By Meenakshi Mariappan
“What’s important is not just being inspired, but going and doing something about it. That’s what makes the Global Summit stand out from anything else. That’s why the value of this Summit is so crucial to the world.”
Truer words have never been said as the speaker is none other than the Secretariat’s Head, Farihah Ahmed, spearheading the leadership teams for the upcoming Global Summit 2.0. One interview with her was enough to secure such words of promise. And sure enough, her responses are bound to be inspiring to all!
In keeping with the MUN Impact aspiration to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Ahmed confirmed the significance of SDGs in our world. “The SDGs, not just in my life but in everyone’s life, are probably one of the most important things that especially we, as young people, should be aware of.”
Subsequently, she emphasized the relevance of the Summit, remarking that “at a time when crucial systems around the world are failing, the Global Summit highlights the importance of youth action and advocacy.” With political systems and essential services, such as healthcare and education, coming to a standstill over the pandemic, she reiterates that young people must not wait for adults and policymakers to take action anymore. For her, it is vital that the youth take action themselves, “not taking these barriers as they are anymore, but instead breaking them.”
This sums up the essence of the Global Summit and the reason for its existence. Ahmed admits that the first Summit in July served as a: “trial and error process and a great starting point, sort of like a melting point of ideas; with people from all around the world coming together with their ideas on how we can change our world, it was a chance to exchange ideas for what they are.” But as she points out, we at MUN Impact realize that it is now time to take these shared ideas that we see as youth and put them into action, to ensure a tangible final product rather than leaving the idea suspended in limbo. “This time,” she says, “it’s all about action. It’s about inspiring young leaders everywhere, and even if it’s something super small, just going into the world and making that change so that we can all move forward sustainably. Taking all those ideas and making them a reality, that’s why and how the idea for this Summit came about.”
True to the values of MUN Impact, Ahmed is also a fervent believer of the power of Model UN. Using MUN as a tool, she underlined that “we need to apply our knowledge to take action, taking a path forward to change our world for the better.” Since joining O-MUN six months ago as a debate officer, she has assumed the role of Secretary-General of O-MUN.. She now heads the Secretariat for the upcoming Global Summit. Running out of words to describe “how surreal the experience is,” Ahmed revealed that being a part of MUN Impact has transformed her in a way; “the responsibility and the chance to serve as a role model for other students has made me appreciate MUN more.”
When asked about how it felt to be a part of MUN Impact, she likened it to being “part of this big collective beehive, bursting with ideas and passion.” And it truly is a befitting description. “It’s a new community of friends,” she says, “and an awesome support system, like a beehive buzzing with energy. Everyone’s a leader, and every single leader is working to make sure that this Summit comes to fruition.”
Moreover, she expressed her hopes for the upcoming event, wishing that “people come out of this, not just more aware of the SDGs, but knowing how to take action and how exactly to make a change.” All of us at MUN Impact, as does Ahmed, hope that “out of the thousands who attend, at least a couple of people go and apply this in real life, no matter how big or small.”
To conclude, here is Ahmed’s message for all participants: “sit back, relax, and come with an open mind. That’s the biggest thing: come with an open mind. You are going to learn how to take action and how to be a changemaker. And that’s such an invaluable experience, so try to make the most of the Summit no matter what.”
Feeling inspired? The next step then is to take action. So join us on October 23-25 for the long-awaited Global Summit 2.0! Find more information at https://munimpact.org/globalsummit2-0/.