US embassy hosts model UN conference The 2019 Everest International Model United Nations conference kicked off in the capital today. US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry, UN Resident Coordinator Valerie Julliand, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Bharat Raj Paudyal jointly launched the event. In partnership with the Grantee Youth Thinkers’ Society, the US embassy welcomed 200 delegates from 20 countries across the Indo-Pacific region to discuss issues from building infrastructure for accessible and affordable food to developing cyber security and data protection mechanisms, according to a press release issued by the embassy. Addressing the delegates, Ambassador Berry said, “The United States believes every nation has the responsibility of adhering to international norms and respecting the sovereign choices of all countries and to be free of coercion. In Asia, it is this idea that defines the United States’ approach across the Indo-Pacific region.” He also encouraged students to apply the skills and knowledge acquired here in their onward studies and future careers. Noting that the youths had the power to create change, UN Resident Coordinator Julliand added, “Model UN is an excellent opportunity for young people to become involved in tackling local and global issues, such as achieving Sustainable Development Goals and combating climate change.” Over the week, students will simulate committee sessions for the United Nations Security Council, UN Women, the United Nations Human Rights Council, the World Food Programme, and the International Monetary Fund. Delegates will also attend UN expert speaker and career development panels, as well as networking sessions celebrating the diverse cultural backgrounds of all participants.