Basseterre, St. Kitts - Mr. Azard Gumbs of Old Road has been selected by the Caribbean Commonwealth Youth Programme to attend the 2nd Annual Global Model United Nations Conference in Malaysia, August 14-18, 2010. The event is currently taking place and is organised by the United Nations Department of Public Information in partnership with the Government of Malaysia, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the Commonwealth Secretariat, under the theme “Towards an Alliance of Civilizations: Bridging Cultures to Achieve Peace and Development.”
According to a Press Release issued by the United Nations Department of Public Information on February 4th 2010, the conference is expected to bring together the best university-level students participating in Model United Nations programmes around the world to simulate the General Assembly. Additionally, in order to ensure a fair and transparent selection and wide geographic representation of candidates, a quota system was created for each region (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Western Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America).
Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, Kiyo Akasaka, stated “Over the years, many ambassadors to the United Nations and UN officials have told me that they too took part in Model UNs in their cities and towns. It is our hope that participation in the Global Model UN Conference will inspire young people to become ambassadors, to work for the United Nations or become the experts and leaders that we in the United Nations look to as our partners in the global effort to support peace, development and human rights in countries around the world.”
Each delegate before attending the Model Global United Nations Conference was given a state or an intergovernmental organisation to represent. Each delegate had to write and submit a position paper on the state or organization he or she was given, giving its views on various global topics. For the purpose of this conference Mr. Gumbs was given the opportunity of emulating the role of the Commonwealth Secretariat in the Model United Nations General Assembly and was asked to submit a position paper prior to his attendence on the topic: “Forging Alliances towards Peace and Security.”
Mr. Azard Gumbs is no stranger to leadership and responsibility, and his interest lies within law and politics. In 2007, he represented the Federation in the 6th Commonwealth Youth Forum in Uganda, Africa in the capacity of Deputy Commonwealth Youth Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis. In 2009, he attended the 5th OAS Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago as part of the federal delegation, by the invitation of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas.
The 2008 runner- up State Scholar and 2008 Liamuiga Youth Legacy Awardee, is currently an undergraduate student at the University of the West Indies- Mona Campus, Jamaica where he been involved in a number of leadership roles. He was recently elected Vice-President of the UWI Mona Debating and Public Speaking Society and Public Relations Officer of the St. Kitts- Nevis Student Association in Jamaica for the upcoming academic year 2010-2011. Mr. Gumbs is also a Student Ambassador of the Vice- Chancellor of the University of the West Indies having first been inducted as a member then elected unopposed as Vice-President of Volunteerism and Programming of UWI STAT (Student Today Alumni Today) Mona Corps for the upcoming academic year.
Mr. Gumbs is also a member and former Public Relations Officer of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association; and a former Valedictorian of both the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College’s General Arts and Sciences Division (2008) and the Academy Primary School (2001); a former student and teacher of the Washington Archibald High School; and a local preacher on trial of the St.Kitts Methodist Church Circuit. He has also served as Host of the Youth Television Programme “Talking Point,” before leaving for the University of the West Indies.
“As a representative of the Caribbean Commonwealth Youth Programme, I deem my attendance at the aforementioned meeting as a great opportunity to represent the views of the Caribbean Commonwealth Youth Programme, as we have recently held a meeting and formulated a report on Respect and Understanding, and the need for greater tolerance to curb global violence. This idea goes hand in hand with the theme of the Global Model United Nations conference - "Towards an Alliance of Civilisations: Bridging Cultures to Achieve Peace and Development," as such I hope to be able to make informed contributions at each session based on what we discussed in our Regional Consultative Meeting in St. Kitts in 2008.
Additionally, while I remain enthusiastic about the knowledge and skills that can be derived from my participation, I am equally eager to share the Caribbean experience, more specifically the Kittitian-Nevisian history and culture to others, and the importance of respect and understanding to promote peace and development,” said Mr. Gumbs.
