The UN comes to UniSA
by Vincent Ciccarello
A
group of students has formed the UniSA United Nations Society - the only
organisation of its kind in SA and the newest among UN societies at
eight Australian universities.
Vice President, Yolanda del Valle-Buetefuer, said the society aims to connect like-minded students and citizens from various disciplines and backgrounds to advocate the principle of the United Nations.
"It is a forum where university students and the community-at-large can meet to constructively discuss and assess the UN’s role in current global issues," she said.
The society will arrange debates, seminars, forums, guest lectures and social events, both on and off campus, to raise awareness of these issues. And there are plans to give students volunteer and internship opportunities in government and non-government organisations with a UN focus, or which specialise in international relations.
Speaking at the Society’s launch, Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Michael Rowan said universities were ideal places to host groups that supported the United Nations.
"The creation of the Society is, in a way, a logical thing to happen, given the very large enrolment of international students that we have," he said.
"The last time I looked we had people from 39 different countries studying here. The importance of people from all over the world getting on together and learning from each other is in our faces every day."
Prof Rowan said while the reputation of the UN may have waned in recent years, its continuing impact on international diplomacy and peacekeeping should not be underestimated.
The UniSA UN Society founding members attended the Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference 2005 (AMUNC) in Sydney. At this year’s conference in July, they will participate in a simulated UN commission, assuming the roles of UN ambassadors, representing the interests of their nominated countries to negotiate issues from international security to global cooperation and development.
"This year’s conference will challenge the delegates’ views on the UN and will require them to carefully deliberate the present challenges," del Valle-Buetefuer said.
"It endeavours to initiate ideas and to promote discussion about how things can be improved."
If you would like to take part in AMUNC 2006 in Sydney, contact Shivvaan Sathasilvam at satsy001@students. unisa.edu.au
The UniSA UN Society welcomes new members. Contact Asma Babakarhil, membership director at babay001@students.unisa.edu.au