On May 10^th, Global UGRAD Alumna Olga Bogdan in cooperation with the Fullbright 1997 Alumna Mrs. Veronica Neagu organized the Local Model United Nations Conference with the General Theme “Measures to ensure security and stability in Libya”. The initiative was organized in partnership and with the support of the Moldova Institute of International Relations (IRIM) and IREX Moldova.

The Conference was the the follow-up of a series of 6 consecutive trainings and simulation exercises (March 18,29; April 8,19; May 5,10) focused on the Model United Nations concept, United Nations identity, rules of procedure, flow of debate, position paper and resolution writing, code of conduct, trainings led by Olga Bogdan for the participants from IRIM. After the first training, attended by 61 students, the IRIM professors conducted the selection process for the final phase of the project. The simulation exercises facilitated the students’ research and preparation for the country they represented and the topics they put forth for discussion at the Conference.

The Model United Nations IRIM Conference started with the Opening remarks given by Mr. Valentin Beniuc, Rector of the Moldova State Institute for International Relations, Mr. Claude Cahn, Human Rights Adviser, United Nations in Moldova, and Mrs. Natalia Dubencu, Program Officer, IREX Moldova. Other special guests present were Mr. Viorel Albul, UNDP Moldova Expert and Malina Dumas, Fulbright, (USA), who both also served as members of the Jury throughout the Conference. The Opening Ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Veronica Neagu, Dr., Prorector for International Relations and Educational Activity, IRIM.

It continued with the simulation of the Security Council with 15 Member Sates present, 2 participating observers (Libya and the League of the Arab States) and about 30 other observing students. The meeting of the Security Council was chaired by Olga Bogdan with assistance from Nina Spataru, active members of the Model United Nations Initiative in Moldova. After presentations of Member States’ positions in formal session according to the Speaker’s List, a series of both moderated and unmoderated debates led to the consideration of a single common draft resolution. The resolution on Libya was passed with the majority of votes, with only one abstention of a permanent member state.

The Conference concluded with the Awarding Ceremony. All participants received Certificates of Participation, while certain delegations were granted special recognition and awarded Outstanding Speakers, Negotiators and Diplomats. The decision was taken by the members of the Jury and the Organizers, in conformity with the delegates’ participation, respect for procedure, diplomacy and staying in character.