Over 100 secondary school students will benefit from this year’s Model United Nations workshop hosted by the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain. For the past 23 years, the RCCPOS has successfully hosted this annual young development and educational programme.
As various organizations engage in missions and projects to support peace and conflict prevention and resolution, the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain in collaboration with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and The United Nations are hosting their 24th Model UN workshop.
According to the UN’s Resident Coordinator, Joanna Kazana, small island developing states must have a voice and stake in the decision-making process about solutions on climate change. She says, much of the Caribbean is being affected by this current crisis, resulting from the industrial world, which has contributed to climate change much more than small island developing states.
“So demand the space at the table wherever climate solutions are discussed. Demand and claim the space in every global or regional conversation where someone else is going to have more financial power, stronger voice, a better seat at the table because of the geopolitical circumstances. You need to be there, and this is about leaving no one behind. Small island developing states have to have the voice and decide decision-making power about solutions on climate change.”
President of the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain, Elitha Rocke-Maharaj, says the workshop represents a unique and vital opportunity for the young delegates, to delve into the interconnected challenges facing our global community with respect to these issues.
“Climate change and gender inequality are not isolated issues. They intersect and amplify one another, affecting lives, livelihoods, and the future of our planet. Your participation today is a reminder that the solution to these issues require diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and unwavering determination.”
District governor rotary district 7030, Debbie Roopchand says, the UN and Rotary share similar interests, as they are both involved in peace building programmes. She says, through programmes like Model UN they are able to have discussions that support rotary’s mission as a humanitarian organization.
“Regionally, the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain that is hosting this model United Nations program falls within District 7030, which comprises 17 countries in the Southern Caribbean, 76 Rotary Clubs, 2,400 plus Rotarians who are committed to helping communities and the world.”
The 2024 Model UN’s theme is Gender and Climate Change. Each student delegate participated in an 8 week training programme in preparation for their upcoming debate. These delegates will engage in mirroring the UN’s General Assembly, researching and discussing issues of global importance.