University of Sharjah launches 4th model UN meet

The College of Public Policy at the University of Sharjah has inaugurated the fourth edition of its Model United Nations Conference (UOSMUN 4.0), organised by the university’s Model UN Student Association.

The three-day event, themed Empowering Global Voices, Shaping a Shared Future, has drawn widespread participation from university and high school students across the UAE, offering a dynamic platform for diplomatic simulations and immersive learning experiences.

UOSMUN serves as an academic incubator for aspiring leaders, enabling participants to engage in realistic simulations of UN bodies such as the General Assembly, Security Council, International Court of Justice, and World Health Organization.

This year’s conference introduces an Arab-focused committee addressing contemporary cultural colonialism, alongside committees tackling disarmament, climate change, refugee crises, and medical misinformation.

The model UN conference serves to inculcate in students the virtues of aspiring leaders.

Over 10 committees are entirely student-led, reflecting the programme’s emphasis on collaborative problem-solving and leadership development.

Prof. Youssef Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Acting Dean of the College of Public Policy, underscored the conference’s role in equipping students with practical insights into global governance.

“Initiatives like UOSMUN deepen students’ understanding of international relations while sharpening their critical thinking and decision-making skills,” he stated.

Prof. Eid Kannan, Dean of Student Affairs, highlighted the university’s commitment to extracurricular activities that foster professional growth: “By empowering students to articulate solutions to real-world challenges, we cultivate globally conscious leaders capable of driving meaningful change.”

Dr. Shyamal Kataria, Chair of the International Relations Department, emphasised the event’s focus on nurturing innovative problem-solvers.

“The diversity of committee topics — from climate resilience to combating disinformation — prepares students to address multifaceted global issues with creativity and rigor,” he noted.

The conference’s student-driven structure reinforces skills in public speaking, negotiation, and research, aligning with Sharjah’s vision to position itself as a hub for impactful education and research. By simulating high-stakes international dialogues, UOSMUN 4.0 aims to instil a culture of cooperation and forward-thinking leadership among participants.