Future leaders to attend UN conference at UQ

Hundreds of students from around the world will converge upon The University of Queensland for the Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference (AMUNC) next month.

Running from July 12-17, AMUNC is the premier Model United Nations Conference in the region.

Students, including a large UQ delegation, will take on the role of diplomats, debating topical global issues in sixteen model United Nations committees.

Now in its 15th year, the conference is expected to attract about 550 delegates from countries such as Poland and the United Kingdom.

Organisers Hugh Jorgensen and Jo Sampford said it would build on past successes, and add some new elements.

“AMUNC will feature unique committees, such as the Crisis Council, the Pacific Islands Forum and an International Press Gallery,” Mr Jorgensen said.

“The Crisis Council will be very hands on and will force delegates to think on their feet and respond rapidly to a situation in Kashmir and a simulation of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

“They highlight that the conference theme, Towards Global Civilisation, is a celebration of multiculturalism.

“This is embodied in many aspects of the conference, including a 'floating global village' where delegates will get to dress up as their country, enjoy multicultural fare, and network and build international friendships as they cruise down the Brisbane River.”

UQ is the host sponsor of the conference, with the Office of Undergraduate Education, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Political Science and International Studies and the Brisbane City Council offering substantial support.

Ms Sampford said the conference would not be possible without the generous support of UQ and other key sponsors, and the hard work of the host team, which includes over 60 students.

She said the diversity of conference committees enabled students from any field of study to be involved, and strongly encouraged UQ students to participate.

Delegate registrations for AMUNC have been extended until June 12. Students are encouraged to apply at www.amunc.net

Media: Kim Wilkinson from AMUNC (0403 839 778, marketing@amunc.net)