Anani Nani, a student entrepreneur currently pursuing her degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), has been invited to participate in the prestigious Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) in Bangkok, Thailand. The event will take place from Friday, 01 November 2024 to Monday, 04 November 2024.
Under the theme “Empowering Youth Diplomacy for Global Harmony,”AYIMUN will bring together young leaders from across the globe, offering them a platform to broaden their networks and enhance their global perspectives and critical thinking skills.
Nani highlighted that the event focuses on developing leadership, negotiation and diplomatic abilities through simulated United Nations committee sessions, giving participants an invaluable opportunity to experience the workings of international diplomacy first-hand.
“The benefits of attending AYIMUN include significant personal and professional growth. Attending AYIMUN aligns seamlessly with my personal and professional goals. As the founder of INAN Aeroponics Farming and a student of Urban and Regional Planning at DUT, the event’s focus on leadership, sustainable development, and global cooperation directly resonates with my passion for revolutionising agriculture through innovative and sustainable methods. The knowledge and connections gained from this event will greatly support my long-term objective of making a meaningful impact in the fields of urban agriculture and planning,” shared Nani.
Sharing her participation in AYUMIN, Nani revealed that she will be a delegate in the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Council. She will be representing South Africa on the critical topic of Sustainable Agriculture in Climate Change. Her role will involve engaging with global peers and experts to address the complex challenges that climate change poses to agriculture, particularly in developing countries like South Africa, where food security and sustainable farming practices are vital.
“My participation in the FAO Council will allow me to explore innovative solutions and policy approaches that focus on mitigating the climate change impacts while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Representing South Africa is important to me, as the country’s agricultural sector is key to both economic development and food security, but it is highly vulnerable to climate change. I will focus on strategies such as the promotion of climate-resilient crops, water conservation methods, the adoption of aeroponics and other Agri-tech solutions, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from farming activities,” shared Nani.
Additionally, she indicated that she will advocate for policies that support small-scale farmers, encourage sustainable land management, and align agricultural practices with South Africa’s broader environmental goals.
Nani shared that she will also be participating in the Parade of Nations, a ceremonial event where representatives from different countries march together, proudly displaying their national flags. To her, this parade will serve to showcase national pride, promote visibility and representation, and facilitate cultural exchange among participants.
Speaking about how she secured this amazing opportunity, Nani said: “I was selected for the AYIMUN based on my work in sustainable agriculture, particularly through founding INAN Aeroponics Farming, which focuses on climate-smart farming solutions. My academic background in Urban and Regional Planning and involvement in sustainability projects, like the DUT Green Campus Initiative (GCI), have fuelled my passion for addressing climate change through innovative agricultural practices. Being a Vuna Leadership Academy Candidate and part of programmes like the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Incubation Programme has enhanced my leadership and strategic skills, positioning me well to represent South Africa in the FAO Council at AYIMUN,” reiterated Nani.
She believes given South Africa’s critical need for sustainable agriculture amid climate challenges, this role will allow her to contribute meaningfully to global discussions and bring back insights to further her work in agriculture.
Furthermore Nani believes attending AYIMUN in Bangkok will strengthen her role as a champion of the DUT ENVISION2030 strategy and allow her to represent DUT internationally. She feels the event will be aligned to the four perspectives of the ENVISION2030 which are Stewardship, Systems and Processes, Sustainability, and Society.
“By engaging with global delegates, I will bring back innovative ideas to enhance DUT’s accountability and creativity. Exposure to new research and digital advancements will help improve DUT’s systems and processes. Additionally, discussions on sustainability will support DUT’s long-term goals for financial and environmental sustainability. I will use the knowledge gained to advocate for sustainable urban planning and contribute to a greener, more vibrant local ecosystem. My involvement will help foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the community, supporting DUT’s goal of producing adaptive graduates that will lead a positive change and make a meaningful societal impact,” explained Nani.
She has extended her appreciation to the Student Governance and Development unit and the Student Representative Council (SRC) at DUT, for their generous funding that has covered the conference fee. However, she indicated that she still needs support for the remaining travel expenses as she prepares to represent South Africa and DUT on an international platform.
Pictured: Anani Nani who will be representing South Africa and DUT in Thailand.
Simangele Zuma
