Ban Ki-moon, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations and co-chair of the Ban Ki-moon Center for Global Citizens, has been appointed the official Ambassador for the Model United Nations (MUN) at GEMS World Academy schools, including GEMS World Academy in Dubai. The South Korean statesman will hold the position for the next three years, giving students the unprecedented opportunity to gain valuable insights from one of the world’s most admired leaders.

The UAE’s leading International Baccalaureate (IB) school, GEMS World Academy Dubai hosts the MUN as part of its curriculum. An education simulation activity in which students learn about diplomacy, international relations and the United Nations, MUN is designed to develop students’ skills and shape their worldview. Serving as Ambassador for the MUN, Ban Ki-moon will be invited to open the MUN’s annual conference, where GEMS World Academy Dubai students will be able to participate in simulated sessions of the General Assembly or Security Council and get advice on diplomacy skills and learn about key issues that impact the 21^st century.

Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nation and co-chair of the Ban Ki-moon Center for Global Citizens, said: “I am delighted to join hands with GEMS Education as the Ambassador for the Model United Nations at GEMS World Academy schools. It is critical that today’s youth take on responsibility for the world we live in from an early educational platform, and it is essential that educators empower students to talk about issues such as the environment and sustainability so that we can limit any adverse effects on our future generations. In partnering with GEMS Education, the UAE’s leading K12 education provider, we can reach a far-reaching audience to instil change for the betterment of humankind.”

Sunny Varkey, Founder and Chairman of GEMS Education, said: “Ban Ki-moon is a true statesman who has impressed the world with his diplomatic skills and his decisive stance on a variety of pressing issues faced by humanity. We are honoured that Ban Ki-moon has graciously accepted to be the official Ambassador for the Model United Nations at our GEMS World Academy schools. With several student-led innovations, GEMS World Academy Dubai has set benchmarks for academic excellence and underlined its position as the leading IB education school in the country. With the generous support of Ban Ki-moon, our students have an unrivalled learning opportunity to take notes from such an inspirational figure. They can develop a stronger understanding of diplomacy and gain a clearer worldview on current issues, helping them become truly global citizens.”

GEMS World Academy Dubai, founded in 2008 as a member of the GEMS Education network of schools, has gone from strength to strength and now welcomes more than 2,000 students from 85 countries every day.

GEMS Education, the largest operator of IB schools, will play a key role in supporting donations to the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens. The centre is an independent, non-profit organisation that focuses on global citizenship, youth and women by implementing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Ban Ki-moon has also agreed to contribute to the Global Education Skills Forum, the annual event in Dubai that brings together leaders from the public, private and social sectors around the world and culminates with the Varkey Foundation’s $1M Global Teacher Prize.