Team MDX wins all awards at UNSC uni & more at AUD's 8th annual MUN conference 2023

The Middlesex University Dubai Model UN Team consisting of 13 delegates, participated in the AUDMUN Conference 2023 from the 17th to the 19th of March.

Among the capable students on the team were:

• Chris John Paul Cherayath- Year 1 LLB Honours Law
• Navneeth Nair -Year 1 LLB Honours Law
• Rumaisa Khan- Year 3 LLB Honours Law
• Zaara Noelle -Year 2 LLB Honours Law
• Thenura Vichakshana Samararatne- Year 2 BA Honours International Business
• Hasmath Ayesha -Year 1 LLB Honours Law
• Lina Moustafa - Year 3 LLB Honours Law
• Salma Kareem Moustafa- Year 3 Business Management and Marketing UG
• Afreen Ismail- IFP Law with International Relations
• Jannatul Ferdous - Year 3 LLB Honours Law with International Relations
• Sreelakshmy Arun -Year 1 LLB Honours Law
• Alicia Kunte -Year 1 LLB Honours Law
• Adhil Sajin Sha -Year 1 LLB Honours Law

Many students who participated in AUDMUN were newbies to Model UN; however, they could hone their research, writing skills and abilities to collaborate with others and work towards common goals. They gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities of global issues and the importance of diplomacy and negotiation in resolving these issues. Students competed in two university-only committees, debating topics Assessing the actions of the USA and NATO allies in furthering the Ukraine-Russia Conflict, Humanitarian Response to the Ukrainian Crisis and The legal rights of the Afghanistan refugees.

One student, Thenura, a mentor, described the conference as “With its challenges came many memories and tough debates”. Also, when we spoke to other students who attended the conference, many shared similar feelings. Jannatul (a beginner) said, “AUDMUN was my first MUN, and my only regret is not participating in one earlier, especially with the coaching done by MDX MUN Club! As an International Relations student, it really helped me get the jist of how real-life crises are being solved at this moment”.

Another delegate at the conference, Hasmath Ayesha, said, “Attending MUN at AUD was a fascinating experience that allowed me to connect with people, share ideas and insights, and broaden my knowledge on current issues”. Salma said, “As a delegate, participating in MUN was an eye-opening experience that expanded my understanding of global concerns and refined my abilities to negotiate challenging diplomatic situations, eventually encouraging my personal and professional growth”.

This competition is no small feat, and we are incredibly proud of them for all the hard work and dedication the students put into it. Each delegate’s skills, talent, and perseverance have genuinely shone through in this conference, and it’s evident that they put in much effort to make this happen. The students have set a high standard. Participating in such a challenging and competitive event takes a lot of courage, dedication, and perseverance. Even though the experience may have been challenging, these students have shown resilience and determination in pushing through and coming out on the other side.

Middlesex Model UN Team banked five awards in total:

The delegates won ALL THREE AWARDS for UNSC UNI – “a clean sweep”:

Thenura Vichakshana Samararatne: Best Delegate – Delegate of Russian Federation.

Zaara Noelle: The Best Orator Award – Delegate of China.

Rumaisa Khan: The Best Researcher – Delegate of Brazil.

In the UNHRC:

Navneeth Nair: Honourable Mention – Delegate of Ukraine.

Most importantly, Middlesex University Dubai as a University won ‘Best Small Delegation’.

Thank you to all involved! Congratulations!