The Alternative Library - Art Place Leirion is pleased to have successfully concluded its new educational activity, the 1st International Model United Nations Conference Leirion, under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance of the Hellenic Republic. The conference took place in Athens, Greece on October 29-31, 2021 at the premises of the Contemporary Hotel Domotel Kastri. 

For the first time in Greece, the conference aimed to bridge the school and university MUN communities, under the general theme of Individual Freedoms in the Contemporary Era. In an era where everything is changing, and nothing can be taken for granted any longer. As the challenges for humanity are growing, they become a mirror of where society has come so far. It rests upon us to reflect upon this mirroring, striving to overcome the flaws and cherish the achievements of man and society, in order to decide how to move forward in the future. 

During the conference, school and university students played the role of Diplomats representing their respective countries on committees that are Main Organs of the UN (General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, Security Council, International Court of Justice) as well as special bodies of the Organization (UNESCO, International Labor Organization etc).

The goal of this project is the annual organization of an international conference with original topics, quality research, substantial debate, which will produce results that can constitute applicable guidelines or solutions to social, political and economic issues.

Before the beginning of the Committee work, students participated in an interactive Workshop with a Guest Expert upon the topic at hand. Throughout the 3 days of the conference, the young Delegates were invited to collaborate in resolving the issue of their committee as well as to face unexpected challenges. Through this process, young people can expand their knowledge upon current crucial issues as well as cultivate their negotiation, public speaking, and critical thinking skills.

The research that was conducted by the selected Committee Presidencies, in order to prepare the participants, was supervised by academics and specialists of Secondary and Higher Education.

Following an unprecedented year, we came together to share our thoughts, our ideas, and propose solutions. It was truly an honour and pleasure to meet you all in October 2021 for the first time and we look forward to hosting you again in the future!

Best regards,
 

Anna Pani Kousiori, Conference Director           

Niki Paraskevopoulou, Conference Manager