To commemorate Women’s History Month, on April 7, the Embassy Tashkent Public Affairs Section held the First Impromptu Model UN Conference in Uzbekistan on “Bridging the Gender Gap in Science.” Around 35 youth delegates, including alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, students of different academic institutions in Tashkent and the general public took part in the conference. Public Affairs Officer, Jon Larsen, welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of bridging the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The Model UN is a simulation, in which students participate as delegates on various United Nations committees, conduct research, and formulate political positions based on the actual policies of the countries they represent. Model UN not only involves young people in the study and discussion of global issues, but also encourages the development of such useful skills as public speaking, effective writing, problem-solving, conflict resolution, compromise, and cooperation.
Through a series of debates, moderated and unmoderated caucuses, the delegates of the First Impromptu Model UN Conference came up with the final resolution on “Gender and Science.” At the end of the conference, eight countries voted in favor of the resolution with seven countries abstaining. At the closing ceremony, all Model UN simulation participants were awarded certificates.
