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Kovsies Model UN Summit 2023: Shaping the Future of Diplomacy and Leadership

04 August 2023 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Supplied

KMUN 2023 — Young leaders unite! Fostering diplomacy and innovation – The Kovsies Model UN Summit 2023 shaped future global change makers!

The saying goes, ‘Leaders are born, not made,’ but what term do we use when more than 50 young individuals from various institutions gather to address and tackle many of our global socio-economic issues collectively?

The University of the Free State United Nations (UN) Chapter hosted the first of many Kovsies Model United Nations (KMUN) Summits – a simulation of the UN General Assembly (GA) – from 28 to 30 July 2023. The event brought together students from various institutions, including the University of Pretoria (UP), Wits, North-West University (NWU), as well as the UFS South and Qwaqwa campuses, who convened on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus for this prestigious gathering.

The students represented different countries and embarked on a comprehensive research project focused on the challenges faced by their respective nations and their progress in addressing them, which they had to present at the GA. Their investigations encompassed various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty eradication, building partnerships, promoting quality education, and advancing gender equality. These efforts align perfectly with the university's Vision 130, which is dedicated to promoting academic excellence, fostering social impact, and embracing diversity.

Siphilangenkosi Dlamini, Executive Chair of the UN Association of South Africa’s UFS Chapter and Student Assistant in the UFS Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), said that the summit served as a platform to bring together young people and student leaders from participating institutions to address an array of issues as if they were leaders of different countries.

"Our objective was to create a platform where these young minds could participate in constructive dialogues, refine their diplomatic skills, and address urgent global challenges. The most remarkable aspect was observing the participants' passion and dedication. Witnessing them wholeheartedly embrace the principles of diplomacy and cooperation was genuinely uplifting.”

Moreover, the attendees expressed their appreciation for this prestigious event, as it provided them with invaluable information and insights into what the future holds for them.

Keoratile Moloto, a North-West University student who proudly represented Belize – a Central American country – emphasised that this unique experience provided him with a valuable opportunity to acquire knowledge. As a student leader, he believed that this knowledge could positively influence and inspire both those he served and those in leadership positions.

“This is a too exciting initiative to ignore as a young individual who aspires to improve the world. I have always envisioned a time where I can make a difference in a community. I am big on most SDGs and saw this opportunity as a stepping-stone to educate myself on the proceedings. It is an awesome experience to engage with these topics rather than just being a viewer.”

Students were encouraged to collaborate and be active observers of pressing issues that affect their future. Student Affairs Assistant Director, Motlogelwa Moema, also advised the delegates to approach the debates with an open mind, network, familiarise themselves with the SDGs, and develop sustainable, innovative solutions to these socio-economic challenges.

This summit proved to be an enriching and transformative experience for all participants. From engaging in diplomatic negotiations to tackling global issues, delegates developed crucial leadership skills, fostered diplomacy, and shaped the future of international relations. As delegates from prestigious universities came together, the discussions were diverse, thought-provoking, and inspiring. Undoubtedly, the KMUN Summit left a lasting impact on the delegates and contributed to developing future leaders who would make a positive difference on the global stage.

News Archive

UFS involved in project to light up the townships

2006-06-06

The parties involved with the project are from the left: Prof Hendrik Swart (Departmental Chairperson of the UFS Department of Physics), Dr Thembela Hillie (CSIR), Prof Neerich Revaprasadu (Department of Chemistry at the University of Zululand) and Dr Wynand Steyn (CSIR).

UFS involved in project that could light up the townships

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Department of Physics is involved with a project that could make life easier in the townships through the use of artificial light.

“The project is based on the use of sunlight to activate nano material in for example cement and paint during the day. At night the cement or paint can then radiate light,” said Prof Hendrik Swart, Departmental Chairperson of the UFS Department of Physics.

According to Prof Swart an amount of R3,9 million has been made available by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for the further development of the project.

Prof Swart visited the University of Florida in America in 1995 for a year where he researched luminescent phosphor material that is suitable for flat panel television screens. The red, green and blue spots on the television screens originate from these kinds of phosphor materials. “At that stage plasma television screens were only a dream. Today it is sold everywhere,” said Prof Swart.

“Upon my return I started a research group at the UFS which investigated the degrading of phosphor material. We also started to concentrate on the effectiveness of nano phosphors. In the mean time our cooperation with the Americans was strengthened with follow-up visits to America of my colleagues, Prof Koos Terblans and Mr Martin Ntwaeaborwa,” said Prof Swart.

“Nano phosphors are basically luminescent powders that consist of particles that are 1 millionth of a millimetre. These particles can provide light as soon as they are illuminated with, for instance, sunlight. The amount of time these particles can provide light, is determined by the impurities in the material,” said Prof Swart.

According to Prof Swart nano particles are developed and linked to infrastructure materials in order for these materials to be excited during the day by sunlight and then it emits light during night time.

“The nano material is of such a nature that it can be mixed with materials, such as paint or cement. The yellow lines of roads can for example emit light in a natural way during night time,” said Prof Swart.

About a year ago Prof Swart and Dr Thembela Hillie, a former Ph D-student of the UFS Department of Physics, had discussions with Prof Neerich Revaprasadu from the University of Zululand and the CSIR about the possibility of mixing these nano phosphor particles with other materials that can be used as light sources in the building of roads and houses.

“Prof Revaprasadu is also actively involved in the research of nano materials. Our efforts resulted in the CSIR approving the further extension of the project,” said Prof Swart.

“The UFS and the University of Zululand are currently busy investigating ways to extend the light emitting time,” said Prof Swart.

“There are eight M Sc and Ph D-students from the UFS and about five students from the University of Zululand working on this research project. The Department of Physics at the Qwaqwa Campus of the UFS, with Francis Dejene as subject head, is also involved with the project,” said Prof Swart.

According to Prof Swart the further applications of nano materials are unlimited. “Children whose parents cannot afford electricity can for instance leave any object such as a lamp, that is covered with these phosphor particles, in the sun during the day and use it at night as a light for study purposes,” said Prof Swart.

According to Prof Swart the further extension of the project will take about two years. “During this time we want to determine how the effectiveness of the phosphors can be increased. Discussions with the government and other role players for the possible implementation of the project are also part of our planning,” said Prof Swart.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
6 June 2006

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