AYIMUN 2025: Shaping future leaders through global diplomacy

The 16th Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) concluded successfully at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, from January 17 to January 20, 2025. Organized by the International Global Network (IGN), the event brought together 1,000 young delegates from 38 countries to discuss pressing global issues through a United Nations simulation.

Supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau under the Ministry of Tourism and Arts and the Jabatan Pendidikan Tinggi under the Ministry of Higher Education, AYIMUN 2025 marked IGN’s first major initiative of the year. The conference aimed to foster leadership, negotiation, and diplomacy skills among youth while providing a platform for meaningful discussions on global challenges.

The opening ceremony featured six distinguished ambassadors, including H.E. Dr Adel Mohamed Ali BA Hamid (Yemen), H.E. José Luis Pardo Cuerdo (Spain), H.E. Peter Van Acker (Belgium), H.E. Florence Buerki Akonor (Ghana), H.E. Radamés Gómez Azuaje (Venezuela), and H.E. Anne Vasara (Finland), who addressed the delegates and highlighted the importance of global collaboration.

Championing a Global Cause

Among the standout participants was Umaima Nadeem, a 23-year-old Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology student from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). Representing Iraq in the UNICEF council, Umaima delivered a compelling proposal to combat the recruitment of child soldiers—a persistent global concern.

Throughout the conference, Umaima engaged in rigorous debates, exploring the root causes, consequences, and potential solutions to child recruitment in armed conflicts. Her research emphasized the psychological trauma faced by child soldiers, the disruption of education, and the socio-economic impacts of forced recruitment. She also addressed the harsh realities of family separation, sexual exploitation, and exposure to violence that many child soldiers endure.

Guided by Dr Zhooriyati Sehu Mohd, Senior Lecturer at APU’s School of Psychology, Umaima collaborated with international delegates through moderated and unmoderated caucuses. Her ability to navigate complex discussions and present innovative solutions earned her widespread recognition.

A Strategic Framework for Rehabilitation

Umaima led the creation of the C.U.R.E. initiative—Child Understanding and Rehabilitation for Elimination—a comprehensive framework aimed at rehabilitating and supporting former child soldiers. The initiative focuses on four key areas: raising awareness about the dangers of war and child recruitment, preventing child involvement with rebel groups through early intervention, providing life skills and STEM education to empower affected children, and offering healthcare support to aid trauma recovery and mental well-being.

Umaima’s diplomatic approach and persuasive advocacy helped her secure international backing for the initiative. Through strategic negotiations, she gathered signatories to support the C.U.R.E. proposal, marking a significant milestone in humanitarian advocacy within the AYIMUN framework.

Reflecting on her journey, Umaima expressed gratitude for the support of her mentor and the collaborative environment at APU. The experience strengthened her ability to engage with diverse perspectives, develop practical solutions, and advocate for global change.