Four students from the Student Leadership Program (SLP) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) were among the members of the UAE delegation to the 9th Annual Bahrain Universities Model United Nations (BUMUN), which was held in Al Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, November 28-29, 2013. The UAE's delegation consisted of students from AUS, Zayed University and UAE University; and was sponsored by the UAE's General Authority of Youth & Sports Welfare.

BUMUN is a Model United Nations for mainly university students in the GCC. It is a simulation education activity which focuses on civics, communications, globalization and multilateral diplomacy. Students take on roles as foreign diplomats and participate in a simulated session of an intergovernmental organization (IGO). They research a particular country within a selected committee and topic, take on a role as a diplomat, investigate international issues, and eventually pass resolutions for current global conflicts.

"It was a great honor to participate in the BUMUN 2013 as part of the UAE delegation. This conference was exceptional, and provided us with the opportunity to engage in discussions that covered real world issues. Throughout the sessions, we developed our leadership skills, diplomacy techniques and learned how to conduct constructive debates," said Hamad Al Ansari, senior student majoring in finance.

"The Student Leadership Program participates annually in the BUMUN to develop our students' skills in research, public speaking, negotiation and critical thinking. The BUMUN is an excellent platform for experts and students from universities in the region to meet, learn to adapt to the views of others and build a first step towards international unity and tolerance," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.