JERUSALEM | Over 50 Palestinian and Israeli Seeds have prepared for regional Model United Nations (MUN) simulations over the past three months, and 26 have taken part as delegates.
The MUN program is designed to help Seeds develop their public speaking and teamwork skills, and requires them to put themselves in the diplomatic shoes of another country and represent that country’s interests.
Starting in November, the Seeds convened to prepare for the conferences at the Seeds of Peace offices in Jerusalem. Participants were assigned a country and United Nations committee, then developed policy statements, opening speeches, and resolutions.
In January, 14 Seeds took part in the three-day Palestinian Model United Nations conference at the Ramallah Friends School. Two Seeds earned Honorable Mentions at the event’s conclusion.
In February, 12 Seeds participated in the three-day Israel Middle East Model United Nations at the Walworth Barbour American International School in Even Yehuda. Two Seeds received Outstanding Delegate Awards for their performances.
Four Seeds took part in a third MUN conference, Galilee Model United Nations, held in March in Nazareth. The Seeds represented Indonesia and Algeria.
To acknowledge the Seeds who participated in the Model UN program, Seeds of Peace hosted a dinner in Jerusalem in March for 36 Israeli and Palestinian Seeds.
“After Seeds spoke about their experience in the workshop, we ate mansaf and celebrated their accomplishments,” said Raffoul Saadeh, Seeds of Peace’s Alumni Outreach & Programs Manager, who organized the five-month MUN program.
PROGRAM PHOTOS