SSUNS 2016 Interview Series: African Union Chair Iman Lahouahoula

Iman Lahouahoula was the Chief of Staff at SSUNS last year, and she has returned this year to chair the African Union committee.

Clementine: What do you think makes your committee unique this year?

Iman: I think because of the fact that my committee is the African Union and we haven’t done it in a few years, in its entirety, at SSUNS, it makes it quite unique. What we are trying to hit the economic, political, and social aspects of what is happening in Africa, as a whole, with our topics. What we want to emphasize is that each country realizes how different the regions in Africa are in terms of development. It is really important to not homogenize Africa. This really aims at that because the African Union is really something that is supposed to empower African nations, so by delegates learning about it, it’s a really unique experience to be able to do that.

What do you hope that delegates take away from participating in your committee?

I hope most of all they just kind of learn to push themselves, and discover unique things about themselves, whether it is just collaborating with others, or in giving speeches. Just something that hopefully, if they came in with a goal, that they leave SSUNS thinking that they accomplished that goal. To have a good time in a committee and just remember the concrete ideas that they made and the fun that they had in the weekend.

What made you want to chair a committee this year?

I wanted to get that experience of controlling their environment and giving back to them because they are the ones that makes SSUNS so exciting. I really wanted to be able to share with dais members that same experience of remembering SSUNS and making it even better through the committee’s needs.

What do you think is the benefit of holding a modern committee?

It helps delegates realize what is happening right now. Rather than just think about stuff that they heard as they were growing up, it helps them dive into the issues that are presently happening and be able to explore them further, instead of at the surface level that they normally would. You can leave the conference and keep talking about those issues and bringing them up.

What would you encourage first time delegates to try to accomplish at SSUNS this year?

To get in there and be involved as much as you can. Even if that isn’t being the most involved person in a committee, it is at least being involved to an extent that at the end you know what you did during the weekend and what you can look forward to doing. Having a lot of perseverance and continuing throughout the whole weekend to accomplish new things. This is a really unique opportunity, so they should keep pushing and reaching those goals that they set for themselves.

Which event outside of the committees do you think will be the most beneficial to delegates?

They will have the most fun at the gala; that is super, super fun. I did lead a workshop for the delegations team today, so I hope that the delegates who did attend that enjoyed it and that they will be able to apply the tips that we gave them.

What has been your favourite part of the committee so far?

I’ve only had one session so far. I’ve liked that delegates are already starting to be comfortable with each other and with the dias. It is nice to see that they are breaking down those barriers.