Local learner to represent SA at UN conference

AS the debate continues about whether the country is ready for a female president or not, 17 year old KZN debating whizz, Imaan Khan who believes women are just as capable as men, will fly the country’s flag at this year’s International High Schools Model United Nations Conference in New York. The debating competition sees over 2,000 delegates from around the world participate. The opening and closing session takes place in the UN General Assembly in New York (held in March). Khan who is learner at Ridge Park College is part of the SA debating team that will represent the country at the competition.

“I believe women are just as capable as men are and platforms like these allow us to prove that. I also believe that it is important for women to play a more active role in leadership because it helps in motivating young girls to dream big. It is an honour and privilege to represent my country at such a big competition. I am very happy about the opportunity to travel and represent my country,” she said.

Model UN debates were first held in South Africa in 1995 as part of the United Nations 50th anniversary. Close to the end of the project, the non-governmental organisation, Education Africa, was approached by the Ministry of Education to assist with the co-ordination of the debates. The 1995 group of debaters accompanied former President Nelson Mandela on his trip to New York for the United Nations’ 50th anniversary celebrations.

In 1998, Education Africa revived the Model UN General Assembly Debating Competition for South African high schools in conjunction with the national UNESCO office and the Ministry of Education, among others. Based on the principles and format of a UN General Assembly debate, the Model UN provides an opportunity for improving relations between South African high school learners from both advantaged and disadvantaged backgrounds, while teaching them about the UN, international relations and issues of global and national importance.

Khan who only started debating in Grade 9 is the fourth learner from Ridge Park College to represent the country at the competition said. “It was not difficult for me to find a balance between school and debating because they feed off each other. Being informed and knowing what’s happening around the world is very important in debating as it also helps broaden your knowledge. I faced some tough competition during the nationals, which were held in Cape Town. I believe that the exposure I got there has also helped me develop my confidence. Having to tackle topics ranging from media freedom, the crisis in Syria and having to come up with solutions was also exciting,” she added.

“I want to perform well in my Grade 12 exams, so that I can pursue my dream of studying Political Science,” said Khan.

In addition to high schools, Model UN debates take place at several universities throughout the country. United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) is regularly asked to adjudicate university-level debates and provide information materials. In addition, university participants are frequent visitors to the UNIC Library, particularly from the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Pretoria. UNIC also convenes UN exhibitions, panel discussions and other similar events at universities throughout South Africa focusing on UN days and global issues.