Dominican Youth Participate in the Model United Nations of the Northern Region (MNURN, 2014)

The fourth edition of the Model United Nations of the Northern Region (MNURN 2014),  took place April 10-13, 2014 with the participation of more than 300 students from institutions of secondary and higher education of the Dominican Republic.  The Model UN, which  is organized by the United Nations Association of the Dominican Republic, (UNADR), in collaboration with Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Fundación Global Democracia y
Desarrollo (FUNGLODE)  united students in an environment of diplomacy and cooperation to discuss and propose solutions to the challenges facing the international community.

The three day event, which saw student simulations of the different UN bodies that make up the UN system, took place at the Innovation and Professional Training Center (CAPEX) premises, located in the Víctor Espaillat Mera industrial park in Santiago de los Caballeros.

Issues debated included: telecommunications in the context of
international security; the UN’s development role in the context of globalization; threats to international peace and security; the continuous deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Syria; sustainable forest management; rural development; and the protection of the rights of migrant workers and their families.

The opening ceremony, held at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM),  was led by the Vice President of the Dominican
Republic and Ambassador Extraordinary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Margarita Cedeño de Fernández. Addressing the young audience, she said that such activities renew her hope that the future of the country is bright and promising. "You have been called upon to transform our society into a more inclusive, just and prosperous one for our citizens."

Secretary General of MNURN 2014, Richard Bidó stressed that the UN
Models  give a voice to young people, a key element for development. He said that today’s world demands that "individuals grow to be global" and encouraged participants to make the most of this rewarding experience.

Yamile Eusebio, Director of the New York Office of the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Director of training activities at FUNGLODE took to the podium to motivate participants."With people
like yourselves, we will have the future we want", said Eusebio, who highlighted the contributions that the former President of the Republic, Leonel Fernández has made for promotion of training and the pursuit of knowledge, in his capacity as President of FUNGLODE and GFDD.

Executive Director of the UNA-DR, Emil Chireno, said that to hold this model in the DR’s Northern Region was a source of pride, because it allows more youth to live the experience of
taking part in these educational simulations. Chireno thanked students for selecting the UN Model as an alternate means of acquiring academic education and highlighted the impact of the Model United Nations in their training; "I have no doubt that this opportunity will leave an indelible mark."

Other prominent invited guests contributing to the MNURN 2014 proceedings were; Félix Contreras Mejuto, Vice Chancellor of PUCMM’s Undergraduate
Studies; Omar Ramírez, Executive Vice President of the National Council for Climate Change;  Katy Lizardo, Senior Consultant of the Innovation and Professional Training Center (CAPEX), Arlene Trinidad, General Projects Manager at UNA-DR; and, Elizabeth Arseno, Secretary of  the UN Center of Education (CENU) and Víctor Villanueva, Academic Vice Rector of the Global Institute of Higher Studies in Social Sciences (iGLOBAL).

Related Links:
http://www.unadr.org.do
http://www.capex.com.do/es