Hon. Qereqeretabua officiates the MUN 2025 conference at International School Suva

The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua spoke as the chief guest at the official opening ceremony of the 16th annual Model United Nations (MUN) Conference hosted by the International School Suva on Monday 28th April 2025. Hon. Qereqeretabua encouraged the students to use the conference as an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills such public speaking, analytical thinking, collaboration, and consensus-building – skills that are essential not only in diplomacy, but in leadership and civic engagement.

Model United Nations or MUN, is a simulation of the real United Nations where students step into the role of country delegates to engage in discussions and debates on pressing global issues. It is a transformative educational experience that fosters understanding of diplomacy, international relations, and the workings of global governance.

Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Qereqeretabua acknowledged the students for their commitment to participate and also thanked the teachers for their timely support for MUN – initiative that aims to develop essential skills for future leadership by empowering students to actively collaborate on key issues of global, regional and national importance.

The Assistant Minister conveyed her best wishes to the student delegates as they collaboratively embark on the MUN to enhance their formal debate skills in a supportive environment and discuss the real-world issues and advocate for solutions that would ultimately make a positive impact in our societies.
Model United Nations (MUN) strengthens inter-school relationships, fosters political, democratic, and debate skills, and broadens students’ global awareness. Through taking on the roles of country representatives, students tackle pressing issues such as climate change, famine, and conflict, developing public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking skills.

This year’s conference brings together senior high school students from across Fiji, simulating the work of the United Nations (UN) across five key committees: – General Assembly – Security Council – Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – UN Special Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) -UN Special Commission on Slavery and Human Trafficking (UNSCSHT). Delegates hail from Adi Cakobau School, Yat Sen Secondary, Suva Grammar School, Saint Joseph’s Secondary School, International School Nadi, Jai Narayan College, Natabua High School, and International School Suva.

Reflecting on their MUN journeys since 2009, the conference’s student leaders shared how the experience has been enriching, teaching the value of diplomacy, global citizenship, and youth engagement. They expressed excitement for this year’s talent and the potential to foster future changemakers.