February 27-March 4, 2019 – Notre Dame University-Louaize’s Model United Nations (NDU-MUN) members have participated for the second year running in the Future We Want Model United Nations Conference (FWWMUN), in New York. Stephanie Sleilati, MUN Secretary General, and Elie Gharios, Current MUN Under Secretary General of Administration, were appointed as Chairs in the World Health Assembly Committee. Maryam Nsaif, previous MUN Secretary General and Co-Founder, acted as Chair of the United Nations Environmental Programme, while, Sam Nsaif, Head of Academic Training, represented NDU-MUN as a delegate in the Disarmament and International Security committee.
The FWWMUN is an international conference based in New York, which looks for “substantive excellence” in its participants. It aims to bring together future generations of leaders from all corners of the globe to gain first-hand experience in international relations.
In related news, Elise Nassif, Head of International Relations at NDU-MUN, was appointed the only Chair representing Lebanon on the Security Council at the Santander Model United Nations (SAN-MUN) 2019 in Santander, Spain. This year’s theme was “Migrations from a Global Perspective Divided in: Economic, Global Politics and European Law,” with the Security Council dealing with the topic of “Countering Migrant Smuggling in International Waters of the Libyan Coast.”
Speaking on their experiences, this is what our MUN team had to say:
Stephanie Sleilati: “I would have never thought that my love for NDU MUN would guide me half way across the world to Chair at UN level Conference. It was very moving and inspirational, trully life changing.”
Maryam Nsaif
“Getting the opportunity to be part of an initiative that aims to mobilize a large number of the youth as much as possible with a long lasting impact was truly incredible. Working alongside an international team and being responsible to moderate a committee of over 300 delegates was not easy, but it was the most rewarding experience I have had the pleasure of going through. One of the best parts of the conference was networking with international leaders and diplomats, and learning from the best.”
Elie Gharios
“Being exposed to different cultures, mindsets and perspectives, in cities like New York City can be an eye-opener, an experience that can teach you so much. Now imagine doing MUN with all those factors present, with the ability to change someone else's life, expand their knowledge and abilities. In process I saw my life being changed, expanded my knowledge and abilities and grew as a person. If I am asked to do it again, I would undoubtedly, and with no second thought, accept.”
Sam Nsaif
“This experience is the perfect example of exposing yourself to other cultures. 2000 delegates from 130+ countries is as diverse as it could get. It's a memory I will dearly carry on with me to the future and an experience that truly taught me a multitude of lessons.”
Elise Nassif
“Chairing a conference in Spain was an experience that will be forever engraved in my heart and memory. I would have never thought that a nation far away from home could make me feel like I am home. I would have never thought that a country miles away could make feel as though I am home.”