The Model United Nations (NEUMUN) Conference, an international event held for the second time this year at Near East University, brought students together to discuss diplomacy and global issues. The event, attended by the Undersecretary of the Presidency of the TRNC, Mehmet Dânâ, and the representative of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Dr. Mustafa Öngün, also included a video message from the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus, Khassim Diagne.

Held for the second time this year by Near East University, which is among the top 500 universities in the world, the international Model United Nations (NEUMUN) Conference brought together students from various universities to discuss diplomacy and global issues. The conference, organized by the Near East Institute, set an important diplomatic platform where solutions to global problems were discussed. Contributing to the development of students’ international relations, diplomacy, and negotiation skills, the conference also offered practical experience regarding the functioning of the United Nations system.

At the opening of the conference held at the Irfan Günsel Congress Center of Near East University, speeches were given by Mehmet Dânâ, Undersecretary of the Presidency of the TRNC; Dr. Mustafa Öngün, representative of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP); Prof. Dr. Murat Tüzünkan, Vice Rector of Near East University; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çıraklı, Director of the Near East Institute. Khassim Diagne, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Cyprus, addressed the participants with a special video message. The opening speeches emphasized the importance of international dialogue, a culture of peace, and the role of youth in diplomacy.

Throughout the conference, students addressed current global issues such as global debt, nuclear armament, and humanitarian aid in various committees. The work was conducted in the formats of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations General Assembly Committee on Disarmament and International Security (DISEC), and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Participants had the opportunity to experience the working systems of different United Nations bodies. They experienced diplomatic negotiation processes firsthand by developing solutions on behalf of the countries they represented.

The awards were presented!

Mary Mwange, a fourth-year student in the International Relations Department at Near East University, served as the general secretary of the conference, while Abdullah Alkatheri, a research assistant at the Near East Institute, coordinated it. At the end of the conference, participants representing the United States, Paraguay, and Italy received the “Best Delegate Award,” while the participant representing the People’s Republic of China received the “Best Policy Document Award.”

A call for diplomacy and dialogue!

Presidential Undersecretary Mehmet Dânâ also emphasized the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in a period of increasing geopolitical polarization and regional conflicts in his speech. Dânâ, also touching upon the historical development of the Cyprus problem, reminded that the 2004 Annan Plan referendum and the 2017 Crans-Montana process were important turning points in the search for a solution, and stated that the Turkish Cypriot side clearly demonstrated clear will for a solution in all these processes, and that this will continues strongly today. However, Dânâ reminded that despite all the decisions taken and promises made by the international community, the unjust isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots still continues. He also provided information on the current role of the United Nations in Cyprus, emphasizing that the Turkish Cypriot side is making a sincere effort to conduct its relations with the UN in a positive and constructive manner, both within the framework of the UN Secretary-General’s Good Offices Mission and the UN Peacekeeping Force activities.

Global problems, diplomatic culture, and the role of youth came to the forefront!

Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Tüzünkan, in his opening speech at the conference, emphasized that Near East University is among the top 500 universities in the world and has placed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the center of its institutional strategy. Stating that the Model United Nations Conference is an important reflection of this vision, Prof. Dr. Tüzünkan noted that the event contributes to students’ understanding of global issues and the development of solution-oriented thinking skills.

Near East Institute Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çıraklı, in his speech, drew attention to the humanitarian crises caused by wars and emphasized the importance of young people understanding global conflicts and developing a culture of peace-based diplomacy. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çıraklı, stating that the Model United Nations platforms are not merely academic simulations, emphasized that these events equip young people with analytical thinking, negotiation, and responsibility-taking skills.

Participation of women and youth should be encouraged!

Speaking on behalf of UNFICYP, Dr. Mustafa Öngün provided participants with comprehensive information on the role of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, its mandate, and confidence-building efforts on the island. Dr. Öngün stated that UNFICYP contributes not only to maintaining security and stability on the ground but also to strengthening intercommunal contact and dialogue. In his speech, he specifically mentioned UN initiatives that encourage the participation of women and youth in peace processes, emphasizing that a sustainable and inclusive peace is only possible with the active participation of all segments of society.

In a video message sent by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus, Khassim Diagne, the importance of young people taking a more active role in international affairs was emphasized. The message highlighted the potential of young people in strengthening a culture of dialogue and multilateral diplomacy, stating that platforms like MUN play a crucial role in nurturing leaders of future.