Towards a better world through fostering diplomacy

Bangladesh University of Professionals in association with BUP Global Affairs Council (BUPGAC) embarked on a journey titled 'Bangladesh University of Professionals Model United Nations Conference: BUPMUN 2017', with a pool of brilliant minds of the world with the theme of 'creating a better world through fostering diplomacy and ensuring equity'. The three-day conference was held from October 05 to 07, 2017. 

'BUPMUN 2017' was organised to serve as a platform for the youth to resolve issues of utmost global implications. After months of dedication and diligence, the event came to a reality. BUPGAC believes that global issues cannot be solved locally being limited within a country; rather the outreach should surpass national boundaries. It is time for all young adults to assemble in a single platform where they get practical experience in order to overcome the shortcomings existing in the contemporary world. Around 400 participants from both national and international area participated in the conference. Participants were from more than 50 institutions. Students attending grade nine and above up to the under-graduate level came to participate in the conference. There were agendas relating to the world's current burning issues. The conference had 11 different committees- UNSC, UNHRC, ECOFIN, SOCHUM, UNESCO, UNDP, UNICEF, UN WOMEN, SCBP, FIFA and IP.

The executive board members were from both national and international arena.  BUP Model United Nations conference was first organised by BUP Global Affairs Council back in 2016 and the second phase which is BUPMUN 2017 was hosted this year on the international platform for the first time ever. The Secretariat was spearheaded by Samin Ahsan, the secretary general with 113 members.

BUPMUN2017 launched this event with an aim to resolve the daunting difficulties people face around the world through the means of promoting leadership skills, research, critical thinking, public speaking and mutual respect for each other among the delegates.

The United Nations with its motto to promote tri-national cooperation is the only global platform in which different countries of the world can discuss their problems and resolve them without engaging in confrontation and war. Each and every country can contribute from its own positions to make the world a better place and UN is the only dais which enables the countries to embrace diplomacy. In accordance with the objectives of UN, 'BUPMUN2017' has decided on its theme this year to solve the global issues through diplomatic engagement to allow equity to prevail.

In the 11 different committees, there were 11 different agendas. The agendas of 'BUPMUN2017' primarily revolve around on some core issues. The refugee crisis is a burning issue in today's world - thousands of heads without shelter suffering from hunger, thirst and medical aid. The issue of ensuring economic growth for all needs mutual understanding and cooperation between the countries. In the midst of all of these, protecting cultural heritage has become a strenuous undertaking to accomplish. In order to put an end to these grave problems, all the countries are required to cooperate and offer aid to each other since global problems cannot be solved nationally. Therefore, the lone option left to adapt is international diplomacy.

The opening ceremony was held in Bijoy Auditorium of BUP. Major General Md. Salahuddin Miaji, vice chancellor of BUP, was present as the chief guest at the ceremony. He said, "'BUPMUN2017' gives the students a premier platform to nurture and flourish their latent talents through learning diplomacy and practicing it in more of a professional fashion. I am overwhelmed at the enthusiastic participation of these bright and young minds dealing with the global issues and preparing solutions to the concurrent global problems."

The closing ceremony took place at Mirpur Command and Staff Hall. The chief guest was Professor Gowher Rizvi, advisor to the Prime Minister on International Affairs. He stated, "With the theme, 'creating a better world through fostering diplomacy and ensuring equity', this model conference gives the young people an opportunity to dig deep into the problems the world encounters every day and provides adaptive solutions through diplomatic maneuvers."

At the end, the chief guest and the special guest handed over the awards to the outstanding and best delegates for their performance.

The writer is a third year BBA student at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP). He can be reached at [email protected]