Monash student’s exceptional debate skills take her to Belgium

Social Science student, Lisa Thelma Sidambe (22) attended the 23rd Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMUN) conference in Brussels, Belgium recently.

She represented Monash South Africa, and, to participate in this conference, Cristelle Snyman, head of Global Engagement at Monash South Africa said they were looking for an exceptional student representative with the ability to debate on a wide range of international topics.

“We went through quite a number of applicants who wanted to participate in this high-profile international event, but Sidambe stood out from all the other students as a bright, passionate, young African leader and ambassador. We are extremely proud to have had our campus and country represented at this important, transformative conference,” said Snyman.

She said every year, this student simulation of the United Nations brings together young delegates from universities around the world to form connections, discuss and share ideas on contemporary issues.

“It is a unique social experience that encourages young people from different walks of life to come together for a common purpose. Sidambe’s role at the conference was as the Nigerian Director-General of the State Security Service, Ita Ekpeyong. Her committee specifically focused on the challenges of the judicial policies around organ trafficking and the foreign policies aimed toward eradicating global challenges,” explained Snyman.

“I have learned that other students out there never sleep and that is what makes them exceptional leaders. I have been challenged to define myself as a student with the capacity to advance change in the same way,” said Sidambe.

Snyman said in 2009, the Zimbabwean-born student was chosen as part of a British Council international leadership programme called Dreams and Teams to travel through Europe and participate in the Winchmore School Enterprise Week programme.

Sidambe also served as an ambassador at an inter-school debate championship in the Netherlands in 2010.

”As no stranger to leadership, Sidambe has continued to break down stereotypes through her passion for debating around issues affecting humanity,” Snyman added.

Sidambe said she grew up loving the idea of being outstanding and making sure her presence is felt everywhere that she went and that is the reason why she has developed a passion for conversations that stimulate change.

Since it was founded in 1991, the WorldMUN conference has brought together over 2 000 delegates and has created a borderless network of inspiring young people from around the world to share collective solutions for a common purpose, Snyman said.

Details: Head of Global Engagement at Monash South Africa Cristelle Snyman 011 950 4000.