MISRATAH – Fifty young men and women from across Libya took part in a three-day Model United Nations (MUN) in Misratah from 24-26 October to mark UN Day. Held in collaboration with the Libyan Debate and Dialogue Association (DDA), the MUN focused on increasing understanding of the mechanisms of the UN and building young people's skills in critical thinking and negotiation.
Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Political, Stephanie Koury joined participants on the second day, briefing the UN Security Council simulation and taking questions from the participants taking part in the [model] UN General Assembly and Economic and Social Council simulations.
"It was a new experience for me in Libya, and one of the most beautiful I’ve ever had," said one male participant. "The most valuable takeaway for me was drafting a position paper; it required me to delve deep and truly understand the stance of the country I was representing before speaking on its behalf."
"During the conference itself, I learned to listen attentively, respond with composure and diplomacy, and advocate for a position, even when it differed from my own personal views. I also had the chance to meet young people from various Libyan cities, which allowed me to see challenges and crises from entirely new perspectives," he added.
In a keynote speech to all participants on the final day of the simulation, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Misratah Municipal Council, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Resident Coordinator, Ulrika Richardson, said: "You have learned how to compromise and how to speak for your cause but also listen carefully to what the other side has to say. Together with mutual respect, these are qualities that prove, over and over, to be the best ways to reach positive compromises that are mutually beneficial. The experiences and skills you have gained over these three days are enshrined in UN values and will serve you, your families, communities as well as Libya as a whole."
One female participant said: "Taking part as a Security Council delegate was an enriching experience that deepened my understanding of diplomacy, negotiation, and the role of the UN Security Council in maintaining international peace and security. This experience taught me how to defend a position, recognise when compromise is necessary, and work towards consensus while keeping international peace and security in mind
"Meeting young people with different ideas and ways of thinking broadens our horizons and challenges our assumptions," she said. "These experiences help us better understand the world and prepare us to become more informed, open-minded, and active members of our communities," she added.
In preparation for the MUN, participants took part in a series of online trainings to build their understanding of simulations, different organs of the UN, and negotiation and communication skills.
"One of the things that impressed me the most was the dedication of the young people who took on the roles of delegates," said another female participant adding that they worked hard and sincerely to represent countries whose positions might differ from their own personal views. "Through this experience, I realised that a dialogue table is not merely a place to exchange opinions; it is a powerful tool for conflict resolution and collective action. Through dialogue, we learn to understand one another, respect our differences, and seek common ground, because what unites us as human beings is greater than what divides us."
Many of the participants highlighted how the experience had instilled in them a love for international relations, and that they wished to study this more in the future.
"Libya's own experience has demonstrated how consensus building can be challenging," said DSRSG P Koury. "Dialogue and compromise are indispensable to achieving sustainable political solutions. The UN is here to support these efforts and facilitate dialogue and inclusion. Libya's future will ultimately be shaped by its youth, and as they continue to use these skills, the country will be in good hands," DSRSG Koury added.
