Albukhary International University (AIU) made history by participating for the very first time in the IPMA Model United Nations (MUN) Debate Competition 2025, held from 28–30 August 2025 at Kolej MARA Kuala Nerang, Malaysia. Despite being debutants on the MUN stage, AIU students demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, proudly returning with three prestigious awards.
This participation marks a significant achievement not just for the university but also for the students, as they navigated complex global issues and honed their skills in diplomacy and debate. The experience provided them with a unique opportunity to engage with like-minded peers from around the world, fostering a sense of global community and collaboration.
As AIU steps into the global MUN arena, it is essential to understand the broader implications of such participation. The Model United Nations serves not only as a platform for debate but also as a catalyst for personal growth, critical thinking, and leadership skills essential in today’s interconnected world.
Participating in MUN allows students to step into the shoes of diplomats, enhancing their understanding of international relations and the complexities involved in negotiating peace, development, and cooperation among nations.
In preparation for this competition, AIU students engaged in extensive research, learning about the historical context and current challenges facing their assigned countries. This deep immersion into global affairs equipped them with the knowledge needed to articulate their positions effectively during the debates.
🔹 AIU’s Entry into the Global MUN Arena
The Model United Nations (MUN) is an internationally recognised platform that simulates the work of the United Nations, challenging students to debate global issues, craft policies, and represent countries with diplomacy and intellect.
For AIU, this first-time participation marked a historic step in global engagement and leadership training. Students competed in two high-level councils:
- Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): Debating how trade policies, tariffs, and agreements shape global commerce and economic cooperation.
- United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): Addressing refugee crises and the responsibility of nations to protect and uphold fundamental human rights.
Through these debates, students sharpened their critical thinking, negotiation, and policy analysis skills, aligning with AIU’s mission to produce globally aware leaders.
🔹 Outstanding Achievements and Awards
The AIU delegation earned recognition across both councils, securing three highly competitive awards:
🏆 Best Position Paper (ECOSOC) – Türkiye Delegation:
- Aisha Mahadale
- Muhammad Daffa Aulia Ridwan
🏅 Verbal Commendation Award (UNHRC) – Switzerland Delegation:
- Rim Morhi
- Cisse Mamadou Hasmiou
🌟 Most Outstanding Delegate (UNHRC) – Japan Delegation:
- Sultan Hikmatyar
- Muhammad Anas Sani Lawal
These accolades underscore the confidence, research excellence, and persuasive communication skills of AIU’s students.
🔹 The Role of Mentorship and Preparation
Behind this success stood the dedicated mentors and advisors who guided the students throughout their preparation journey.
- Mdm Hamidah, Advisor of AIU Orators Club, played a pivotal role in coaching and motivating the team.
- Dr. Muath and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Frederik Holst provided academic guidance, sharp insights, and global perspectives to strengthen the students’ arguments and diplomatic strategies.
- The Centre for Student Affairs and Alumni (CSAA) facilitated logistics and support, ensuring the team had every resource to excel.
This collaboration between students, faculty, and administrative bodies reflects AIU’s integrated approach to academic and extracurricular excellence.
🔹 More Than Just a Debate: Building Leaders of Tomorrow
Participation in MUN is more than winning awards — it is about nurturing future leaders who can navigate complex global challenges. Students gain:
- Public speaking and negotiation skills
- Cross-cultural understanding
- Policy drafting and critical analysis abilities
- Leadership and teamwork experience
By excelling in their debut, AIU students demonstrated that they are not just academic achievers, but also emerging global leaders ready to contribute to diplomacy, governance, and international development.
🔹 AIU’s Commitment to Global Engagement
This milestone success reaffirms AIU’s mission to deliver holistic, responsive, and transformative education that extends beyond the classroom. Through international platforms like MUN, students are empowered to engage with real-world issues, embodying AIU’s values of academic excellence, social responsibility, and global citizenship.
The skills acquired during MUN preparation are invaluable. For instance, public speaking skills can be leveraged in various professional situations, while the ability to negotiate can facilitate better outcomes in team projects and workplace environments.
This firsthand experience in diplomacy not only builds confidence but also prepares students to tackle real-world challenges that require collaborative solutions. By working together in diverse teams, students learn the importance of considering multiple perspectives when addressing complex issues.
🌍 Key Takeaway
AIU’s first appearance at the IPMA MUN Debate Competition 2025 ended with an inspiring victory, proving that dedication, preparation, and mentorship can elevate students to global standards of excellence. With three awards in its debut, AIU has not only set a high benchmark for future participations but also strengthened its role as a university that prepares students to thrive on the world stage of diplomacy and leadership.
Furthermore, the collaborative nature of MUN fosters a culture of respect and understanding among students from various backgrounds, reinforcing the importance of empathy in leadership.
AIU’s commitment to global engagement is reflected in its curriculum, which emphasizes experiential learning. By providing students with opportunities to participate in events like the MUN, the university ensures that they are well-prepared to engage with pressing global issues, both as students and future leaders.
The success of AIU’s delegation at the MUN competition serves as an inspiration for future cohorts, encouraging them to broaden their horizons and engage with international issues. It is a call to action for all students to seek opportunities that will enhance their personal and academic growth.
As AIU continues to foster an environment of innovation and creativity, the lessons learned from this inaugural MUN experience will resonate for years to come, shaping students into effective leaders who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the global landscape.
