22 May 2020
May 22nd, the V.Churkin Moscow International Model UN held the opening ceremony of the online meeting of its Economic and Social Council devoted to “Achieving Sustainable Peace after the Coronavirus Epidemic”.
The ceremony was kicked off by A.Borisov, the Deputy Chairman of the UN Association of Russia, Vice-President of the World Federation of UN Associations, who noted that the active work of the Model UN’s Secretariat during the pandemic made it possible to hold an ad hoc online meeting of the Economic and Social Council. He also reminded all participants that the V.Churkin Moscow International Model UN, the largest of its kind in Russia, would be held online in October 2020.
MGIMO Rector, also the Chairman of the UN Association of Russia, A.Torkunov praised the UN Model Secretariat members for their enthusiasm in organizing the online meeting and their relentless work during the COVID-19 epidemic, wishing them success in holding the event.
The Director of the UN Information Center in Moscow V.Kuznetsov remarked that the online meeting of the Economic and Social Council was part of the UN-75 dialogue and underlined the active and priceless contribution of the public, including students, in helping to solve the problems resulting from the pandemic.
The Director of the International Organizations Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry P.Ilyichev welcomed the guests and wished them productive discussions during the online meeting, during that the UN Model usually produces interesting ideas, and leads to participants making new friends. Remembering V.Churkin, after whom the UN Model is named, P.Ilyichev reminded students that he was an exceptional diplomat and an incredible teacher for all young experts in international relations.
The Secretary General of the Moscow International Model UN N.Smolyaninov noted that during the current troubled times, it is more important than ever to foster a friendly dialogue and join forces to overcome difficulties. The UN Model is a platform that students can use to express their ideas and plans to shape a better future, he added. The UN model offers the opportunity to exchange thoughts with the entire global student community.
A.Samuskevich, the Chairperson of the Economic and Social Council, emphasized the importance of finding the means to cooperate in order to help the world "recover" after the pandemic.
All speakers extended their best wishes to the participants for the upcoming debates.
