Uni student Sharon Joseph proud to be first Iban youth to attend Asia Youth Int’l Model United Nations

Sharon speaking at the 14th AYIMUN in Kuala Lumpur from August 8 to 10, 2024.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Sept 15: Twenty-two-year-old University Of Technology Sarawak (UTS) student Sharon Emily Joeseph is proud to be the first Iban youth from Sarawak to attend the Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN).

She described the recent 14th AYIMUN conference in Kuala Lumpur from August 8 to 10 as an ‘eye opener’ with a profound impact on her understanding of global issues that the world had faced, which required collaborative efforts of all nations.

She was also happy to know that at AYIMUN, youths worldwide are given opportunities and empowerment to contribute to finding solutions to these problems.

In an interview with DayakDaily, she said that being an industrial design student at UTS, many participants at AYIMUN asked why she was interested in matters related to international diplomatic agendas and not related to her future career path.

“I came from a quiet and hardworking village community of Rumah Bundong Bukit Goram Sungai Kapit. I did not know how to answer them, but my response was positive. I told them that if you are passionate about something, it makes it easier to learn and succeed.

“There are many people who have studied architecture but then choose to pursue a career in diplomacy because of their passion for it. They all agreed,” she shared.

Sharon (first left) and other participants at the 14th AYIMUN conference in Kuala Lumpur from August 8 to 10, 2024.

Sharon, who came from a close-knit community, added she always looked up to her grandfather, a village headman, and her father, an offshore worker, as hardworking people who always developed their skills to provide for their family.

“I want to develop my skills, contribute to the community, and enjoy activities that keep me well-rounded and fulfilled.

“Participating in AYIMUN was something rather big for me as an introverted person from an unknown community and village. But it was a platform where I could reveal what I had in my mind and share it with others. It’s a brave thing for an Iban youth,” she opined.

During the interview, Sharon also listed Siwon Choi of the Korean band Super Junior and Federal Works Minister-cum-Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi as her inspiration to join AYIMUN.

“Siwon Choi’s inspirational role as a UNICEF ambassador and commitment to church service have profoundly influenced my decision to participate in AYIMUN.

“His example demonstrates how one can harmonise professional success with a commitment to social causes.

“Nanta is my role model, and as a leader, I always wanted to follow him as he always does his best to help people in his parliamentary constituency and Kapit town to be developed and share with the outside world how beautiful our traditions and our community are,” she shared.

Fellow participants greeting Sharon (first right) at the 14th AYIMUN conference in Kuala Lumpur from August 8 to 10, 2024.

Sharon explained the role of AYIMUN is to provide a platform for participants to discuss global issues, develop diplomatic skills, and understand international relations.

She elaborated the conference included debates, negotiations, and resolution drafting, which simulate real-world United Nations processes.

“AYIMUN has benefited me with networking opportunities from different countries and gaining insights into global governance and policy-making, which I honestly do not know much about.”

Sharon noted that the youths who came to AYIMUN had prepared the working papers long before attending the conference and were always ready to scramble to speak.

“Not everyone could get a chance to speak. I was glad I had the opportunity to speak on global issues related to money laundering and terrorism. That was how I was selected for the programme in the first place,” she said.

She also acknowledged the high level of knowledge possessed by the youths participating in the programme, which made her learn and judge herself on how serious and passionate they were about world issues.

“One encounter during the conference was during a tea break session when a heated political disagreement occurred between delegates from Jordan and the United States.

“They were trying to persuade people to agree with their solution paper. I thought there would be a fistfight, but nothing happened as the conference’s organiser intervened.”

Furthermore, the programme made Sharon realise that being a leader is not as easy as it seems.

“No matter how hard you work and if you are from a small country, no one wants to hear your voice. I felt that my ego was challenged by the young leaders there.

“Now, with these experiences, I want to continue working in the diplomatic world to help my community speak out on what they need.”

Sharon said she has no regrets about attending AYIMUN and believed her detailed working paper for the conference was a significant milestone for her.

She said that the experience gained from engaging in international dialogues, developing diplomatic skills, and representing a community on a global stage is unique.

She also thanked Bukit Goram assemblyman Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat for providing youths in his constituency opportunities to participate in international conferences like AYIMUN, which is also crucial for their development.

She asserted such a conference enriches youths’ understanding of global issues, builds valuable skills, and highlights the positive influence of leaders who support youth initiatives.

She added that AYIMUN has facilitated her personal development, reinforced the importance of youth engagement, and provided motivation to contribute to global dialogues.

“Our local representatives and leaders’ support is a testament to their commitment to fostering youth leadership and empowering young individuals to make a difference,” she said. — DayakDaily

The participants of the 14th AYIMUN conference in Kuala Lumpur from August 8 to 10, 2024.