Youth Confidence Boosted Through International Diplomacy Simulation Conference
The development of critical thinking skills can be achieved in various ways, one of which is by taking part in international conferences. Abilities ranging from analysing global problems from multiple perspectives, presenting arguments diplomatically, and drafting sustainable and solution-oriented resolutions are all trained during the conference.
This was the case for 270 male and female students from 165 schools, ranging from primary school to university level, from several regions across Indonesia. They took part in the Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) on 18–19 July 2026 at the Harris Hotel & Convention Serpong, South Tangerang.
At the conference, participants attended a variety of discussion sessions and diplomatic hearing simulations, including negotiations and the drafting of resolutions that mirror the proceedings of the United Nations.
Each session was guided by chairs or facilitators from a number of countries. The chairs of the AYIMUN BSD Chapter were Hino Samuel Jose (Indonesia), Tracy Leong Pooi See (Malaysia), Pimrada Roekruchipat (Thailand), Muhammad Rafi Aurelian (Indonesia), Yong Wenn Sern (Malaysia) and Agatha Nadeen A (Indonesia).
The event, organised by the International Global Network (IGN), featured two main councils: the World Health Organization (WHO) with the topic “Battling Misuse of Prescription Drugs”, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with the topic “Exploring Sustainable Water Management Practices and Water-saving Technologies”.
“At this AYIMUN BSD Chapter, you will learn to express opinions, engage in constructive discussion, and also learn to listen to people whose views differ from yours. You will learn to find solutions together, not merely to win a debate,” said Muhammad Fahrizal, President of IGN, at the AYIMUN BSD Chapter, according to a press release issued on Tuesday (21 July).
PT Pertamina Persero awarded scholarships to 30 high-achieving young people from various schools, enabling them to attend the AYIMUN BSD Chapter free of charge.
AYIMUN Chapters have previously been held in other cities such as Kelapa Gading and Bekasi. The next international conferences to be organised are the AYIMUN Pekanbaru Chapter, to be held on 25–26 July 2026 at the Hotel Pangeran in Pekanbaru, and the AYIMUN Depok Chapter on 1–2 August 2026 at the Hotel Margo.
The 21st AYIMUN carried the theme “The Uncertain World: Rethinking Diplomacy in the Face of Crisis” and featured nine councils.
Beyond individual achievements, 39 student delegates from SMA Labschool Jakarta were also selected to perform in the “Cultural Performance” held as part of the AYIMUN programme.
AYIMUN is an annual conference that brings together young people from various countries to participate in simulations of United Nations proceedings. The conference aims to equip the younger generation with diplomatic skills.