After Class

Youth Leaders Vow to End Violence Against Women at Bangladesh International Model United Nations (BiMUN)

Ahamed Naveed Hasan

United Nations Youth and Students Association of Bangladesh (UNYSAB), United Nation Information Centre (UNIC), University of Dhaka (DU) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Government of Bangladesh have jointly organised the first-ever Bangladesh International Model United Nations 2012 (BiMUN). The theme of this youth conference was 'End Violence against Women'. The international nature of BiMUN gave it the unique ability to create a global youth consensus against the violence that women face. Around 200 youngsters, coming from four countries and 50 institutions, had first-hand experience in finding solutions to the problem. The event commenced on November 28, 2012 and adjourned December 1, 2012. It was held at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, University of Dhaka.

Courtesy: UNYSAB

The conference was divided into three committees, namely GA 2 (Economic and Financial Committee), GA 3 (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Affairs Committee), and the Security Council. After much discussion and debate, the three committees came up with several working papers which were later merged into one. On the third day of the conference, a cultural night took place with the impressive participation of the delegates along with the organisers, followed by a stunning fire-spinning show.

A number of distinguished professionals and renowned social figures had been the guests at BiMUN. Among them, there were honourable Foreign Minister, Dr Dipu Moni, MP, Saida Muna Tasneem, DG (UN and HR), MoFA, Neal Walker, UN Resident Coordinator; Kazi Ali Reza, Officer-in-Charge, UNIC Dhaka, Professor Delowar Hossain, PhD, Moderator, DUMUNA; Salma Khan, former chairperson, CEDAW, Bahauddin Khelon, Director, News, BTV, Dr Sayed Saikh Imtiaz, Chairman, UNYSAB Trustee Board and Assistant Professor, Department of Women and Gender Studies, University of Dhaka and Nafiz Imtiaz, President, UNYSAB. The curtain of BiMUN had fallen with an exquisite dinner hosted by the honourable Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka at his residence.