Continuing a well-established tradition, Doha College Model United Nation (DCMUN) hosted a successful conference that brought together over 600 students from 18 schools over three days of presenting, lobbying and deliberating. Apart from polishing the students public speaking, negotiation, leadership and communication skills, the conference also brought into focus many current issues of today.
This year’s theme was ‘Life Without Fear’ and the 41 issues discussed were grouped into 13 categories, with topics covered including political and socio-economic issues, environment, cyber security and even discrimination.
MUN Director Rajalakshmi Ravinuthala, from guest school Al Khor International School, said that the MUN environment was very sophisticated and all students were amazing.
When I was in school, we did not have such opportunities. We gain more knowledge working with the students!’
Doha College MUN students organised the entire event, watched over at arm’s length by a team of teachers. They also developed a very professional-looking website that detailed the benefits of getting involved, the resources and the training that the students can get, and includes information about the past and current conferences.
David Moore, Director of DCMUN, who also teaches history and sociology at Doha College, highlights how MUN contributes to successful students.
As well as improving a plethora of skills in leadership, organisation, chairing and public speaking, DCMUN gives members skills that are usable beyond Doha College: in higher education, volunteering and employment. Not to mention meeting top-level diplomats, ambassadors and global activists. I am proud that members of DCMUN did their research and address issues that need more attention in our media and speaks for those who have no voice and little power.’
DCMUN president for 2018-2019, Tajwaar Shafiq from Year 13 at Doha College, said that everyone chosen to participate in MUN, in any role, will be all the better for it, either by pushing the boundaries of their own thought process while opening their minds to others, or by learning the ‘behind the scenes’ of conferences and event planning – to name just a minute fraction of what students will learn throughout their MUN career.
Participating schools:
- Sherborne Qatar
- Lycee Bonaparte
- Qatar International School
- Doha College
- Newton International Academy
- DPS – Modern Indian School
- International School of London Qatar
- Birla Public School
- Gulf English School
- Al Khor International School
- Dukhan English School
- Qatar Academy
- Al Jazeera Academy
- Parkhouse English School
- SEK Qatar International School
- Noor Al Khaleej
- Doha Academy (Girls)
- Doha Academy (Boys)
- English Modern School
Visit dcmun.org to find out more about the conference.