Georgetown Qatar Launches First Collegiate MUN, Expanding Global Diplomacy Education at QF
Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) has marked a new milestone in its contributions to developing the next generation of leaders and fostering global understanding and peace-building by inaugurating the Georgetown Qatar Model United Nations (GQMUN) for university students, expanding its renowned Model United Nations program to the collegiate level.
The inaugural, student-organized GQMUN event that took place in Doha was held under the theme “Solidarity in a Fractured World: Embracing Unity Amidst Complex Divisions.” The university’s flagship experiential learning exercise saw an impressive turnout, with 128 international participants from 12 universities across 9 countries from the MENA and GCC regions. Additionally, the event witnessed participation of 50 students from 17 universities within Qatar. The conference featured simulations of five key UN councils, including the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, allowing students to step into the shoes of UN delegates and tackle global issues from the real UN agenda.
Since the establishment of its Qatar campus in 2005, GU-Q has been a prominent organizer of Model United Nations (MUN) conferences for high school students. With the launch of GQMUN this year, GU-Q will now be hosting three separate MUN conferences throughout the year that engage both high school and university students in global diplomacy and international relations.
Jibin G. Koshy, the Educational Enrichment Manager at GU-Q, expressed his excitement about the program’s expansion: “The launch of GQMUN marks a significant step in meeting the evolving educational needs of our students. In today’s interconnected world, where diplomatic skills are increasingly crucial in addressing a myriad of global challenges, it is essential to provide platforms like GQMUN that prepare students to tackle a diverse array of global challenges.”
GQMUN committees engaged students in debates on diverse global issues, including combating online disinformation, the restitution of cultural property, addressing humanitarian crises, cyber terrorism, and digital resilience. They also tackled the militarization of outer space, hate speech, human trafficking, access to quality education, women’s rights, and bioethics, reflecting a broad spectrum of challenges crucial for future international diplomacy and policy-making.
In addition to the MUN conference, GU-Q also hosted an innovative two-day higher education symposium for the faculty and staff that accompany student teams. This symposium featured sessions led by GU-Q staff on diverse topics, including Artificial Intelligence, Student Advocacy, Cognitive Biases, and Mental Health in Higher Education.
“Introducing the counselors’ symposium to the GQMUN program was aimed at enhancing the professional development of counselors, so they too benefit from the MUN,” said Koshy. “It provides a platform for them to deepen their expertise, connect with peers and leaders in the educational sector, and explore new avenues for collaboration.” The symposium received overwhelming positive feedback, he added, highlighting GU-Q’s commitment to strengthening Qatar’s role as a hub of education and human development in the region and globally.
GU-Q’s strategic location in Qatar, a country synonymous with global diplomacy, combined with its rigorous curriculum focused on international affairs, makes it an ideal host for such a prestigious event, he said. Furthermore, the university’s commitment to diversity and academic excellence ensures a rich and authentic MUN experience for all participants. The next MUN will be held in the Spring for both local and international high school students.
The Inaugural Georgetown Qatar Model United Nations (GQMUN): “Solidarity in a Fractured World: Embracing Unity Amidst Complex Divisions”
Participating International Universities:
Ahlia University Bahrain, Bahrain
American University of Kuwait, Kuwait
American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
College of Economics and Political Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
German Jordanian University, Jordan
Notre Dame University Louaize, Lebanon
Prince Sultan University, Saudi Arabia
Rabat Business School – International University of Rabat, Morocco
Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Lebanon
The American University in Cairo, Egypt
The University of Jordan, Jordan
Université Internationale de Rabat, Morocco
Participating Local Universities:
Academic Bridge Program
AFG College with the University of Aberdeen
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar
Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
Georgetown University in Qatar
Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Lusail University
MIE – Savitribai Phule Pune University
Northwestern University in Qatar
Qatar Academy Sidra
Qatar University
Texas A&M University in Qatar
The American University of Afghanistan
University of Calgary in Qatar
University of Doha for Science and Technology
Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar
Windsor University School of Medicine