A Step Toward Global Engagement and Youth Leadership
International models and simulations are powerful platforms for experiential learning—enabling young people to practice diplomacy, negotiation, advocacy, and policy dialogue in structured, realistic settings. For Palestinian youth in particular, these programmes respond to a critical need: to understand the international context that shapes daily realities in Palestine, and to engage with global decision-making spaces that influence rights, protection, and accountability.
At Sharek Youth Forum, we invest in preparing a generation that can present the Palestinian narrative with confidence and professionalism, grounded in facts, values, and international principles. Through simulations such as the UN, the EU, and international legal forums, participants strengthen their knowledge of international law and global governance, and develop the skills needed to advocate effectively and mobilize support—whether at the local, national, regional, or international levels. This approach equips youth not only to participate, but to lead meaningful, strategic advocacy that advances justice and human dignity.
Key Highlights
Our Programs
1) Model United Nations (MUN)
Implemented across the West Bank and Gaza, MUN targets university students from disciplines such as law, international relations, public administration, media, and related fields. The programme aims to strengthen understanding of the UN system, develop essential skills in research, writing, negotiation, critical thinking, and public speaking, and provide a safe environment for realistic diplomatic dialogue and decision-making.
MUN is delivered in phases, starting with local simulations and culminating in a National MUN Conference, where participants apply their training in a high-level setting. Participants engage in debates and resolution drafting on globally relevant topics such as climate change, disarmament, refugee issues, access to justice, and human rights in crisis settings.
2) Model European Union (MEU)
In collaboration with the European Union, Sharek launched the first Model European Union (MEU) programme in Palestine, expanding youth understanding of EU institutions and policy-making. Through realistic simulations of EU negotiations, participants develop strategic thinking and diplomacy skills and explore how member states collaborate to shape policies.
The MEU programme includes theoretical training on EU frameworks and EU–Palestine relations, simulation exercises where participants represent EU member states, and expert sessions with policy practitioners. The first edition simulated the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), focusing on areas such as foreign policy, security, trade, development cooperation, and humanitarian action.
3) Model International Court of Justice (ICJ) – “Defenders” Initiative
The Defenders Initiative is an intensive programme designed for law students from Palestinian universities to strengthen legal advocacy and practical courtroom skills through a Model ICJ simulation. Implemented in collaboration with UNFPA and supported by Palestinian universities, the programme equips participants to develop and present structured legal arguments related to humanitarian and human rights issues.
The initiative follows a blended learning approach combining online learning, coaching, practical exercises, and face-to-face preparation, and concludes with a final simulation in a realistic courtroom environment evaluated by legal academics. Participants strengthen competencies in legal reasoning, argumentation and drafting, and key principles of international humanitarian and human rights law.
Partnerships
These programmes are implemented through strong institutional partnerships that ensure credibility, outreach, and real learning impact. Sharek Youth Forum delivers international models and simulations in partnership with Palestinian universities and in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. The programme is implemented with the support of the United Nations and funded by the European Union, enabling youth across Palestine to access high-quality experiential learning opportunities and engage with global governance and diplomacy frameworks in meaningful, practice-based ways.
Why These Programs Matter
Through international models and simulations, youth gain more than knowledge—they gain practical experience and the confidence to engage in public life. These programmes support a generation that can communicate effectively, analyze complex issues, negotiate respectfully, and advocate responsibly—locally and globally—while contributing to stronger civic engagement and informed leadership for Palestine’s future.
