UNODC ROCA Continues to Support Youth-Led Platforms in Central Asia: Tashkent International Model United Nations 2023

UNODC ROCA, in collaboration with sister UN agencies - UNFPA and UN Women, played a pivotal role in organizing the Tashkent International Model United Nations 2023 (TIMUN), Central Asia's largest international MUN platform, bringing together over 500 young minds from 14 different countries and simulating 11 UN committees.

Having supported TIMUN in Uzbekistan since 2018, UNODC - a global leader against illicit drugs, organized crime, terrorism, and corruption, provided a unique opportunity for young participants to model two UNODC committees: the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) and the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND).

The CCPCJ simulation delved into “Cross-Border Crime and Transnational Criminal Organizations”, providing youth with insights into crime and terrorism prevention. Farkhad Sabirov, National Project Officer, shared valuable information on the UNODC's efforts to strengthen cross-border cooperation, data collection, and border staff knowledge.

Oftobkhon Akhadjonova, Chair of the CCPCJ modeling, emphasized that “the lecture from UNODC provided an opportunity to gain practical knowledge, adding expertise and value to our conference discussions. I believe that this experience was very useful for the young delegates for further understanding of global threats of crime, terrorism, and illicit drug trafficking.”

The CND simulation topic was “Emerging threats of Afghan Opiates and Synthetic Drugs to Central Asia”, with Salome Flores Sierra, Head of the UNODC Information Centre, presenting the results of the “Afghanistan Opium Survey 2023”. The discussions highlighted the importance of preventing drug use among youth, using UNODC/WHO Standards on Drug Use Prevention and the Handbook on Youth Participation as key documents. The Regional Network of Youth Organizations and Youth Champions of Change in Central Asia shared their work and provided youth-driven solutions to address drug abuse issues.

Sherzod Rustamov, President of TIMUN, stated: “The TIMUN Conference 2023 drew almost 550 participants from a wide range of backgrounds, including young delegates from the capital city of Tashkent, Republic of Karakalpakstan and all 12 regions of Uzbekistan. Around 80 delegates from 14 nations in Europe, North America, Africa, and Central and South Asia demonstrated diversity and inclusion at the event. The simulation of the work of 11 UN Committees was a testament to the conference’s global representation. This year’s MUN provided us with the opportunity to share our ideas and creativity in addressing substance use among youth, with the UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Standards guiding our discussions and initiatives.”

TIMUN continues to be a unique platform that provides Central Asian and world youth with the space to engage in critical topics such as the promotion of human rights, peace and security, and prevention of drug abuse, crime, and violent extremism.

UNODC ROCA remains committed to supporting the platform, encouraging young leaders to be actively involved in UN work, fostering a legacy of success for years to come.

 

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TIMUN 2023 was conducted within the framework of Phase II of the “Regional Network of Youth Organizations and Youth Champions of Change in Central Asia for Drug-Free, Healthy, Safe and Secure Societies” Project. Methodological support was provided by UNODC PTRS, and financial support was provided by the Government of the Russian Federation.