BA Political Science Students together with their Program Chair Ms. Beverly B. Laltoog attended the Diplomatic League Model United Nations Accreditation Conference last March 18-19, 2023 at the University of the Philippines- Los Baños.
The activity was organized by the Diplomatic League, together with UP Model United Nations and The Philosophical Society of UPLB. Keynote speakers were also invited to talk, where Mr Mark Christian Cardenas, Diplomatic League Adviser talked about targeting all the UN SDGs when doing something for development. Engr. Christopher Cabardo, the program specialist for SEARCA discussed highlights of technological advancements for agriculture. USec for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs, DFA, Hon. Jesus S. Domingo discussed the role of the youth in diplomacy and how having the Filipino mindset can help the youth innovate the future of agriculture.
The Diplomatic League Model United Nations Accreditation Conference 2023 is a realistic simulation of United Nations meetings such as the General Assembly and the various plenary sessions done per committee. Through this simulation, multilateral diplomacy is learned and appreciated.
To prepare, the delegates attended online training done by the organizers, where the United Nations Rules of Procedure, Resolution drafting, drafting of decisions, and other related topics helped prepare delegates. The delegates also have done extensive research about their states, committees, and the foreign policies of the states and have prepared their positions to address the topic: “The Role of Youth in the Case of Food Waste and Climate Change”.
The different delegates started the 1st plenary session with opening statements about the issues of food waste in their respective states.
“There is more than enough food produced in the world to feed everyone on the planet, yet as many as 828 million people still go hungry, due to failed food waste management . The government of Argentina will continue to elevate its youth engagement for food waste and climate change actions. Through providing platform for the youth that would support and strengthen in their advocacy and innovation. On both coming up with adopting and mitigating solutions to improve sustainable food management and climate resistances.”
– Ghea Lennette Calawa, Argentina, Food and Agriculture Committee
“The organization and regulation of the supply of safe and nutritious foods is one of the key responsibilities of the global community in order to ensure political stability and a thriving economy. The Czech Republic recognizes that the youth’s spirit of innovation can make these impactful actions towards food security.”
– Precious Lyca Cabalse, Czech Republic, Food and Agriculture Committee
‘’Together with crying for world peace we are asking for the eradication of hunger. As the younger people inherit the high rate of hunger and malnutrition, they play a very significant role in society. Inserting youth as part of the decision making process is a must as they keep high enthusiasm and promote actions in advocating the SDG 2 (zero hunger). Youth are not only the future consumers and producers but they are as well the future innovators and advocates of promoting sustainable food systems.’’
– Francis Ann Cheska Delim, Italy, Food and Agriculture Committee
“The country urges to call for support and participation from all other countries that are present here. Let us begin an action to strengthen and promote sustainable development together with the youth so that we can prepare the future not just for ourselves and represented countries, but also for our children and to those who are not yet born.”
– Cyber Laurels Domantay, Namibia, Food and Agriculture Committee
“There is a need to address the irony of having low food production yet having so much food wasted. The state calls for the collaboration of all to empower the youth and be given a platform to create appropriate proposals and ensure that our waters are protected and that our children meet a future where there is global food security.”
– Channel Dane Palangdao, Oman, Food and Agriculture
After the series of plenary sessions, where states were grouped into their regional blocs, their ideas about how to encourage the youth to participate in reducing food waste were discussed. Issues about the situation of youth refugees, young farmers, and lack of funding were also raised. After a series of plenary sessions, an outcome report was submitted during the general assembly.
The outcome report consisted of recommendations such as urging the participation of the youth in the United Nations Food Systems Summit, the introduction of the “circular economy”, training the youth, our future leaders in food waste management and climate change about green jobs, and other recommendations.
“As global representatives, together, let’s reimagine diplomacy!”
DLMUNAC 2023
Article by: Channel Dane Palangdao, Precious Lyca Cabalse, Cyber Laurels Domantay, Ghea Lennette Calawa and Francis Ann Cheska Delim
