Anani Nani, a student entrepreneur currently pursuing her degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) was humbled to be listed amongst the top five delegates in the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Council at the prestigious Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) 15TH Conference. This United Nations conference was held recently in Bangkok, Thailand under the theme: “Empowering Youth Diplomacy for Global Harmony.”
Nani from Hammersdale received the Honourable Mention Award for the FAO Council as a delegate of South Africa. Additionally, she received a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of her active participation as a delegate of the FAO Council representing South Africa. The student entrepreneur is the founder of INAN Aeroponics Farming which focuses on climate-smart farming solutions. She was among 600 young leaders from across the globe who were part of nine different councils which were established to find solutions to global challenges.
“These achievements are not just personal victories; they are a testament to the dedication and talent found in South African youth and an uplifting moment for the DUT community. Receiving the award and recognition was a reminder that hard work and passion do pay off. Those moments inspired me to pursue my dreams of a career in agriculture, with a vision of representing South Africa on international diplomacy platforms, maybe even one day reaching the United Nations Assembly,” said Nani.
According to Nani the competition was intense and inspiring as she was surrounded by delegates from around the world who shared different perspectives and ideas.
“In my council alone, there were about 60 delegates, each bringing their unique voice and perspective to the table. I had the honour of representing South Africa as a delegate in the FAO Council, where our focus was on Sustainable Agriculture in the Context of Climate Change. It was a challenging experience, debating, negotiating, and collaborating, all while having a raw simulation of the United Nations Assembly. Out of the entire 600 delegates, there were only two black delegates and we were from South Africa, and I was the only black woman among the 600 delegates. This was a very unique experience and it amplified my sense of pride and responsibility as I strove to represent not only myself but the country and whole African continent and community,” shared Nani.
She indicated that her performance was evaluated based on three main criteria’s which were substance, leadership and conducts. She was assessed based on her knowledge of the topic and the issues of South Africa’s agricultural policies which were crucial in representing the nation’s stance. Her negotiation skills were put to the test during the moderated and unmoderated caucuses.
“I worked collaboratively with other delegates to find middle ground, leverage alliances, and take a lead in drafting resolutions. Eloquence and professionalism were paramount. I remained focused on upholding diplomatic decorum and adhering to the rules of procedure while conveying South Africa’s concerns and proposals with clarity and conviction,” added Nani.
She believes this experience advanced her diplomacy, public speaking, debate skills, and solidified her passion for working towards sustainable solutions on a global scale.
Unpacking the highlights of her paper, Nani outlined South Africa’s commitment to climate-resilient agriculture, emphasising the country’s dependence on innovative farming techniques, including precision agriculture, soil conservation, and sustainable water management. Recognising the importance of global cooperation, she advocated for increased support in developing agri-tech and climate-smart solutions. Additionally, her paper highlighted the need for financial and technical resources to empower smallholder farmers, whom she feels are most vulnerable to climate impacts.
She extended her gratitude to the Student Governance and Development unit, the Student Representative Council, and Student Housing and Residence Life for their sponsorship and support in making her Thailand trip a reality.
She is looking forward to attending the next Asia World Model United Nations (AWMUN) to be held in Seoul in South Korea in July 2025.
Pictured: Student entrepreneur, Anani Nani after being recognised as one of the best delegates at the prestigious Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) 15TH Conference.
Simangele Zuma
