Friday (14/6/2024), two students from the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya (FT UB) again made their alma mater and country proud on the international stage. They were successfully selected to participate in the 11th edition of Lyon Model United Nations (LYONMUN) which was held in Lyon, France. The two students are Muhammad Rafi Arkansyah (Industrial Engineering Class of 2023) and Aliya Muzayyanatul Husna (Architecture Class of 2022).

LYONMUN is a prestigious event that simulates the United Nations (UN) session. This event was attended by students from various countries who gathered to discuss global issues and find solutions through constructive and diplomatic debate. We should be proud because these two FT UB students are the first delegates from Universitas Brawijaya, and the first representatives from Indonesia.

This event will last for 4 days starting from 22 to 25 May 2024 with details of Committee Session activities or debate sessions during MUN held for 3 days and the last day closed with a closing ceremony. Rafi and Aliya were divided into two councils, where Rafi was chosen to join the INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization) council and successfully held a trial with other delegates from all over the world. The INTERPOL Council carries two topics, namely Combating Child Trafficking International Networks and Leveraging The International Police Training System with Capacity Building Projects.

“These two topics are very relevant today, so I feel that this is a golden opportunity to present my solution and voice, which can be heard by other delegations and adopted in a resolution. The solution I describe includes providing legal specialization equipped with cutting-edge technology to carry out intensive investigations into child trafficking cases. Apart from that, I also offer a solution to apply a shared database as a form of utilizing an international police training system based on capacity building.” explained Rafi

Meanwhile, Aliya was elected to join the WHO or World Health Organization council to solve problems that are also very relevant to recent events in the world. Aliya received 2 problem topics that needed to be resolved, firstly Accommodating Healthcare Systems with Emergency Responses in Times of Conflict and Highlighting the Mental Distress Problems of Individuals Living with Disabilities in International Public Policy.

“The things I discuss here for the first topic raise the situation in several countries experiencing conflict, one of which is Palestine, which allows us to also voice our solutions regarding this matter. Some of the solutions that I personally offer are related to strengthening health facility infrastructure and the health impact on civilians which must be supported by all countries in the world. “Meanwhile, for the second topic with the aim of helping mental health for people with disabilities, from here I offer several solutions such as building an initiative and support system for people with disabilities to help with their daily conditions or help with their mental health.” said Aliya.

In their interview, Rafi and Aliya were very proud and grateful to take part in this event and to receive full support from the faculty and university.

“Thank God, we received full support for accommodation, starting from plane tickets facilitated by FTUB. Then we submitted a request for accommodation outside of that to the rectorate, which is currently still in process. Academically, there are no lecturers from FTUB or lecturers from other faculties to guide our activities. However, FTUB has provided a lot of support to us, helping us during pre-activities and ensuring our smooth running of activities. Therefore, we are very grateful for this,” explained Aliya.

While in France, the two delegations also received a lot of praise from other participants because they were dressed in batik. This became an attraction for other delegations so that Rafi and Aliya could introduce the nation’s original culture to the eyes of the world. Apart from that, they also received a warm welcome from the Indonesian Embassy through Mrs. Luh Anik Mayani as the Education and Cultural Attache of the Indonesian Embassy in Paris. Mrs. Anik advised them, like Indonesian students, to continue to excel and introduce Indonesian culture on the international stage.

“He advised us to maintain Indonesia’s good name by achieving achievements. As well as preserving and introducing Indonesian culture on the international stage. “He also sent warm greetings and respectful greetings from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Paris to the entire Brawijaya University academic community,” continued Rafi.

With their participation in LYONMUN, they hope to bring home valuable experiences that can be shared with their colleagues on campus. They also hope to broaden their horizons about international diplomacy and strengthen their abilities in solving global problems. At the end of the interview, Rafi and Aliya left suggestions for fellow students.

“Being an FTUB student is a great opportunity to achieve achievements. Maintaining and enhancing FTUB’s achievements is our responsibility as students. I am sure that the door is always open for us to set foot on the competition stage; never doubt as long as we are on a positive path. Let’s maximize the potential we have and believe that we can do it!” – Rafi

“Opportunities to develop our knowledge and self-worth always exist anywhere and at any time. It just depends on how we respond to these opportunities and how we run them. Fear and doubt may be normal things to face, but if we don’t do it, we will never know where we are lacking. I hope that other friends can get the same opportunity, not having to go abroad, but can get what they dream of.” – Aliya

It is also hoped that participation in LYONMUN can be an inspiration for other students at FT UB to dare to pursue opportunities in international events and hone their skills in various fields. With this achievement, Brawijaya University, especially the Faculty of Engineering, is increasingly showing its existence in the international world and is committed to continuing to support its students in achieving other achievements.[drn]