My name is Ahmed Abdirahman, and I’m a first-year undergraduate from Somalia studying International Relations and Development at the University of Westminster. On the 25th of April, I’ll be travelling to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with my peers from the Democratic Education Network (DEN) to take part in the Model United Nations. Personally, this trip is hopefully going to be one of those trips that you’ve always dreamt about.
Despite this being my first trip to Uzbekistan, my visit won’t be only educational; it will also be my first-ever experience exploring Central Asia and its uniquely interesting people. In addition, attending the Model United Nations will be a long-sought-out dream finally materialised… taking those final steps towards gaining introspective experience in International Relations.
During my stay, I’ll mostly be in Tashkent with my peers, but since my other peer will be going to Samarkand by train, I’ll immerse myself in local life in Tashkent and develop my own perspective on Uzbekistan. I’ve only known Uzbekistan for its long lineage of the Mongol Empire and its extensive Islamic architecture. What I’ve recently read about is their Soviet-era infrastructure, which I’m amped to see, as I have a deep love of old, significant buildings that have stood the test of time, especially Soviet-era brutalist architecture.
All in all, this trip to Uzbekistan and the opportunity to attend the Model United Nations are something I truly am appreciative of. Spearheaded by Farhang and the team at DEN, this invitation to this year’s Model United Nations was gained and cultivated by the network of DEN and WUIT (Westminster International University in Tashkent) students, which has given the chance for students such as me to engage in politics and international relations and further improve my own knowledge of these affairs through practice. I haven’t met them yet, but I’m eager to finally meet them in person when the time comes.
Creating networking opportunities with peers in the same field opens the door for people to cultivate their own connections with students and professionals in the field they hope to work in, which is the main thing I’m ecstatic about and what is at the heart of DEN’s mission. Putting theory into practice is what I aim for, and this visit will be structural for what is, hopefully, a long, meaningful career in public/foreign affairs and international exchange on global crises.
With most of my DEN colleagues leaving DEN this year and heading off to graduate, there’s a bittersweet feeling when thinking about how much we’ve done since I joined and how much it’s elevated and defined me as a person. DEN has helped me identify the purpose a person should have, down to the most minute details, and, through participating in different activities, it’s always been a platform for self-improvement and engagement. I wish my colleagues the best and can’t wait to continue what they’ve spearheaded for us this past year.
I am really looking forward to spending a few days with them, exploring the rich culture of Uzbekistan. I can’t wait to discover the local cuisine, visit historic sites, and share memorable experiences with my companions. It promises to be an enriching adventure filled with excitement and new insights!
Ahmed Abdirahman