History of the Africa International Model United Nations (AIMUN) 22/04/2010 By: Jarred Nyakeri, Zawadi Birya

[Pic: From left: Salim Kombo*, Peter* (below) and Extreme right Jeeshan Aspi Variava- President of the General Assembly together with a delegate]

In April 2009, delegates from all over the world came together to take part in the 21^st edition of the Cairo International Model UN at the American University in Cairo. Like all the previous forums discussed over the years, many issues were deliberated upon but the most outstanding idea that was borne out of the conference was the idea to form an African chapter of the MUN. It was by no means a new initiative, the first having been initiated in South Africa back in the 2004, but which failed due to various issues.

Dubbed the ‘Africa International Model United Nations (AIMUN)’, this version of the MUN sought to educate participants about civics, current events, effective communication, globalization and multilateral diplomacy from an African perspective. The AIMUN now joins a host of other MUN chapters like the Harvard Model United Nations, the Kenya Model United Nations, the World Model United Nations, and the Cairo International Model United Nations (CIMUN) among others.

What makes this version of the MUN particularly unique is the fact that for the first time in history, the young African upcoming diplomats have a rare opportunity to engage in an interactive, comprehensive, and multi-cultural learning experience with like-minded counterparts from across African with whom they share common challenges.

Background:

The ability to practice diplomacy has been a defining element of the state and its relations within the international system. Historically, the African diplomat has fallen short in articulating the continent’s position on socio-economic as well as political issues at the international level. Lack of experience in diplomatic conduct and negotiation skills are some of the main challenges facing the African diplomat. This has seen Africa’s continued marginalization with regard to international discourses and decision-making processes even when posing direct implications on her future. Evidently, African diplomats since the continent’s break from colonialism:

· Exhibit poor preparation for high level negotiations

· Lack in competence with regard to the negotiation process; rules of procedure, protocol, etc

· Table few or no proposals at international forums, and only react to issues brought forward by developed countries

· Play a subservient role in and offer little influence on the outcome of the negotiations

On a larger sphere therefore, the Africa International Model United Nations (AIMUN) conference was therefore regarded as a timely opportunity for these students to actively contribute to changing the face of diplomacy not only in their capacity as student representatives of their various countries but also as future diplomats.

In light of the failure of the first AIMUN, the secretariat made up of the Secretary General, President of the General Assembly, Conference Coordinator, Finance Coordinator, External Relations Officer, and Director for the AIMUN-Development Program, sought resolutions to ensure that this particular initiative stayed on course. They implemented various strategies like the rotational policy that ensure all countries have an equal opportunity to host and actively participate in the conference. This policy intends to foster cultural and ideological exchange, a factor that largely missed out on the first attempt to form the AIMUN. They also have a Development Program that intends to facilitate a deeper understanding of the UN, its organizations and functions amongst the youth through its ties with various UN bodies such as UNDP as well as with various NGO’s. Also in line with this, the development program also organizes community services in the various countries, as part of the conference activities. These are a few of the plans laid out by the secretariat to ensure continuity of this noble idea.

AIMUN Conference 2010

The inaugural Africa International Model United Nations takes place in Nairobi, Kenya from the 27th of April 2010 to the 30th of April 2010. This year’s theme is ‘Promoting Global, Economic, Social and Political Security’. This year’s conference brings African students from diverse nationalities, who are driven by the passion, resolve and need to represent an African voice on an international level such as the forum. It promises to be a very interesting, exciting and intellectually engaging student experience that will not only improve the delegates’ communication and critical thinking skills but will also bring out solutions that are effective and sustainable both to African and Global challenges.