Interview with the Guest Speaker - Mir Khadka

The distinguished guest speaker for RBSMUN 2016, Valerie Julliand, a humanitarian activist, is the newly appointed (from 30 June 2016) Resident Coordinator of the UN in Nepal.  After her enlightening speech, she spared us a few minutes to share some of her thoughts regarding the global affair.

Reporter: How do you think MUN's like these are helping students worldwide to become responsible global citizens?       

Valerie: People view UN as an abstract body and this helps the world and the young generations who understand the purpose and role of a citizen. They are the ones who understand how citizens of a country can make a difference with collective efforts. Also, it helps youngsters understand the problems of their country and find ways to solve them.

Reporter: In your School days, did you ever attend or participate in a MUN conference? How did it or how would it have made a difference in you?

Valerie: No, I didn't but my son did. I don't think it would've made a difference in me because I would've hoped to join the UN. But it could've made me aware of international issues earlier on, it would've given me a mindset earlier.

Reporter: What has your experience in different countries in the African continent and Nepal taught you about humanitarian issues across the world today?

Valerie: First of all, that is absolutely indispensable that we have a humanitarian action. First and foremost, humanitarian action is actually an issue of solidarity, because people in some places of the world suffer. What if the reasons and cause of suffering is due to disaster, political conflict or war? The world cannot stay indifferent and do nothing. Humanitarian action is actually in the name of humanity, solidarity. It actually makes sure no one is left unattended and we have that action which we need to help victimized people. This is because the beauty of humanity is that it reveals the most dramatic and the most chaotic sides out of humans during war, and in contrast, also the best side out of them.

Reporter: How does your career affect the world and will it be still be a part of your life for the next 5-10 years?

Valerie: Sure, my retirement is not before 10 years so I'll be there more than happy seeing the world change in front of my eyes. My work does make a difference, as being a part of the UN, I have seen how the impact of your work is seen so immediately. But we should know that awareness does not build up in a single day. We can see how young people in Nepal are aware and know about their rights thanks to the efforts of the UN among others.

Reporter: If you were to be a delegate in the MUN, which country would it be?

Valerie: Depends, either a really messed up country where I would like the UN to challenge me, like Somalia or Syria. It could also be one the countries in the world who are most advanced in human rights , like Sweden or Denmark.

Reporter: Is there any advice you would like to give to our delegates?

Valerie: To the delegates I would like to remind them that ethic is very important. It is adhere to the principles of UN and human rights. It ensures equality and respect to everybody regardless of their gender, race, religion, cast, etc. I would also advise them to have prejudice, with which more productivity can be achieved.