Heralding a new era of Middlesex Dubai's Model United Nations Society

The MDX Model UN Society has experienced a remarkable rejuvenation in the preceding year, post COVID-19. From hosting student-led workshops to garnering accolades in numerous MUN conferences, the Society has consistently upheld its commitment to fostering a vibrant MUN culture and environment within the University.

At the start of each academic year, Middlesex University Dubai, recognised as the preeminent UK university in the region, warmly welcomes new and returning students via an engaging and entertaining Week of Welcome. The MDX MUN Society saw a record number of student sign-ups, with an inviting booth that highlighted the Society's past accolades whilst promising exciting opportunities for the year ahead. Throughout the week, many events and initiatives were held, aimed at acquainting students who were new to the Model United Nations, with the art of diplomacy and its associated skills.

Immediately following the Week of Welcome, the Society marked its triumphant return to the Model United Nations arena after a two-year hiatus. In collaboration with the globally acclaimed educational provider Byjus, the MUN conference, hosted by Heriot-Watt University Dubai, witnessed an individual delegation from Middlesex comprising nine students. While six students participated as delegates, three served as committee chairs. Middlesex students bagged two prizes with cash rewards in this MUN. Chris Paul won 1st Prize as Best Delegate, and Sohan Prasad won 2nd as Honourable Mention. These wins symbolised the return of Middlesex's Model UN Society to the conference circuit.

Middlesex University actively promotes events for the UN SDGs as part of its Vision 2031. In line with this, the Model UN Society on 24th October 2022 in support of UN Day, set up a booth to celebrate the UN, prompting students to participate in multiple fun activities that were held. A student-led panel discussion was organised to educate about the UN's peacekeeping values and showcase the phenomenal students that are an integral part of Middlesex. Students moderated the debate, and student speakers articulated their perspectives and voiced their ideas on "End Racism, Build Peace." The event was a great success with high student engagement, providing a valuable platform for nurturing constructive dialogue towards building a more just and equitable world.

The Model UN Society has set up 'Mentorship Programme,' a pioneering initiative to instil essential skills and knowledge required for MUN success for students. The training sessions encompassed an extensive array of subjects, including but not limited to "Research Efficiency," "Mastering the Art of Effective Position Paper Writing," "Navigating Motions and Rules of Procedures," "Unravelling the Intricacies of Crisis Rules of Procedure," "Crafting Compelling Resolutions," and culminating in a Mock MUN session as the pinnacle of the mentorship programme. Students regarded these sessions as incredibly valuable for fostering their diplomatic acumen.

Elevating its standing in the region, the Society demonstrated exceptional diplomatic expertise, forging a path towards securing four prestigious accolades from the renowned American University Sharjah Model United Nations (AUSMUN). A delegation comprising 15 Middlesex students attended the conference. The delegates achieved remarkable success, securing two Best Delegate Awards, one Outstanding Delegate Award, and one Best Researcher Award.

The Society, following AUSMUN, achieved five awards in one of the region's most reputed Model UNs – the American University Dubai Model United Nations (AUDMUN). A delegation of 13 students represented the University, including many candidates new to the competitive field that is MUN. This decision by the Society is a testament to the Society's praiseworthy and robust training and support systems allowing students to hone their diplomacy skills and unleash their fullest potential. Middlesex University delegates excelled again during this prestigious conference, winning Best Delegate Award, the Best Orator Award, the Best Researcher Award and an Honourable Mention. Furthermore, as a testament to the Society's resounding success, their collective efforts culminated in the University winning the prestigious title of Best Small Delegation at AUDMUN. These remarkable achievements repositioned the Society on the map, reinstating its prestigious status as a formidable force within the region's competitive and well-established MUN conferences.

Ms Mahine Rizvi Ahmad, the esteemed faculty coordinator of the MUN Society and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Law and Politics, is appreciated for her invaluable contributions to the society. Friyana Guzder's notable role in re-establishing Society this year is deeply appreciated. Their unwavering dedication and leadership have opened up new opportunities for students. Aya Osman, Simran Khan, Zaara Noelle, and Navneeth Nair deserve special thanks for their remarkable contributions Committee Members throughout the past year. After two years of inactivity, the revival of the Society can be credited to the dedication, commitment and vision these student leaders have in them, supported by their faculty mentor.

If the art of diplomacy sparks your imagination, we invite you to join the Middlesex University Dubai Model United Nations Society. The Society is open to membership registration throughout the year. Any current MDX student, regardless of their programme or year of study, can become a part of Society and hone their diplomatic skills. So, seize this chance to embark on an exciting journey as an MDX diplomat.

The Model UN Society at Middlesex University Dubai is on the cusp of a new chapter, with opportunities for continued success in its well-established workshops, comprehensive mentorship programme and active engagement in numerous conferences in the upcoming year. In conclusion, Middlesex University Dubai is excited to share the news of its forthcoming inaugural Model United Nations Conference, representing a momentous milestone for this Society.