Vietnamese students try out UN diplomat roles

This is an opportunity for Vietnamese youth to learn more about the UN and global issues, as well as to improve their language and presentation skills.

MUN is an activity in which students typically role-play as delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN committees, such as the Crisis Security Council, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Environment Programme. The activity aims to expose students to international issues and familiarise them with the operations of the UN.

Ngo Di Lan, Secretary-General of Vietnamese Youth Model United Nations, said: "MUN is an educational activity that has existed for a long time in foreign countries. This year’s topic, as you see, is “Globalisation – Promises and Pitfalls”. Through this topic, the programme aims to show the youth that globalisation comes with both benefits and consequences".

This year’s MUN conference attracted hundreds of participants. They had the opportunity to exchange with the speakers, all of whom are veteran diplomats and experienced journalists.

Vu Dang Dung, Head of Dept. of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: "The youth are the future generation and we always welcome them to contribute to the prosperity of the country. I believe all of the good ideas brought forward today will be considered by the government".

At the simulated seminar, the students played the role of delegates representing countries at the UN Forum, negotiating and solving problems directly related to national interests and world peace. The activity also helped the young people become more aware of their responsibility in regards to social issues.