Innovative resolutions and dynamic debates: Highlights from UNIC MUN 2024

The University of Nicosia hosted its annual Model United Nations Conference (UNIC MUN 2024) from 22-24 November, welcoming over 70 university and high school students from across the Eastern Mediterranean region. Under the theme “Forging Pathways Towards a New Era in Diplomacy,” the conference featured distinguished speakers and experts while addressing pressing global challenges.

The opening ceremony was highlighted by addresses from key diplomatic figures including Mr. Colin Stewart, Special Representative and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, Dr. Christos A. Theodoulou, President of the United Nations Association (UNA) Cyprus and Honorary President of the World Federation of United Nation Associations (WFUNA), and H.E. Ambassador Maria Michail, Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the UN in New York. Ambassador Elena Rafti delivered the keynote speech on “Diplomacy in a Time of Conflict,” while H.E. Suzana Boskovic-Prodanovic, Ambassador of Serbia to Cyprus, led an interactive session on AI and emerging technologies in diplomacy.

Delegates participated in six specialised committees, each supported by subject matter experts:

  • Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
  • Economic and Financial Committee (ECOFIN)
  • Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (SPECPOL)
  • Security Council (UNSC)
  • UNESCO
  • International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Committee discussions ranged from space security and family poverty in Latin America to cultural heritage preservation and AI’s impact on global elections. Notable experts included Mr. George A. Danos, President of the Cyprus Space Exploration Association, Mrs. Mari Warne-Smith, the Special Assistant to the Deputy Special Adviser to the Secretary General for Cyprus Mr. Colin Stewart, Dr. Marina Ieronimidou, Former Director of the Department of Antiquities for the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Michalis Kontos, Associate Professor at the Department of Politics and Governance in the Faculty of Law of the University of Nicosia and Dr. Dimitris Skouridis, Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus.

The conference, organised solely by UNIC students, was supported by the UNIC School of Law and the Diplomatic Academy, alongside various community and hospitality partners. Corporate sponsors included Harris Kyriakides, Cyta, Heinz Cyprus, and the European Legal Training Centre (Silver Sponsor).

“This conference marks a significant milestone for the University of Nicosia’s commitment to diplomatic education and international relations,” noted Dr. Michalis Kontos, Academic Advisor for the Conference, while congratulating the organising committee and the conference’s creators.