Students improved their knowledge of UN values, negotiation and communication skills, as well as how the UN bodies function at the Model UN Conference simulation of a debate at the UN Security Council on Iran’s nuclear programme. The conference was held today at Slavonic University. Prior to the Conference, training sessions were held to further educate the participants on the UN values, the functions and structure of the UN Security Council as well as its Rules of Procedures. Experienced trainer from the Armenian UN Association and thematic experts guided the participants’ research and distributed specially designed guidelines. Jafar Zamani, Minister-Counsellor from the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran in Armenia supported the participants in the research and briefed them on the official position of Iran concerning the subject matter. The Embassy also provided students with information that assisted the delegates in properly representing the respective countries’ positions on this issue. Students learnt not only about this programme and functioning of UN bodies, but also about the art of negotiations, multi-lateral diplomacy and how to present their respective countries positions. This Model UN Conference was organized in the framework of the Plan for Cooperation between UN and the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University specifically for RAU students. The event was organized by the UN Department of Public Information Office in Armenia, in cooperation with the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia. At the end of the day all participants received certificates of appreciation. Model UN Conferences simulate the UN bodies during which participants represent different UN member States and discuss issues of global importance. The models enjoy great popularity among youth in many UN Member States as well as in Armenia. Participants do research on proposed mock study cases, present their respective country statements, learn to find consensus, discuss their positions and negotiate a joint resolution.

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