The LTTA through the Model United Nations (MUN) Technique was successfully conducted in Cologne from January 27 to January 31, 2025, as part of the Erasmus+ project EmpowerInclusive. This Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) provided participants with a simulated United Nations debate setting, allowing them to refine skills in diplomacy, negotiation, public speaking, and critical thinking while engaging in deep discussions on Career Guidance for Vulnerable Groups and Entrepreneurial Skills Enhancement.
Participants and Representation
A total of 21 participants from three partner countries—Germany, North Macedonia, and Turkey—took part in the event:
- Germany: 7 participants
- North Macedonia: 7 participants
- Turkey: 7 participants
The participants were selected based on language capacity, leadership skills, prior engagement with the project, and representation of fewer opportunities (e.g., financial or social barriers). The group included youth aged 14-29, young adults over 30, youth leaders, educators, representatives from the business sector, and experts in career guidance and entrepreneurship.
Workshop Activities and Sessions
The 5-day workshop followed a structured Model United Nations format, combining policy debates, public speaking, lobbying, and resolution drafting.
Day 1: Welcome and Introduction to MUN
- Icebreaker activities and introduction to the MUN structure.
- Overview of the United Nations framework and its role in policy development.
- Allocation of country roles and committee assignments.
- Training on formal MUN procedures: speeches, resolutions, caucuses, and voting.
Day 2: Fundamentals of Policy-Making and Career Development
- Detailed session on career guidance challenges for vulnerable youth.
- Research on national policies related to employment and youth entrepreneurship.
- Introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) tools for job-seeking and entrepreneurship.
- Country-based policy formation on the given themes.
Day 3: Committee Sessions and Policy Debates
- Formal committee sessions began with opening speeches on the theme of Career Guidance for Vulnerable Groups.
- Moderated caucus for in-depth discussions.
- Unmoderated caucus for drafting resolutions.
- Stakeholder panel discussion with business leaders and career counselors.
Day 4: Committee Sessions Continue & Resolution Drafting
- Second formal session focused on Entrepreneurial Skills Enhancement.
- Country delegates proposed policies and best practices.
- Intensive negotiations and amendment drafting.
- Finalization of policy recommendations.
Day 5: Resolution Presentations & Voting
- Presentation of final policy recommendations.
- Open debate and discussion on proposed solutions.
- Official MUN voting process on resolutions.
- Closing reflections on the experience and participant feedback.
Key Outcomes and Achievements
1. Development of Policy Resolutions
The workshop resulted in two finalized policy resolutions:
- Resolution on Career Guidance for Vulnerable Youth
- Emphasized integrating AI-driven career tools.
- Proposed career mentorship programs involving industry professionals.
- Recommended multilingual digital career resources.
- Resolution on Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Youth
- Advocated for the inclusion of entrepreneurship education in schools.
- Proposed micro-financing options for youth startups.
- Encouraged international collaboration in entrepreneurial initiatives.
2. Strengthened Digital and Career Readiness
- Increased awareness of AI and digital tools for employment and entrepreneurship.
- Participants gained insight into global employment trends and career adaptation strategies.
- Enhanced public speaking, critical thinking, and negotiation skills.
3. Expansion of Professional Networks
- Participants built cross-national networks for future collaboration.
- The event fostered relationships between youth leaders, educators, and business professionals.
- Policy resolutions will be shared with local institutions and policy makers in partner countries.
4. Promotion of Intercultural Understanding
- Participants gained intercultural competencies through role-playing as diplomats.
- Mutual understanding and cultural appreciation between German, North Macedonian, and Turkish youth.
- Encouraged continued engagement in international youth dialogues.
Feedback and Assessment
The workshop’s impact was measured using pre- and post-event evaluations, participant feedback forms, and facilitator observations. Key findings include:
- 89% of participants reported an increase in confidence in public speaking and debating.
- 84% of participants found the MUN format highly effective in developing leadership skills.
- 92% of participants expressed a desire to participate in future policy-focused international youth events.
Conclusion and Future Steps
The LTTA workshop successfully combined career guidance, entrepreneurship, and international dialogue using the MUN debate structure. The resolutions generated will be presented at local youth forums, government panels, and education institutions to advocate for stronger career development and entrepreneurship support systems.
Future plans include:
- Continued engagement between participants through a LinkedIn discussion group.
- Publication of policy resolutions on the Open Educational Resource (OER) platform.
- Hosting follow-up virtual debates to expand on MUN themes.
This event was a milestone in international youth cooperation and policy innovation, leaving participants equipped with valuable career skills, global perspectives, and a deeper understanding of diplomacy and leadership.
