The grant could provide up to $80,000.
The U.S. Embassy Kathmandu has convened Regional MUN conferences for the past six consecutive years to build network and to educate about critical issues facing the SCA region. In addition to promoting multilateralism, MUN conferences cultivate leadership, team building, conflict resolutions and diplomacy skills. During the 2023 conference, 200 participants from 13 countries attended the final regional conference. The U.S. Embassies from across the SCA region nominated delegates to attend the conference. Leading up to the final regional conference in 2023, the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu also organized seven provincial MUN conferences in Nepal. The FY2024 conference would host 200 delegates including organizing committee members and simulate mutually agreed agenda and committees. The conference will be held in a hotel in Kathmandu capable of accommodating the event. As of 2023, over 1200 youth from SCA and beyond have attended the U.S. Embassy organized MUN conferences. Similarly, over 1000 Nepali youth have been trained through provincial MUN conferences. This funding opportunity seeks to identify a cooperative agreement partner to curate and host MUN workshops, provincial, and SCA-wide MUN conference. Project Audience(s): Primary beneficiaries for this project are youth aged 20-30 with the following demographic variables. Gender: At least 50% of the participants should be female. Geographic location: University level students from across the South and Central Asia Region and all seven provinces of Nepal should be covered in terms of geographic representation. Age group: between the age of 20-30 Level of Education: Bachelor's degree or above. Language: Participants should be able to discuss high level issues in English. Diversity: Selected participants should reflect Nepal's cultural, religious, ethnic, and social diversity. Project Goal: The United States Embassy in Nepal supports initiatives that promote democracy, increase economic prosperity, and create resilience. To achieve those goals, young Nepalis need access to tools and resources to support their communities and country. The conference should be organized around several major themes relevant to the SCA region. Proposals should include a plan to contact alumni of prior conferences and consult with subject matter experts to solicit input in determining those themes. Potential options could include but are not limited to: economic growth, regional integration, good governance, and cybersecurity. Project Objectives: This project has the following objectives: · 200 young students from the region demonstrate during the MUN conference and over 500 young Nepali students demonstrate during the 7 provincial MUN workshops, increased public speaking skills, and knowledge of democratic values and practices rule of law. · Encourage future participation in international fora. Expected Activities: · Design and implement a 5-day residential MUN conference for 200 participants between May to August 2024. Applicants are required to include opening and closing events, welcome reception, and expert speakers sessions, in their proposal. · Conduct a series of MUN workshops in various areas in Nepal and in the region. · Conduct 7 provincial MUNs in all seven provinces of Nepal with at least 50 participants at each province. · The program should include substantive interaction with U.S. Government representatives as well as non-government organizations, businesses and think tanks that focus on regional priorities and bring experts for the sessions on chosen agendas. · The program should also include experiential learning days, enabling delegates to immerse themselves in relevant areas of the host-country's community, as pertains to the thematic areas. · The program will not include the travel expenditure of international delegates in the budget.