Ban Ki-moon is appointed Ambassador for GEMS World Academy schools

April 23, 2019
  • GEMS World Academy Dubai students to receive valuable input and advice from statesman
  • Appointment complements existing innovative initiatives at GEMS World Academy, the UAE’s leading IB education school, including its Entrepreneurship Centre – GEMS X, Careers and Counselling Hub, and Student-led Innovation Committee
BKMC Co-chair Ban Ki-moon, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, is appointed the official Ambassador for the Model United Nations (MUN) at GEMS World Academy schools, including GEMS World Academy in Dubai. Ban 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 21st century.
Ban 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.”
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. GEMS Education will play a key role in supporting donations to the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens. For further information about GEMS Education, visit: http://www.gemseducation.com Photo: Peter Lechner

Ban Ki-moon Centre Presents at JCI World Congress in Goa

November 3, 2018
Last week, the Ban Ki-moon Centre’s Associate Julia Zimmerman participated and represented the Centre in its partner Junior Chamber International’s (JCI)‘s World Congress in Goa, India. The Centre was introduced to the JCI community at the General Assembly during which a video greeting from Co-chair Heinz Fischer was also screened and shared with the audience from all over the world. The Ban Ki-moon Centre also hosted a workshop “The Global Citizen Mindset” and featured advocacy specialists. The workshop aimed to help participants understand the concept of advocacy and the role young people can play in advocating for causes they care about. It also emphasized different opportunities to engage with advocacy globally. JCI is non-profit organization for young active citizens between the ages of 18-40 committed to creating positive impact in their communities. JCI has members around the world and seeks to help them in developing the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to make informed decisions, and most importantly, to take action for positive change.   JCI’s mission is:
“To provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change”
Every year, JCI holds a week-long World Congress including trainings, workshops, social and networking events, and meetings with its leadership and General Assembly. As JCI is a valued partner of the Ban Ki-moon Centre that promotes the notion of global citizenship and the importance of youth empowerment, Secretary-General Arrey Obenson of JCI is on the Board of the Centre. During the opening ceremony of the world congress, national presidents took to the stage while displaying their countries’ flags and inciting cheers from the audience. However, as much as national pride was celebrated, the collective mission of JCI and its members was the overarching theme. Learn more about the JCIWC: http://www.jciwc2018.com/