After a successful International Model United Nations (IMUN) conference in Washington D.C this year (July 17- August 2), innovative minds were churning. Prominent global issues were discussed, ideas and ideologies were challenged, and young minds were forced to see perspectives in a whole new light. One hundred and sixty students from twenty-seven countries attended. Meanwhile, amidst all the international dialogue, two other minds reached their own pinnacle of inspiration. Frank Vasconcelos (2014 Secretary General of the Tallahassee Southern Model United Nations Conference) and Guy Djoken (executive director of UNESCO Center for Peace) were beginning to form a partnership in order to further extend this unique opportunity to students.
Vasconcelos, who currently serves on the TSMUN Board of Directors, was incredibly successful with the Tallahassee Southeastern Model United Nations (TSMUN) conference, which was held in February at FSU’s Turnbull Center. Thirteen local Tallahassee schools were able to attend and participate. High interest from the students contributed greatly to the conference’s success. As the Secretary General Vasconcelos chose the theme “peace and security”, which presented different perspectives and challenges to the participating students. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, known as UNESCO, is also taking a strong interest in pioneering young minds. Since 2004, UNESCO developed an internal policy to increase engagement within American society, “…celebrating community diversity, contributing on current issues and events, engaging policy makers, and working with all stakeholders to further understand peace, acceptance, and tolerance”. UNESCO aims to support programs that increase awareness on global issues and“that will help raise a new generation of Peace Makers”. The collaboration between UNESCO and TSMUN is incredibly beneficial in that they both aim to engage young minds to think in a universally understanding manner.
Vasconcelos, who was interviewed about his experience and involvement in the development of the new scholarship, was particularly inspired by the conferences. The partnership between himself and Djoken resulted in the IMUN scholarship that will be offered once a year to a TSMUN Conference participant. This scholarship will fully support a High School student in his or her attendance of the annual IMUN conference in Washington DC. Student’s travel expenses, meals, hotel, and historic land mark visitation fees would all be taken care of by the UNESCO Center for Peace. This is a marvelous opportunity given to students, as Frank stated, “This scholarship will be very beneficial for those students who do not have the means to travel and stay in Washing DC for a week ”.Qualifications for this scholarship include: participation at a TSMUN Conference, motivation, strong interest in global issues, strong enthusiasm, and dependability.
The first to receive this IMUN scholarship was Melissa Gentry, who did attend the conference this year in DC. Her gratitude and positive experience only further inspired the need for this type of scholarship. Previously, TSMUN annually provided two full-ride scholarships; given to two high school seniors to study at Tallahassee Community College (TCC). Partnering with UNESCO, TSMUN now provides more Educational opportunities to High School student who attend the conference Vasconcelos stated that, “being able to interact with so many different cultures, so many different languages, and so many various types of people… I never had that chance when I was a student in high school. I wish that I did. I’m proud to be part of an organization that provides this chance to someone”. When asked about how he felt about MUN’s contribution to society, Vasconcelos responded “I want people to change their minds on how they approach cultures…[because] there are so many stereotypes that can be changed by education. This will help us gain a better understanding of one another”.
Djoken was a guest speaker at the TSMUN conference this year and his newly found friendship with Vasconcelos has already sown new opportunities for students. Vasconcelos acknowledged in his interview that commodity and networking are absolutely tasteful incentives of attending these conferences: “…The people that you meet and what you take away from them are treasurable.” Now, TSMUN provides this unique opportunity to students who attend its annual Model United Nations Conference, here in Tallahassee.
