Students hone skills at mock UN session

A large number of students and faculties from six international schools based at Riyadh took part in the model United Nations conference, hosted by Al-Yasmin International School, Riyadh, here recently.
The move to hold the “Peevees UN Simulation Conference” (PUNSC) was intended to strengthen students’ research, debate and consensus-building skills by imitating and practicing the UN model.
“About 40 students represented 12 major countries at the peeves UN simulation conference,” said K. Rahmathullah, principal of Al-Yasmin school, here Thursday.
Students who took part in the mock conference represented countries like Saudi Arabia, the US, France, Brazil, Italy, Russia, Japan, Britain, Canada, Australia, Belgium and discussed the theme, “Together for a better tomorrow,” at the school UN session, he explained.
Rahmathullah said, “The event for students was designed mainly to foster international understanding and a greater comprehension of the complex forces that drive decision-making around global issues.”
The UN session, which discussed the conservation of resources and climate change, as well as woman’s safety and children rights, was chaired by Captain William Roe, managing director of Saudi Aviation Academy, as chief guest.
Riyadh-based schools, namely Al-Yasmin, Al-Alia Int’l School, Modern Int’l School, Daratassalam Int’l School (DPS), the International Indian School (IISR) and International Indian Public School (IIPS), participated in the UN simulation session.
Prominent guests included Saleem Bava of the aviation academy; P.V Hameed, executive director of Peevees Sons; Shoukat Parwez, IISR principal; Pious John of Alia school; Mohd Haneefa, Modern School principal; and P. V Abdurahman, general manager of the MUNA Group of Schools.
At the end of the UN simulation session, the winners were declared and prizes were distributed by the dignitaries, who attended the conference.
The overall winner’s trophy went to Al-Yasmin, the host school, whose students represented France.
DPS, representing Belgium, was declared the first runner up and IIPS, representing Saudi Arabia, was declared the second runner up.
Fourth place went to Modern Int’l School, whose students represented Japan. The event concluded with the recitation of Saudi national anthem, followed by the Indian national anthem.
The Al-Yasmin school looked like a replica of the UN building, with vibrant colorful flags unfurled at the venue of the UN session, matching the perfect UN setting.