GMUN PARTICIPANTS SHOULD USE THEIR KNOWLEDGE TO DEVELOP COMMUNITIES, SAYS UN OFFICIAL

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- United Nations Secretary-General for
Communications and Public Information, Kiyotaka Akasaka, Wednesday night called
on participants of the Global Model United Nations Conference (GMUN 2010) to
make use of the knowledge they acquired from the five-day conference to inspire
and develop their respective communities.

He said they should also continue to exchange ideas among themselves,
besides sharing experiences on how to develop their country by joining the GMUN
network.

"Please join the GMUN network that we created at the first GMUN in Geneva
last year. The network will continue to grow each year with the additional new
members after every GMUN.

"Let's expand this network as a dedicated group of GMUN alumni that
demonstrates the commitment of UN by supporting the expansion of the model
across the world," he said at the GMUN 2010 closing ceremony, here.

It was officiated by Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Razali Ibrahim.

Akasaka also hopes the GMUN alumni would join the UN outreach programme and
campaign on major global issues, including poverty.

He also congratulated Malaysia on the success of hosting the second GMUN.

Razali, in his speech, expressed the hope that the 1Malaysia concept
would be replicated by others to ensure continued peace, development and
prosperity.

"Our 1Malaysia concept is a manifestation of our wish to continue this
record of attainment, recognising the differences but with the vision and
mission to conform and to submit to the declared wishes of the majority.

"It explains why our youths do not hit the streets to protest vehemently in
a disorderly manner on issues affecting them.

"They would rather use the existing channels which do not disrupt the
economic and social life of the majority of peace-loving Malaysians," he said.

A total of 352 undergraduates from 52 countries including 68 from Malaysia
took part in the conference themed, "Towards an Alliance of Civilisation:
Bridging Cultures to Achieve Peace and Development".
-- BERNAMA