This year’s MUN is called in honor of the late Vitaly Churkin, Russia’s representative to the Organization in 2006-2017.

Today’s discussion on pertinent issues of diplomacy and international relations was started by Rector Ilshat Gafurov, “Our Institute of International Relations, History and Oriental Studies takes a special place in this model. It has evolved with the University. Its quality is attested by the performance of its alumni and the positions that they attain. Our graduates work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – starting from assistants to the Minister and all through to diplomats in various countries. Our today’s meeting is the first attempt to discuss UN’s possible new model here. Maybe we start this a bit late, but we can use all the amassed global experience as a plus. We will be witnesses to UN’s proceedings in three different models.”

The participants were also greeted by Vice Chairwoman of the State Council of Tatarstan Rimma Ratnikova. She stated that she is proud to be a KFU alumna and wished the students fruitful work. Another distinguished guest, Member of the Central Election Commission of Russia Vasily Likhachyov, spoke about his extensive diplomatic experience as a Tatarstani and Russian statesman. He said that UN faces a critical period in its existence and urgently needs fresh perspectives. He suggested that Russia should propose an initiative to hold a Decade of International Law on a global level.

Over 100 participants have joined this Model UN iteration at KFU. Director of the Institute of International Relations, History and Oriental Studies Ramil Khayrutdinov said, “I very much hope that representatives of all federal universities of Russia will join the model next year. We want to put that decision into the resolution of the conference.”

Foad Teyub ogly Mamedov, Professor at the Department of History of the Academy of Public Administration of Azerbaijan, handed over a diploma of the Ambassador of Culture to Rector Gafurov in recognition of the latter’s contribution to international cooperation. The other two awardees were Mr. Likhachyov and Chairman of the State Council of Tatarstan Farid Mukhametshin.

The Model UN will continue up to December 6th.