Aga Khan Academy Maputo hosts its first Model United Nations conference

In April, the Aga Khan Academy Maputo hosted its first-ever Model United Nations (MUN) conference with approximately 80 students from the Academy and around Maputo.  

Students from the American International School of Mozambique, Maputo International School and Maputo International College participated in the event alongside students from the Academy. The conference took place over three days, where students had the opportunity to engage in lively debates, explore global issues and enhance their diplomacy skills.   

“MUN relates with the Aga Khan Curricular Strands and allows students to display a range of skills such as compromise, public speaking, teamwork and building knowledge of international issues and solutions,” said Humanities Teacher Mr Mark Wheatley. “Through this, we hope to develop the students’ skills for them to become future leaders.”  

Ten students and two teachers, alongside the facilities team at the Academy, started preparing for the conference over six months ago. 

“We carried out various tasks, such as deciding on the topics for different committees, producing delegate guides for participants, electing different teams and working on the logistics of the event,” said Grade 12 student Alnoor Budhwani, who was also the secretary general of the conference.  

The event was opened by the keynote speaker, Ms Ana Mesquita, a United Nations representative and an academic and human rights advisor. Ms Ana offered her detailed perspective based on many years of working on the ground in many of the world’s most troubled areas as well asher research, academic study and key policy papers. 

During the conference, the students worked together to provide solutions for different topics related to international relations and diplomacy. 

“All scheduled topics were discussed,” Grade 12 student Snoviya Kanjiani said. “We discussed the role of private military groups, the role of the LGBTQ+ community in sports, and nuclear proliferation and disarmament.” 

The conference also featured performances by students, which included singing, dancing and miming. The event ended with a ceremony recognising the students’ participation, the most entertaining delegate, the honorary best delegate and the best delegate. 

Students from the other participating schools praised the event and the level of productivity and enrichment it offered over the three days. 

“I learnt the importance of discussing global challenges and working as a team to find common solutions," said Margaret Masupa, a student from Maputo International College. “I also practised my public speaking skills.”    

 The Aga Khan Academy Maputo looks forward to hosting this conference again next year, alongside many other initiatives promoting international understanding, social responsibility and open-mindedness.