Model United Nations is a ‘gathering of intellect’ in which students are provided the opportunity to learn about diplomacy and international relations, whilst practicing public speaking, writing skills and debating skills. ZiMUN is a three-day MUN conference that offers delegates the opportunity for rich debate and problem solving with the addition of a framework of break-out sessions and events led by musicians, ethical entrepreneurs, experts in medicine, business and policy-making.

ZiMUN 2019 is being hosted by Harare International School, from the 14th of March to the 17th of March. This year, there will be approximately 150 participants from schools which include: Harare International School, St John’s College, Chisipite Senior School, Peterhouse, St Georges, Arundel School, Hellenic Academy, Jean de la Fontaine, Dominican Convent and Prince Edwards.

Throughout the duration of the ZIMUN conference students will be divided into six respective room; The Human Rights Commission, Economic and Social Council, Security Council, Advisory Panel, Environmental Commission and the General Assembly. All rooms will be addressing two topics that are closely related to real world issues being faced today.

The Human Rights Commission is a commission mandated with the promotion and protection of human rights. The function of the human rights commission is to are to investigate human rights violation and recommend effective measures to promote human rights and freedom to parliament.

The Economic and Social (ECOSOC) council is responsible for promoting higher standards of living, full employment and economic and social progress. In addition the economic and social council are responsible for identifying solutions to economic, social and health problems; facilitating international, cultural and educational corporation and encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. 

The Security Council response to crises around the world on a individual case basis and it has a range of options at its disposal.

The Advisory Panel is an advisory body in which panelists in the involved countries and organizations propose solutions to their committees. The Advisory Panel is a small compact room and members of this council must keep in mind that they are not representatives of their countries interests, but experts of the countries stance and involvement in the issue. The goal of the panel members is to produce a feasible solution that the countries would agree upon, not to fight for their countries interests.

The Environmental Commission takes the lead on local environmental issues and serves as a base of local expertise. This Commission informs the local planning about the environmental impacts of proposed development, advocates for open space preservation, researches and makes recommendations on natural resource issues.

The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. It provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of international issues including peace and security.   

The chairs play an important role for the debates to run smoothly. In order to prepare them for the conference, the HIS MUN team has prepared a chair workshop which will be held on March 8 from 4-6pm at HIS. This will allow them to further understand their roles and expectations they have to reach as chairs, especially to those who have taken upon this role for the first time.

The theme for ZiMUN 2019 is “A World In Crisis”. One could assume that this theme refers to the multiple issues being addressed in our society today, for instance migrant smuggling, the building of the infamous “wall”, Brexit and the numerous wars being faced by many. The chosen theme for this year’s conference is crucial for the young people of today in order for us, as the leaders of tomorrow, to be able to create innovative and sensitive solutions that are best fit to the problems at hand. Moreover, MUN presents the opportunity for young people to participate in various debates in which countless topics are discussed.

 This presents the opportunity for one to receive an insight on the opinions of others and further question not only on peer beliefs, but their own. Additionally, the random issuing of countries to delegates enables one to view their topic from a viewpoint they may unfamiliar with or disagree with. This presents further opportunity for understanding the world and all of its “crises”.  This in itself can be said to be the building blocks of a brighter tomorrow, in which the leaders of our future will be able to create solutions fitted to the issues presented. Henceforth, MUN can be described as being the first step to a better tomorrow.