By DAYO ADESULU
ILISHAN-REMO, Ogun State – The Babcock International Model United Nations (BIMUN) has marked its 10th anniversary with a strong appeal for greater youth participation in peace-building, diplomacy, and sustainable development, as more than 450 delegates from 22 countries gathered for its landmark conference.
Held under the theme, “Better Together: A Decade of BIMUN Advancing the United Nations’ Vision for Peace, Development and Human Rights,” the conference celebrated a decade of empowering young people with the leadership and diplomatic skills needed to address global challenges.
Babcock VC Urges Youth to Build Bridges
Declaring the conference open, the President/Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Professor Afolarin Ojewole, described BIMUN as a platform that nurtures future leaders committed to peace and sustainable development.
He challenged participants to embrace integrity, vision, and selfless service, stressing that every generation has defining moments that demand courageous leadership.
According to him, true leadership is demonstrated not by loud voices but by strong character, clear vision, and a willingness to serve society.
United Nations Highlights Role of Young People
Representing the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Peace and Development Officer Ms. Kehinde Osotimehin said the world’s pressing challenges—including conflict, climate change, inequality, poverty, and misinformation—require collective action rather than isolated efforts.
She reminded delegates that they are “leaders of today,” encouraging them to apply the values of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect in their communities.
Osotimehin also referenced the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, noting that the United Nations has supported BIMUN throughout its 10-year journey because of its contribution to youth development and diplomacy.
Peter Obi Calls for Impact-Driven Leadership
Former Anambra State Governor **** used his keynote interaction with delegates to emphasize education as a catalyst for national unity and sustainable development.
He urged participants to become agents of positive change, insisting that leadership should be measured by impact, accountability, and service to humanity rather than rhetoric.
Obi also stressed the importance of listening, protecting human rights, and ensuring that development benefits every segment of society.
BIMUN Celebrates a Decade of Impact
Reflecting on the conference’s journey, BIMUN founder and strategist Samuel Chiemela revealed that the programme has produced more than 6,450 alumni from 21 countries over the past decade.
According to him, many former participants now serve in government institutions, civil society organisations, and international bodies.
He explained that BIMUN’s primary objective remains preparing young people for real-world diplomacy by exposing them to structured negotiations, policy drafting, and consensus-building similar to those practised within the United Nations.
Chiemela added that this year’s conference, led by Assembly President Oluomachukwu Okoli, brought delegates from across 21 countries into committee structures designed to simulate actual UN diplomatic processes.
Building Future Global Leaders
As Nigeria’s first private university-organised Model United Nations conference, BIMUN has become a leading platform for developing leadership, negotiation, and diplomatic skills among young Africans.
Over the past decade, the initiative has continued to prepare participants to become responsible global citizens, peace advocates, and future leaders capable of addressing international challenges through dialogue and cooperation.
