network”, a global youth support network initiated by the Kingdom of Bahrain that serves as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and creating impactful partnerships to advance youth engagement worldwide.