Young researcher debates global solutions in Malaysia
Thandeka Ibiza from Naas was one of over 550 young people who debated and formulated solutions to global problems at the Global Goals Model United Nations Conference in Malaysia in January.
NAAS – The opportunity to sit alongside more than 550 young people from across the country and discuss global issues has inspired Thandeka Ibiza to make the world a brighter place.
Ibiza, who studied rural development and is a researcher, was chosen to attend the Global Goals Model United Nations Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last month.
Corridor Gazette reported on the enthusiastic 23-year-old’s aspirations in November and thanks to supporters, she managed to gather enough funds to attend.
The conference is open to senior high school learners, college or university students and recent graduates under the age of 25 across the world.
It provides a platform for these youngsters to understand global issues and policies and to apply the lessons they learn in their local community.
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Delegates are divided into groups to represent various countries. The conference’s 17 goals range from poverty and hunger to climate change.
Ibiza represented Swaziland, and was chosen to debate good health and well-being.
She said she learned a lot about the policies of other countries, the United Nations and sustainable development goals. She worked in collaboration with other delegates to come up with realistic solutions to global issues.
Ibiza explained that the speeches on the opening night were powerful and inspiring and the meeting sessions informative, lively and interactive.
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“The conference has changed me, helped me open up my mind and have a global vision about differences in opinions, cultures and ideas. It challenged me to think in ways I never had before and forced me to leave my comfort zone. It taught me to study and learn about the world. It set me on a journey of understanding not only culture but language,” Ibiza said.
The young researcher explained that the conference helped many delegates overcome their fear of public speaking and grew their self-confidence.
Because she had become more aware of global issues, she started reading the news and keeping up with current events after her return from the conference.
Ibiza stated that every student should attend the Global Goals Model United Nations Conference, “because they will learn how they can change the world, how they can grow, and most of all where their passions lie.”
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She thanked everyone who supported and sponsored her for this amazing experience.
“I am determined to continue being a change-maker, and want to encourage other youths around the globe to take part in making our world a brighter place,” she concluded.
