Dubai International Academy students participate in The Hague International Model United Nations conference

The DIA students participated in the THIMUN conference as representatives of Kenya and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).

Some 3500 students from around the world attended the forum, which had "Climate Change" as its theme. Other topics that were discussed included disarmament, restoring peace in places of conflict and health issues.

The opening ceremony included a speech that was delivered by the Acting Mayor of The Hague, Jetta Klinjsma while a message to the delegates was also read out on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon. Former US President Bill Clinton delivered a message via telecast to support this year's THIMUN conference.

Banu Shanker, Model United Nations Coordinator, DIA, said: "It was an entirely new and enriching experience for our students. We are committed to providing our students the opportunity to participate in prestigious events like THIMUN to expose them to international fora from an early age that can give them a better understanding of global issues, and help them on their journey to becoming life-long learners. The students have done their school proud by participating in THIMUN and becoming worthy model ambassadors. They can now use the wealth of knowledge they had gained at THIMUN to further enhance their own model UN that is to be held at DIA every year".

At the conference, many of the students attended the New Delegates' Workshop and the Chairing Workshop, and interacted with student delegates from other countries. The DIA students also visited some landmarks in The Hague and Amsterdam.