|
Villanovans visit Cairo again this year
By Michael Nataro '06
During spring break, Villanova sent nine students to
Cairo, Egypt to participate in the 17th annual Cairo Model United
Nations. These students met with other delegations from universities all
over the world at the American University of Cairo to simulate sessions of
the various committees of the United Nations.
Dr. Lowell Gustafson, a Political Science professor,
accompanied the Villanova delegation as faculty advisor. “The preparations
for the model, the intense interaction with international students and the
personal friendships with others students from another culture provides a
unique educational opportunity.”
The delegation from Villanova represented Argentina
in a number of the committees. Villanova senior Abolhassan Sadighi was a
member on the Committee for Human Rights which dealt with issues such as
counter-terrorism, child labor and children in the military. “Due to its
hard work, the Committee for Human Rights passed three resolutions in four
days,” said Sadighi.
Arriving
in Cairo two days before the conference, the students had an opportunity to
visit some of the tourist sights before the model began. They visited the
pyramids, the Citadel, various mosques, and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Rachel Hadley, a delegate on the Special Committee on Peace-Keeping
Operations, expressed a great deal of enthusiasm about her experience in
Egypt. “The trip to Cairo was an unbelievable experience. Not only was I
able to learn about a completely different culture, I was also able to
participate in a committee that passed two resolutions in the hopes of
making the world more peaceful,” said Hadley. “This was an amazing
experience that I would recommend to anyone.” |
