The National Youth Model United Nations (NYMUN) is a two-day conference that functions as a national simulation of the United Nations and its affiliated organizations, for youth aged 16 - 30. Organized by Connect Lanka in collaboration with the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, this initiative which has been endorsed by the National Youth Services Council and the UNFPA in Sri Lanka is conducted under the goodwill of Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies. It took place on the 20th and 21st of August 2016. NYMUN seeks to give delegates an insight into the workings of the United Nations, and expose them to the dynamics and dimensions of the international political system by assuming the roles of UN representatives and members of other international bodies. NYMUN is an exciting opportunity for students to debate issues that confront world leaders and draft resolutions in response to these global issues. 

Most Model United Nations (MUN) experiences thus far have been limited to school level engagement, with very little engagement as unique as the MUN experience beyond high school. The NYMUN secretariat having recognized the importance and need to extend this opportunity to those currently pursuing tertiary level education as well as those engaged in professional life, is now laying the foundation for sustained engagement of such individuals beginning with this year’s conference. By engaging youth, our hope is that they come to possess the core values young leaders must possess; the ability to communicate, compromise and reach sustainable solutions that are inclusive of all communities and individuals. NYMUN will also function as a platform to meet and exchange ideas, as well as build lasting connections between dynamic individuals who may perhaps one day be at the forefront of our nation. 

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We had the chance to speak to Insaf Bakeer Markar who was this year’s Secretary General, a delegate who once was frightened by public speaking and conquered the conferences with his diplomacy and now has over 7 conferences to his name along with 6 awards! 

How does it feel to be this year’s Secretary General? 

It feels very exciting and very challenging as well because this is the first time I’m in such a position, where I’m in charge of 300 to 400 delegates for the conference. It’s also been a bit difficult but also has taught me a lot and a great stepping stone into the future. 

What do you hope to achieve from NYMUN? 

There are many things we hope to achieve; one is to create a platform for the youth, and to allow school goers, university leavers and those engaged in professional activities to take part in the MUN scene. So we're trying to extend the boundaries beyond school. Also the organizing committees were people who were in MUN and wished to pursue further, and once we left school we realized we had no platform which led to NYMUN. Taking Sri Lanka as a whole there are certain things we can be proud of and some not. In 1971, 1989 where the youth played pivotal role, which unfortunately were not such a good role and overtime the youths energy and power has died, and NYMUN is the platform to regain and to teach them to engage in diplomacy and to solve issues in a diplomatic manner. 

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The five selected Committees were: 

1. Security Council (SC) 

Topic: The threat to international peace by organized armed groups and PMCs. 

2. General Assembly on Disarmament and International Security (GA1) 

Topic: The responsibility to protect failing states. 

3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 

Topic: The dramatic rise over the past twelve months in global food prices and the threat it poses toward global food and nutrition security. 

4. United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) 

Topic: Transitional Justice as a mechanism for the protection of human rights in post conflict societies. 

5. European Union (EU) 

Topic: The European Union’s response to the refugee crisis. 

6. Arab League 

Topic: The situation in Syria. 

Photographs by Waruna Wanniarachi