DAMMAM: The 5th Peevees United Nations Simulation Conference hosted by Al-Khozama International School in Dammam witnessed a session that resembled the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.

Gopinath Menon, principal of the host school, welcomed the guests and invitees.

Ian Winter, head of training and development at British Aerospace Engineering System, Technical Training Studies, Saudi Arabia, opened the grand finale in his capacity as the chief guest. On addressing the young delegates and the gathering he said: “It’s a unique step together for tomorrow.”

His words contained optimism and he urged the future delegates to be considerate, confident and provide great support for humanitarian values.

Peevees United Nations Simulation Conference is an academic competition in which students learn diplomacy, importance of international relations and togetherness. The conference is aimed at improving skills such as planning, researching, reasoning, critical thinking, public speaking, debating, drafting, teamwork and leadership qualities. This helps them grow intellectually and develop skills in the areas of writing, critical thinking, public speaking, research, persuasion and leadership.

Guests of honor P.V. Hameed, executive director, Peevees Sons Ltd. India; A.M. Asharaf, GM, Peevees group of Schools; and Sreedevi Menon, assistant director (programs), Peevees Group of Schools, spoke about the relevance of UNSC and the need of world leaders who could be really considerate. Menon pointed out, “The world is not in peace, but in pieces.”

The delegates from three different zones of Saudi Arabia had challenging preliminary rounds in Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah before emerging to the final arena in Dammam hosted by Al-Khozama International School Dammam, Al-Yasmin International School Riyadh and New Al-Wurood International School Jeddah respectively.

Program Co-coordinator Parveen Banu presented the topics for the sessions of the "General Assembly" and "Security Council".

There were 11 countries represented by various schools from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

The "General Assembly" was chaired by Sooraj R. Thambi. The motion discussed in the conference was "Refugee crisis and their resettlement."

The "Security Council" was chaired by Linda Alex. "International trafficking of drugs and narcotics and its mitigation through international cooperation" was discussed during the session.

Razi Shaikpareeth, deputy group manager, Peevees Groups of Schools; K. Rahmathullah, principal, Al-Yasmin International School-Riyadh, and Haneef, of Modern International School, Riyadh graced the occasion. Shimi Sibi, principal, Al-Khozama (Girls Section), presented the vote of thanks.