United Nations and the Youth
On the 14th and 15th of December 2024, a remarkable intercommunal activity took place, bringing together students from across Cyprus for a weekend of collaboration, diplomacy, and engagement. A total of 150 students participated, including seven dedicated Xenion students who attended the entire two-day event, along with a preparatory workshop held on the 30th of November. For years, Xenion students have been integral to this event, often taking on leadership roles as organizers and chairs. While this year they participated as delegates, they continued to bring pride and distinction to their school, securing multiple wins throughout the proceedings.
By Ioannis Dimitriadis (As Editor)
This year's activity was particularly notable for its multinational and multicultural participation. While it aimed to bridge gaps between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, it also included students from diverse ethnic backgrounds, further enriching the experience and fostering understanding. Special guests, including renowned diplomats, added to the significance of the event, underscoring the importance of cooperation and dialogue in a world that values peace and unity.
΅What is ICYDC and why caring?
The conference was not just about formal debates, but a chance to engage with pressing topics that resonate across the globe. Delegates tackled complex issues like nuclear waste security, financial sustainability in Africa, refugees within the Arab League, and women's rights in Latin America. One of the highlights of the event was the inclusion of distinguished guests, including the British High Commissioner to Cyprus, Ben Rowling, former presidential candidate Mr. Mavrogiannis, and renowned diplomats and UN officials. Their speeches offered valuable insights into the challenges of global diplomacy and the importance of open dialogue.
Beyond the formal discussions, ICYDC offered a space for students to break through the often divisive narratives surrounding Cyprus. While the island's political situation is often framed as one of "self-victimization" and "misunderstood hate," the conference aimed to unite young people in the spirit of collaboration. Delegates worked together, drafting resolutions, passing amendments, and forming alliances, all while role-playing as diplomats in a UN plenary session. It was a mixture of serious dialogue and a fun, hands-on learning experience,one that left participants not only with new skills but also with a sense of hope for a more cooperative future. And, of course, a lot of memories that burst tears of laughter to this time.
Our Students
In ICYDC, we have had 6 students participating, namely
Irene Nikolaou (Year 5)
Alexia Fekka (Year 6)
Timur El Zhayir (Year 6)
Alnahhas George Roufan (Year 6)
Marian Spasov (Year 6)
Ioannis Dimitriadis (Year 7)
They have been able to together provide more than 15 speeches and have been almost exclusively main submitters to their resolutions, while collaborating with their allies and receiving dedicated help from the chairs. Their commitment had been noted by the officials, and thus out of the 6, 4 took home awards, as following:
Best position paper HSC Alexia Fekka
Best position paper DISEC Marian Spasov
Best Position Paper DISEC Timur
Best Delegate Award HSC Ioannis Dimitriadis
Experiences of the Historical Security Council
While it should be admitted that committee was by far the wildest one, it was so one of the best, where two of the students from Xenion High School experienced to its fullest, being active in the debates and the lobbying, formulating coalitions and spreading awe to foes and friends. As delegates of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and Norway, the two students proposed in total 5 clauses in the Historical Security Council joint resolution over the avoidance of war between the Mujahideen warriors, local leadership of Afghanistan and the Soviet Union. Consequently, Korea was the main submitter with Norway's co-submitted clauses triumphing on a resolution that passed (although further alterations…)
The Historical Security council proved to be the most energetic of all. It was no wonder that rogue delegates and organizers would join to hear debates ongoing while the speeches expressed would be feared by dictators and orators of the older ages. With a UN meeting, their photos can be found in the official account of United Nations Cyprus, with a bizarre easter egg. Nonetheless, the arguments would usually shift from serious to unserious, yet the members of the council were admirable and kind-hearted, where for instance in a resolution without signatures everyone wanted to sign in order to be heard for debate. Such passive diplomats would bring in the plenary session a hink of excitement, which is always welcome after 7 hours of debating and cold food.
What about you? MUNs on the horizon
Events such as ICYDC, AAMUN and other diplomacy events are some that are highly encouraged to participate, regardless of orientation and subjects. From history students to further mathematics, all are welcome to debate in regards to topics of their liking with peers of similar interests, across Cyprus, which no other programs are successful to do so. Consequently, if wanting to have the chance, others did not have to rise the ranks and one day chair a committee or preside a session, sign up soon. We will see you there.
For anyone interested, here are the upcoming MUN/Debating events
Medimun, 7th-8th of February
Days of EYP, 5th-6th of December
SENCON (Senior School) 1st of March
Debate4paws
