"YereMUN – 2025": Global challenges through the eyes of youth

This four-day event provides a unique platform for young people to engage in debates, represent their countries in UN committees, present diverse national positions, and actively contribute to finding solutions to international challenges.

Vruyr Hlghatyan, Founding President of the "Yerevan Model United Nations–2025" and Head of the "YereMUN" NGO, emphasized the mission and growing significance of the conference.

"'YereMUN' is a platform where young individuals come together to discuss key international issues—from the crisis in Syria to the situation in Iran, and global challenges such as combating plastic pollution. This is more than just an educational initiative; it is a place where responsible citizens and future diplomats are shaped," he stated. 

Vruyr Hlghatyan also highlighted one of the key distinctions of this year’s conference: the number of participants. Compared to last year, this edition brings together around 160 delegates from both Armenia and abroad, including countries such as France, Germany, Canada, Russia, Belarus, several African countries, and more. 

In his address, diplomat Mher Margaryan underscored the importance of youth participation in this four-day event. He pointed out that the conference affirms the relevance of the UN and the readiness of the younger generation to engage with it. 

"Your dedication to participating in debates on international topics, simulations of UN committees and negotiations over resolutions sends a powerful message: today’s youth are not content to be passive observers of international affairs.  You are ready to question, ensure accountability, and shape the world around you. By taking part in this simulation, you are doing more than practicing formal procedures—You are learning the fundamentals of diplomacy: listening deeply, building consensus, negotiating with both conviction and respect," he concluded.

Tatjana Panajotović-Cvetković, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Armenia, emphasized the importance of engaging with youth, noting that their fresh ideas and energy serve as a source of inspiration for those who have worked in the field of diplomacy for many years.

"Young people aspiring to become diplomats should know that this is not merely a 9-to-5 job—being a diplomat is a way of life. When I speak about diplomacy, I always recall a line from UNESCO’s Constitution: 'Wars begin in the minds of men, and it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.' I believe this captures the essence of diplomacy. Our mission is to foster dialogue, negotiation, and consultation to the fullest extent possible—because wars lead nowhere. Sooner or later, wars end, but their consequences are devastating: casualties, destruction… and in the end, we always return to the negotiating table. We must strengthen the role of diplomacy and make it even more active," the ambassador emphasized.  

Mariam Stamboltsyan, an 11th-grade delegate from Prague, heard about "YereMUN 2025" from a friend. Together, they came to YSU to take part in discussions as delegates.

"I find this conference extremely valuable because it allows young people, even at school age, to learn about global issues and to develop skills in expressing opinions, debating, and proposing solutions to a wide range of challenges," she said.  

Adam Parsegh, a Canadian-Armenian who has visited Armenia multiple times but is attending YSU for the first time, arrived from Cyprus. He expressed his excitement about being at YSU and leading his delegation with enthusiasm. 

"'YereMUN 2025' offers me a great opportunity to develop my knowledge and skills in diplomacy, international relations, and law. It’s also a wonderful chance to meet new people and work with other delegation leaders, many of whom I had not had the opportunity to interact with before," said Adam, a 12th-grade delegate. His committee is discussing North Korea's nuclear program and its role as a source of regional instability. 

This international conference is a unique opportunity to hone negotiation skills, gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of global affairs, and establish long-term cooperative relationships. It serves not only as a platform for debate but also as a valuable occasion to interact with diplomats and ambassadors and to form new friendships across the globe.