Delrue at MUNBU opening "Your voices are essential in shaping policies that respond to the realities of today and the needs of tomorrow”

At the opening of the 12th Bilkent University Model United Nations Conference (MUNBU), Tom Delrue, Head of Office at the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Türkiye, highlighted the vital role of youth in shaping the future. "The United Nations depends on the energy, ideas, and leadership of young people to build a better future," Delrue emphasized in his speech.

MUNBU one of the largest Model UN conferences in Türkiye, started on Monday, welcoming more than 550 students from various universities and high schools across Türkiye. The conference, which will continue until January 23, provides a platform for students to engage in debates, model diplomatic negotiations, and explore key global issues.

Delivering the keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the conference Tom Delrue, Head of UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Türkiye emphasized the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation, encouraging students to actively contribute to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. He also referenced the recent Summit of the Future, which resulted in the adoption of the Pact for the Future and its annexes: the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.

“In a world of rapid technological advancements and complex crises, the future lies in our hands,” Delrue said. “By coming together through cooperation and dialogue, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a more sustainable, peaceful world.”

Delrue highlighted the UN's ongoing efforts to tackle global issues such as climate change, armed conflict, inequality, and displacement, stressing that these challenges require urgent attention and collective action.

Delrue commended the organizers and delegates of MUNBU Conference for curating a remarkable conference agenda. He highlighted the conference's focus on critical issues, ranging from the rights of climate refugees and ensuring access to quality education for displaced children, to preventing child exploitation and fostering international cooperation to combat environmental crimes. He emphasized that these topics reflect a profound understanding of the interconnected challenges facing our world today.

President of Bilkent University Kürşat Aydoğan, Associate Professor Tuğba Bayar of Department of International Relations and Dr. Can Öztaş Head of Digital and Corportae Communications Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also addressed the students during the opening ceremony and emphasized the role of youth in shaping the future. 

The conference organizers presented all speakers with appreciation plaques in recognition of their contributions.

MUNBU Conference is a powerful demonstration of how youth can contribute to solving global problems through collaboration, creativity, and leadership bu simulating a multilateral platform. The conference provides an opportunity for future leaders to learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the workings of the United Nations.

The 12th edition of MUNBU promises to be an inspiring and transformative event, with participants taking part in meaningful debates, forging lasting connections, and gaining a deeper understanding of the role they can play in shaping a better world.

Full speech of Delrue is available here.