Model UN Focuses on Youth and Grassroots Peacebuilding

Event poster

Titled “Grassroots Peacebuilding via Model UN for Youth Living in Conflict Zones and Divided Societies,” the program will be held in a hybrid format and will focus on Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 16.

A central example highlighted in the program is the experience of Jewish Israeli and Palestinian teenagers who, despite studying in separate schools and in different languages, have met through Model United Nations, debated one another and become friends. Steven Aiello, Director of DEBATE-FOR-PEACE, describes the experience as a striking example of the role MUN can play in grassroots peacebuilding.

The program describes United Nations Model United Nations, or MUN, as an extracurricular program engaging hundreds of thousands of students around the world. It highlights research, public speaking and negotiation as practical skills developed through MUN and notes its growing importance for students interested in these skills.

The event will feature greetings from H.E. José Antonio Zabalgoitia, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Mexico, and a welcome from Dr. Maria Riehl, Director of the WFWPI UN Vienna Office.

Mr. Suhaas Savio Ema, UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer, will deliver the opening remarks. Atty. Ms. Daryll Genervyn B. Migano, Attaché at the Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Philippines, is also listed on the program.

The program will include a Model UN panel and a short video screening. The panel participants are Naama Perlstein, Sameer Khatib, Lauren Donath, Yan Kurenyov and Rula Esiad.

The respondents are Mag. Caroline Hungerländer, MSc, of the IUFE — Institute for Peace and Development, and Labinot Çoqaj, of the International Association for Youth and Students for Peace, IAYSP-Balkan.

The program places young people and their experiences at the center of a discussion about the potential of Model UN to provide opportunities for dialogue across communities affected by conflict and division.

The event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room CR1, C-Building, with online participation also available.

EVENT INFORMATION

Grassroots Peacebuilding via Model UN for Youth Living in Conflict Zones and Divided Societies

Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Venue: Room CR1, C-Building
Format: Hybrid
Focus: SDG 4 & SDG 16

Link for registration to enter UN Building: https://forms.gle/Bm91yQzkfPwZ31Yd7

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82305845959

Meeting ID: 823 0584 5959

Link for registration to enter UN Building: https://forms.gle/Bm91yQzkfPwZ31Yd7

DEBATE-FOR-PEACE: http://debateforpeace.org/
Books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1964852226
Women’s Federation for World Peace International: wfwp.org
www.wfwp-europe.org: www.wfwp-europe.org
WFWP Europe-YouTube