Al-Quds University recently hosted the sixth iteration of the Palestinian Model United Nations Conference (2024 PALiMUN), themed “Revolution for Justice, Union for Change.” This event was made possible through the generous support of the Qatari grant as part of the “Education Above All” project. The conference saw the participation of over 200 students from Al-Quds University and several other Palestinian universities and schools. It comprised eight committees that deliberated on sixteen different subjects over the course of two days.

The Dean of Al-Quds Bard College, Dr. Daniel Terris, delivered a speech on behalf of the University President, Prof. Imad Abu Kishek, in which he articulated the significance of the conference for students, emphasizing its role in honing their international diplomatic skills. Dr. Terris underscored the importance of fostering a culture of engagement with international issues among school and university students, expressing gratitude to all individuals who contributed to the organization of this significant conference.

In addition, the Ambassador of Palestine to Belgium, Dr. Amal Jado, delivered a speech via video conference, lauding the efforts of Al-Quds University students in organizing this exceptional model of the United Nations simulation. She expressed her pride in them in light of the circumstances that Palestine is going through, wishing them success and excellence in their lives.

Moreover, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Mazen Al-Khatib, stressed the Dean’s Office’s commitment to supporting students in diverse activities aimed at cultivating their skills and fortifying their capabilities in various domains. He called upon the students to engage in the University’s local and international dialogues, including debates, Model United Nations, and other activities.

The director of the AQU’s PaliMUN program, Mr. Sameh Erekat, welcomed the attendees and participants, observing that the work for the conference has been an annual endeavor to produce a successful and distinguished model. He subsequently urged students to participate and join the model club, emphasizing the inclusivity of students from various disciplines, universities, and schools.

“In this conference, we emphasized the significance of the Palestinian students’ role in expressing their opinions on various political and economic issues. We also discussed matters pertaining to the mental health and the empowerment of Palestinian women and mothers,” stated student Mohammed Amer Kamel who serves as Secretary General of the conference. He further noted that the conference was a resounding success, as it assembled a cohort of innovative students.

A total of eight committees participated in the conference, with each committee addressing two distinct topics:

• Disarmament and International Security Committee:
• 1. “Limiting the Spread of Autonomous Weapon Systems and Artificial Intelligence in Modern Warfare”
  2. “Strengthening Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament Treaties”
• Political Committee:
  1. “Combating the Rise of Cyber Violence and its Threats to Global Security”
  2. “Assessing the Impact of Conflicts on Sovereignty and Regional Stability: The Case of Jammu and Kashmir”
• Women’s Committee:
  1. “Promoting Reproductive Health Inclusivity and Access for All Women”
  2. “Combating Gender-Based Exclusion in Education and Employment Opportunities in Afghanistan”
• Human Rights Council Committee:
  1. “Combating Refugee Hate and Discrimination in the Context of Mass Displacement and Refugee Crises”
  2. “Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen: Protecting Civilians and Ensuring Access to Health Care and Accountability”
• Economic and Social Council Committee:
  1. “Post-Conflict Economic Recovery in the Middle East: Development in Financial Markets, Finance, and Energy”
  2. “Activating the Role of International Aid and NGOs in Conflict Zones”
• World Health Organization (WHO):
  1. “Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Conflict Zones: Psychosocial Consequences in Palestine”
  2. “Mandating Ceasefire Agreements for Health in Armed Conflicts”
• Security Council:
  1. “The Palestinian Cause”
  2. “Mitigating the Conflict between China and Taiwan”
• Arab League Committee:
  1. “The Syrian Crisis: Reaching a Comprehensive and Sustainable Political Solution”
  2. “The Palestinian Cause: The Role of Arab Unity in Promoting and Supporting It”

At the end of the conference, the most distinguished speakers from the various committees were honored. It should also be noted that university students from various disciplines have been diligent in organizing this conference annually since 2016. These students have excelled in organizing its different sessions through their creativity in presenting and discussing diverse global issues.