The Third African Model United Nations (Afro-MUN) Conference, an annual student run initiative where students role play delegates to the United Nations, was held at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, Kenya from March 21-25, 2016. The conference was hosted by United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa).

This year’s conference was themed: “Africa Arise: Embracing the Role of the Youth in Security, Governance and Development.” A delegation of eighteen people from Ethiopia arrived in Nairobi on March 20, 2016 to take part in the program. Out of the eighteen Participants, twelve were from Addis Ababa University.

The conference was held for five days with numerous participants playing the various roles in the United Nations working Committees. Well known scholars graced the program by giving Keynote speeches and inspiring participants to take the diplomacy road further to influence policies and decisions.

Among the Keynote Speakers was Director General of the Office of the United Nations in Nairobi, Ambassador Sahle-work Zewde. She addressed the Assembly and later on convened with the delegation from Ethiopia at her office.

Yared Abera, member of delegates from Addis Ababa University noted that their participation has helped them create networks in addition to learning new things. He went on to explain that the delegates had the chance to visit parts of Nairobi and engage in social events creating an even stronger synergy with delegates from other nations.

African Model United Nations is an annual Student run initiative where students role play delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN Committees with focus on African issues.

The First African Model United Nations was initiated by Adama Science and Technology students in 2013. The students were able to successfully hold the conference in March, 2014 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The Following year Addis Ababa University took the initiative and held the conference in March, 2015 attracting delegates from 20+ countries within Africa and the rest of the world.

With a lot of interest generated for the conference especially at the second session in Addis Ababa, it was decided that the conference be held at different African Countries to ensure a shared ‘African Spirit’ and engage many more youth who are passionate about the renaissance of Africa.

Various Resolutions were passed during the last days of the third conference reflecting the working progress made by delegates. The conference next year aims to attract even more participants.