Monday, 13 July 2009 

Only enlightened younger generations thoroughly imbued with bright ideals of the United Nations can lead the world to a safe and prosperous future. Considering the importance of promotion of the UN ideals among the Azeri youth the United Nations Department of Public Information continues promoting them among the Azeri youth through various activities including the Model UN project.

As a preparation for a subsequent Model UN project to be implemented in Imishli region located 250 kilometers away from the capital Baku, on July 10, 2009, the UN DPI in Azerbaijan organized a meeting for the Alumni of FLEX Program and Model UN Imishli Project participants. Among others, a volunteer of the US Peace Corps attended the meeting.

During the meeting, DPI Representative Ms. Envera Selimovic warmly welcomed the young participants and encouraged them to further explore the fundamental ideals such as human rights, anti-racism, gender equality and equitable society the United Nations based on. Ms. Selimovic reiterated “Knowledge is a beginning and there is no way to change the situation in the world for better if not to exert own efforts towards this end. “- reiterated Ms. Selimovic.

The DPI Representative also emphasized the importance of attendance of female participants from Imishli region, in particular two secondary school pupils Ms. Ulviyya Abbaszade and Ms. Tunzale Aliyeva.   While addressing Ms. Hannah Stark, Peace Corps Volunteer, Ms. Selimovic said: “You cannot judge the real situation regarding gender equality looking only at the capital Baku, it is important to inspect it in the provincials, especially in the remote regions.” 

Ms. Ulviyya Abbaszade said that she was very excited to be a part of the Model UN project in Imishli and to attend the preparatory meeting in Baku since it is still difficult for girls to take part in social activities in the regions of Azerbaijan due to precautious attitude of the local population. “I think the Model UN project will help me and my mates in Imishli not only to better understand the UN and its functions, but to have our parents on our side while desiring to continue our education.” – said Ms. Ulviyya.

During the meeting the DPI Azerbaijan officers presented two presentations: one about the UN and its system and other about the Human Rights. The participants highly appreciated the meeting saturated with positive emotions, valuable opinion exchanges and essential information.

Wrapping up the meeting the Azerbaijani students agreed to further improve their knowledge on the UN and its values and were quite resolute to be well prepared for the upcoming Model UN conference.