Amina Ali, a Faculty of Law student at the University of Pretoria, describes herself as a ‘humanitarian, philanthropist and progressive.’  Amina attended the ENU International Model United Nations (MUN) Conference in Astana, Kazakhstan from 21 to 24 June 2018. ‘This nature of mine has allowed me to join platforms such as MUN, where we discuss and try to find solutions for issues that affect the human race, thus making it possible for us to envision and look forward to a better future.'

She says that her involvement and interest in International Affairs and the different types of law each country uses motivated her to participate in this Conference in June.  ‘What a life-changing, mind-blowing experience it was, meeting people from so many different countries, each with an identity that makes us all different yet the same because of the goals we share.  The suggestions I gained from there has allowed me to envision and construct ideas that are about to change the African continent forever.’

Amina’s trip included stopovers in Germany, London and Dubai.  ‘One’s perspective does not only rotate, it shifts completely!’  Amina obtained third place out of 148 students that represented various countries. Her Top 5 position has opened another door to travel again on a fully funded trip to Canada for attendance of the STUDEC Future Leader Congress from 16 to 18 September 2018.   The Future Leader Congress is the world youth congress that connects aspiring young leaders with international speakers from government, leaders expert, and influential social activist from different backgrounds.  This congress is officially organised by Studec International and supported by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP). “Becoming the next leader in the 21st century” was the Conference’s main theme.

Amina has big plans for the future.  ‘I am looking into hosting the first ever International Model United Nations on the continent in July 2019. If they have made it impossible for Africans to travel into the world because of our currency value, then why not bring the world to Africa!  Let this be the beginning to all great things and mostly for us to finally say to the rest of the world, "We are coming!”