The Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), Amb. Sergio Piazzi, addressed the closing session of the Paris International Model United Nations (PIMUN), held in Paris, on 20 May 2012.
Around 500 international students, attended the PIMUN conference, held over threee days at the University of Sciences Po as well as the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Delegates participating in the conference had to simulate the role of national officials at the UN or other international organizations and defend the interests of the country they were representing. They were confronted with the difficult exercise of international negotiations and experienced the complexities inherent to the formation of global policies. Split into different committees, delegates were able to focus on specific contemporary global issues and discussed and shared their views as they tried to propose solutions to some of the most complex problems facing the international community today. The event was organised by three of the most prestigious French universities – Sciences Po, Panthéon-Assas and Panthéon-Sorbonne – who have decided to join forces to organize this large-scale Model United Nations (MUN) Conference in Paris.
In his address Dr. Piazzi highlighted the role of PAM within the current international context and challenges, such as, migration, climate change and the resurgence of conflicts. “All these issues require a collective effort, good will and confidence building measures”, Dr. Piazzi said.
Parliamentarians, as an essential link to society, were also brought into the picture, being key elements in any political decision-making process. Dr. Piazzi said that in order to ensure coherence and coordination in decision processes, including social peace, it is necessary that parliamentarians fully participate in today’s regional debates, thereby contributing to the elaboration of policies that bear both an immediate impact and a long-term impact for future generations.
Education and youth, unemployment and job creation, as well as sustainable development and support to SMEs, are major issues towards which PAM is dedicating particular attention this year.
In his concluding remarks Amb. Piazzi referred to the commitment of PAM in facilitating further networking between its member states and beyond, which is achieved through an open door policy towards those who wish to learn about the role of the Assembly and the way it operates. “Education, training and knowledge building, are the most appropriate tools that PAM resorts to as a means to stimulate intercultural dialogue as a source for peace, stability and development in the region”, Dr. Piazzi said.