The Hague International Model United Nations THIMUN January 2004

On January 28th, 2004, Andrew Benson Greene, Jr. embarked on a journey from Sierra Leone to the Netherlands, that would profoundly impact his life and the lives of countless others. Summoned as a Guest Speaker to the 36th session of The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) by the THIMUN Foundation, Greene stood alongside esteemed speakers such as Lucie de Lophem of UNHCR, The Hague, to address a gathering focused on the theme 'Information, A Power for Change.'

Greene's speech, titled 'The Question of the Promotion and Protection of The Rights of Children,' shed light on the plight of children in areas afflicted by armed conflicts, with a poignant emphasis on his native country, Sierra Leone. He recounted the harrowing experiences of children torn apart from their families and friends by the brutalities of civil war, leaving behind physical and emotional scars that endure long after the conflict subsides.

In his impassioned address, Greene called upon the global community to express unwavering support and solidarity for the children caught in the crossfires of warfare. He emphasized the crucial role of youth in advocating for the protection of children's rights, envisioning a future where solidarity and action pave the way for peace and human rights.

Reflecting on his experience at THIMUN, Greene remarked, "When I first heard about THIMUN, I was skeptical of the impact such a simulation could have on the UN and humanity. However, I soon realized that THIMUN delegates are not merely brainstorming issues but are equipped with the passion and determination to translate their ideas into tangible action upon returning to their respective countries."

Indeed, THIMUN serves as more than a platform for discourse—it is a catalyst for meaningful change, empowering youth to become agents of progress and advocates for a better world.

Following his participation in the THIMUN conference, Greene journeyed to the International School of Amsterdam (ISA) in Amstelveen, The Netherlands. ISA, a beacon of educational excellence for the international community in the greater Amsterdam area, provided Greene with the opportunity to engage with students and further amplify his message of advocacy and empowerment.

As THIMUN 2024 unfolds, Greene extends his heartfelt wishes for its success, knowing that each conference represents another step towards a future where the voices of youth shape policies and actions that uphold the rights and dignity of all.

In the end, THIMUN is not merely an event—it is a testament to the transformative power of youth engagement and the enduring promise of a more just and equitable world.

 

From THIMUN to the International School of Amsterdam      

Following the THIMUN conference, Greene traveled to Amstelveen, The Netherlands, where he visited the International School of Amsterdam (ISA). For four decades, ISA had served the educational needs of the international community in the greater Amsterdam area, welcoming students from Pre-School through Grade 13 and fostering an environment grounded in intellectual curiosity, creativity, and care.

Greene's visit to ISA became a natural continuation of the message he had delivered at THIMUN. Having spoken passionately about the suffering of children caught in armed conflict, particularly in his native Sierra Leone, he now found himself among young people whose education and daily lives reflected the security and opportunities that so many children around the world are denied. The contrast gave his message a deeper resonance.

At ISA, Greene had another opportunity to encourage young people to see themselves not simply as students, but as members of a global community with the capacity to influence the world around them. His presence underscored the vital connection between education, human rights, and peace. In bringing his experience and advocacy into the school community, he reminded students that awareness must ultimately lead to compassion, solidarity, and action.

His journey from The Hague to Amstelveen therefore represented more than a continuation of his travels. It extended a conversation about children's rights from an international conference into the classroom, where the ideas of justice, peace, and global citizenship could take root in the minds of a new generation.

 

Years later, Greene's journey with youth advocacy came full circle when he was featured in Shaping Tomorrow: 50 Years of Inspiring Youth, a commemorative volume celebrating five decades of the Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) and its enduring work with young people. His inclusion in the book reflects the lasting significance of his participation in THIMUN and the message he carried about the promotion and protection of children's rights. What began with his 2004 address to an international gathering of young delegates had become part of the broader history of an institution dedicated to empowering youth to engage with global challenges. Greene's story stands as a reminder that a single voice, when placed in dialogue with an engaged generation, can leave an influence that extends far beyond the moment in which it is first heard. 

Thanks THIMUN for the opportunity!