AUS students secure three diplomacy awards at BUMUN 2011

An eight-member delegation from the Student Leadership Program represented American University of Sharjah (AUS) at Bahrain Universities Model United Nations (BUMUN) 2011, November 24-25, 2011. The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Hisham Mohammed Al Jowder, President of the General Organization for Youth and Sports, Bahrain.

At the event, AUS students had the opportunity to gain experience in public speaking, negotiation, research and debating and learned more about international affairs. Students prepared extensive research about their appointed countries in order to understand the political, social and economic status, which gave them a unique opportunity to learn about different perspectives, views, beliefs, values and cultures of various nations.

AUS students secured three diplomacy awards for their outstanding performances. Aly El-Gayar, a sophomore in civil engineering, won the Diplomacy Award for the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) representing Mexico. Budour Al Fahim, a senior in finance, and Banah Nassar, a senior in marketing, represented New Zealand and Syria, respectively, and were granted the Diplomacy Awards for the General Assembly.

"I congratulate our students for their success; this is the second year in a row that AUS secures three diplomacy awards, and we are proud of our achievements. BUMUN offers a wonderful learning experience that allows students to better understand world issues and the skill of negotiation and diplomacy. We look forward to future participation in the Model United Nations and encourage students to get more involved in our programs," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

Mohammad Hukan, a peer leader and a senior in electrical engineering, won the Diplomacy Award of BUMUN 2010 and had the opportunity to chair this year's sessions. "After participating in last year's BUMUN, being a chair this year was a new experience on a whole different level. It gave me a new perspective on the Model United Nations, as I had to understand and be familiar with the rules and procedures. I would like to thank the Student Leadership Program for providing me with such an opportunity, and I advise students not to miss this opportunity next year," said Hukan.

This trip was organized by the Office of Student Affair's Student Leadership Program.