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19 July 2024 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo Sonja Dlamini and Nokuthula Tshabalala
Kovsie Model United Nations 2024
Delegates at the 2024 Kovsies Model United Nations Summit engage in UN simulations, fostering international understanding and innovative problem-solving at the University of the Free State.

The University of the Free State (UFS) recently hosted the third annual Kovsies Model United Nations (KMUN) Summit, attracting delegates from universities and TVET colleges across South Africa.

This year's event, themed 'Building Sustainable Bridges for the World We Want', took place from 12 to 14 July 2024 and offered students the chance to engage in United Nations (UN) simulations to develop a deeper understanding of international affairs and innovative problem-solving. These UN simulations included the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Security Council, the UN Human Rights Council, and UNESCO.

Unique African solutions

The summit's keynote address was delivered by Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela. He stressed the importance of addressing global challenges in an African context, highlighting the role of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and why education lies at the heart of making this possible.

Manamela noted that the African Union (AU) had declared 2024 ‘The Year of Education’, emphasising the need for resilient and education systems that equip African youth with skills and knowledge for the modern world.

"Our problems in Africa are not different from the rest of the world; however, the solutions that are required must respond to the material conditions and the historical realities of our continent," he said.

Localise development goals

Dibolelo Mance, Free State MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, also addressed the summit, urging youth to use the SDGs as an impetus to enhance their own communities and participate in global movements.

She highlighted local initiatives aimed at empowering young people to take active roles in their communities, using the SDGs as a development framework.

Policy partnership key for change

Dr Kevin Naidoo, Deputy Director-General of Policy, Governance, and Administration in the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, stressed the role of youth as policy partners in implementing the UN SDGs and the AU’s Agenda 2063. He encouraged delegates to inspire change and actively participate in policymaking processes, advocating for a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance.

The KMUN Summit gave young leaders a platform to engage in meaningful discussions and develop critical skills. The event reaffirmed the importance of youth leadership in global affairs, highlighting their crucial role in shaping a better future.

News Archive

UFS will award four honorary doctorates during Winter Graduation ceremonies
2016-06-29

Four honorary doctorates and two Chancellor’s medals will be awarded at the University of the Free State’s Winter Graduation ceremonies.

Max du Preez, Prof Joel Samoff (both Humanities), Trevor Manuel, and Dr Reuel Jethro Khoza (both Economic and Management Sciences) will receive honorary doctorates during the morning ceremony of 30 June 2016. Antony Osler and Marguerite van der Merwe (née Osler) will receive Chancellor’s medals at the same ceremony. Prof Samoff, from Stanford University in the USA, will also be the guest speaker during the afternoon ceremony on 29 June 2016.

A total of 482 master’s and doctoral degrees

Description: 2016 06 20 Grad Pre Tags: 2016 06 20 Grad Pre
The University of the Free State will award

482 postgraduate qualifications at the
Winter
Graduation ceremonies.
Photo: Johan Roux

The Winter Graduation ceremonies will take place in the Callie Human Centre of the Bloemfontein Campus on 29 and 30 June 2016. On 29 June 2016, diplomas will be awarded in the School of Financial Planning Law, as well as diplomas and certificates for educational qualifications on the South Campus. On 30 June 2016, 53 doctorates and 429 master’s degrees will be awarded in the seven faculties.

Most of the doctorates (16) will be awarded in the Faculty of the Humanities, while most of the master’s degrees (204) will be awarded in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Date: 29 June 2016
Time:
09:00: Diplomas: School of Financial Planning Law
14:30: Diplomas and certificates: Educational qualifications of the South Campus
Venue: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus

Date: 30 June 2016
Time:
09:00: Master’s and doctoral degrees: All faculties, except Natural and Agricultural Sciences
14:30: Master’s and doctoral degrees: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Venue: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus

 

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