The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr. Ngwaru Jumanne Maghembe, today officially launched the Tanzania International Model United Nations (TIMUN 2026) conference in Zanzibar, on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
The conference, organized under the Youth of United Nations Association Tanzania (YUNA Tanzania), brings together young people from across the country and beyond to engage in United Nations-style debates and simulations aimed at strengthening leadership, diplomacy, and global awareness among youth.
Dr. Maghembe said the government recognizes young people as key drivers of sustainable development and important partners in addressing national and global challenges.
He stressed that youth must actively participate in shaping solutions that will define the future of their communities and the world.
He noted that platforms such as TIMUN are important in equipping young people with practical skills including diplomacy, negotiation, critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership, which are essential in today’s interconnected world.
Dr. Maghembe called on participants to use the conference as an opportunity to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and develop practical solutions to pressing challenges such as climate change, unemployment, gender equality, and technological advancement.
“Youth have a critical role to play in shaping solutions to the challenges facing our world today. I encourage you to use this platform to share ideas, learn from one another, and come up with innovative solutions that can contribute to national and global development,” Dr. Maghembe said.
He also commended YUNA Tanzania for its continued efforts in empowering young people and promoting the values and principles of the United Nations among Tanzanian youth.
He said such initiatives are important in nurturing responsible, informed, and globally minded future leaders.
The TIMUN 2026 conference is expected to bring together hundreds of young delegates from different institutions, including secondary schools and universities.
Participants will take part in simulated UN committees where they will debate global issues and propose resolutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges.
Organizers said the conference plays an important role in promoting youth participation in governance, international relations, and sustainable development, while also fostering unity, peace, and innovation among young people.
TIMUN continues to grow as a key platform for youth engagement in Tanzania, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting the development of future leaders who are ready to contribute to both national and global progress.
