Mienczakowski (front row, fifth right) in a group photo with participants during the opening ceremony of Borneo Model United Nations 2018 yesterday.
MIRI: The younger generation should strive to gain better understanding of critical global issues in order to make the world a better place.
Curtin Malaysia pro vice-chancellor, president and chief executive officer Prof Jim Mienczakowski said by discussing global issues, young people will be able to gain understanding of world affairs while learning how to express their political opinions and engaging in diplomatic talks.
“It is up to the younger generation to make the world a much better place. Let us do something now for the future. We are placing the world in the safe hands of the younger generation in the hope for them to lead us and the world forward,” he said when speaking at the opening ceremony of Borneo Model United Nations (MUN) 2018 Conference, held at Curtin University Malaysia here yesterday.
He added this was in line with the conference’s prime objective of being an avenue for youths to discuss a range of topics, gain better understanding of critical issues affecting the world, and inculcate their roles and responsibilities in creating a world for all.
Meanwhile, United Nations Association Malaysia head of MUN Development Rehhahn Tudball said in order to move towards a more peaceful and equal world, the younger generation must look at their differences and paradox of progress.
“It is great to focus on similarities and things that unite us, but it is really those differences that make us unique and it is the diversity that makes us special.
“Through understanding of those differences, we would be able to bring each other closer for a more equal and equitable world as well as ensure we can better understand each other’s culture, religion, beliefs and ideals,” he said.
Rehhahn also advised the younger generation to always be conscious of various shortcomings and criticism when striving towards a greater good.
“There is nothing wrong in taking a step back at the end of each day to evaluate yourself and ask yourself if what you are doing is really the best that you can do? Because most of the time, the answer will be no.
“Then, ask yourself how can you make it better than it already is,” he added.
About 100 delegates, consisting of bright and inspirational young students from Curtin Malaysia and various educational institutions from several countries as far as Zimbabwe, are attending the five-day annual international academic conference, which ends on Sept 28.
Among those present at the ceremony were Curtin Malaysia deputy pro vice-chancellor Prof Beena Giridharan, chief operating officer Pieter Willem Pottas, Borneo MUN 2018 secretary-general Viranesh Mohan and director-general Sulaiman Kaizer.