The 4th East African Regional Model United Nations conference 2009 kicks off in 4 weeks and the Uganda country working group which is hosting the event has been working tirelessly to make certain that preparations are running according to schedule. Led by the Coordinator general Mr. William Warugaba, a hard working team of Committee heads, UNA-U chapter representatives and UNA-U staff, the country working group has been operating in overtime. Mr. Warugaba took time out of his busy schedule for a one on one interview with Omoding Kenneth to give an insight on the various tasks leading up to the conference as well as the success and challenges that come with hosting such an auspicious occasion:
Qn: With less than 4 weeks to go is it safe to assume that the country working group is on course to meet all its targets?
Ans: Absolutely Yes! I have a very hard working Country working group. Come August everything will be set.
Qn: As the coordinator general of the host country, what would you describe as the biggest challenge of hosting an event of this magnitude?
Ans: The challenges and setbacks are there and enormous, these are not limited to; Complications in finding potential funders, coordinating delegates to come on board and coordinating the five Eastern African countries. It is a hectic Job, but one thing I must say is that all these challenges mentioned and those that I have not mentioned are part of the whole progress. Without them, we may not realize that there is work to done.
Qn: What is to expect for delegates who will be coming from neighboring countries and nations around the world?
Ans: We expect them to create sustainable networks with our Uganda young people and out of which they can come up with joint initiatives towards addressing climate changing concerns. Another thing I would very much expect from them, is appreciating Uganda in many ways; not limited to; Nature and wildlife, Education system, steps our country and the youths have taken in addressing climate change concerns.
Qn: Are there any distinctive features that will separate EARMUN 2009 from previous EARMUN conferences?
Ans: Yes and a lot. One of which is the number of delegates expected during this year’s EARMUN conference. This year we have increased the number from 250 to 300, and many others to mention, but a few.
Qn: What would you consider as strong points in the preparatory stages of this conference?
Ans: Commitment and readiness of Country Working Group members to do any thing possible for the success of EARMUN 2009, is what I can count on as one of the greatest strong points in the preparatory stages.
Qn: What social events can the delegates look forward to?
Ans: The biggest social events shall be, Opening and Closing Dinner, cultural night, tour to one of the wildlife education centre
Qn: How would you describe the experience of being a coordinator general?
Ans: Being a coordinator General is great at the same time hectic/stressful. In other wards, to me I regard it as a human development situation/process; because it is educative, inspiring and challenging.
Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule. We are looking forward to seeing you in August and we wish you and your team the best!
The Hospitality Committee would like to welcome you to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. As you prepare your journey to Uganda have all your travel documents and personal effects ready. The temperature here is relatively warm.
The venue of the conference is Makerere University, see www. mak.ac.ug. From Entebbe airport by taxis (Matatu) to the city is 3,000 Uganda shillings and $ 2. Taxis that move to Makerere University are found in Old Taxi Park. Uganda is an English speaking country with friendly people and Kampala City does not go to sleep.
Welcome to the land of smiles!
The EARMUN conference is scheduled for 10th to 14th August 2009 at Makerere University in Kampala. It is the fifth time EARMUN is arranged, and the first time it will be held in Uganda. The theme for this year´s conference is "climate change. Our rights and responsibilities towards sustainable development". The conference is organized by the United Nations Associations of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, Youth of United Nations Association of Tanzania and Youth of United Nations Association of Kenya.
United Nations Associations (UNAs) are NGOs working to disseminate information about the UN in their respective countries. The UNAs are not agencies of the UN, and do not have regular financial support from the UN or governments. The work with EARMUN is primarily volunteerism, and all planning and preparation is done by students from the different UNA branches.
For the conference to succeed, we are dependent on funding from donors. The delegates will also be charged with a participant fee. If you would like to support this important students event, please contact the Coordinator General, William Warugaba, on e-mail wwarugaba.yahoo.com.
