As the curtain falls
Over 1000 high school students take part in LAU’s 8th Annual GC LAU MUN closing ceremony.
Under the patronage of the Lebanese Minister of Culture Gaby Layoun, LAU hosted the closing ceremony of the 8th Annual Global Classrooms LAU Model United Nations (GC LAU MUN on April 7, 2013 at the UNESCO Palace.
Over 1000 high school students from 122 public and private schools from across Lebanon attended the event. The day before, dozens of educational booths representing various countries were set up on the Byblos campus resulting in a cathartic cultural amalgam. With exceptional planning, dedication and exuberance, students and advisors alike mirrored the traditions and customs of their assigned countries.
During the simulation sessions, the students were distributed among 25 UN committees. Armed with a heap of knowledge, they tackled some of the world’s latest pressing issues, including global warming, the illegal trafficking of organs among Syrian refugees, tectonic activity in Japan, and the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in Saudi Arabia.
Quoting former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra addressed the students saying, “No one is born a good citizen, and no country is born a democracy. These are prophecies of civilization that will continue to evolve over time, and young people like you should be involved in it,” adding that, “The knowledge you acquired throughout this program will allow you to do what we at LAU heartily believe in — to protect human dignity, liberty, freedom, and equality.”
Keynote speaker, LAU alumnus and founder of the automotive W Motors Ralph Debbas shared his own success story with the audience, the company having just released the Lykan HyperSport, heralded as the first “Arabian hypercar.” “The distance between insanity and genius is measured only by success; all dreams come true if you have the courage to pursue them,” he mused.
This year’s GC LAU MUN motto was “Dream more, do more, be more,” pointedly reflecting the program’s mission and vision. But actions speak louder than words, and a heartfelt recipe for success transcends the romanticization of slogans.
“We are proud of our students for learning the value of exemplar commitment, extraordinary work ethics, and mental flexibility,” says Elie Samia, executive director of the Outreach and Civic Engagement (OCE) unit. “This experience has turned them into servant leaders graced with the highest levels of emotional intelligence and social responsibility.”
The Global Village at LAU Byblos.
The crowd watched students perform traditional dances of their assigned countries.
Participants showed exceptional preparation and dedication.
Students and advisors gave their best to promote their countries.
A joyful and celebrating atmosphere swept through the campus.
The closing ceremony took place at the UNESCO palace.
Mike Haddad, founder of NGO Walk With Us receives a recognition plaque after addressing the audience.
Professional singer Aline Lahoud performs LAU MUN anthem that was recently created by Mansour, Tarek and Malik Rahbani.
Students recite the MUN oath.
Before announcing the delegate awards, LAU President Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra thanked political Science Chairperson Dr. Makram Ouaiss, OCE Executive Director Elie Samia, Instructor Wissam Fahed and OCE Project Management Coordinator Joseph Kanaan for their contribution to the program.