Welcome to the USEK Model United Nations Chapter (UMC)— where tomorrow’s leaders are made today.
This is your platform for growth in public speaking and leadership. UMC’s mission? To empower you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the world of international relations and diplomacy.
As the founder, I can assure you that success follows those who are dedicated, engaged, and embrace every opportunity to learn.
Now, it’s your turn to rise—let’s shape the future together!
Kevin Awkar
Founder
Mission
UMC’s mission is to forge future leaders by developing our member’s knowledge and competencies for diplomatic simulations, and public speaking skills. Moreover, our main purpose is to promote socio-political education through international affairs and inter-governmental policies; hence, shaping students into leaders and thinkers.
Vision
We aim to change the world with one delegate at a time! We believe that MUN is an opportunity for all students to find a new path that can showcase potential and progress. Thus, we envision growing within the USEK community and adding achievements to the portfolio of each member.
Founding of the Chapter
The Chapter was founded by Kevin Awkar in 2021, with the vision of forging future leaders. As a results-driven professional skilled in team leadership, program management, and public speaking, Kevin applies his expertise to drive impactful partnerships and deliver successful outcomes.
Holding a Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies (with honors) and a BA in Political Science from USEK, he combines academic insight with professional experience to address complex global challenges.
Recipient of the Diplomacy and Outstanding Delegation Awards at the WFUNA International Model United Nations 2019 in New York, Kevin is an accomplished expert in building high-performing teams and executing sustainable projects. After several years of growth and advancement, he successfully transitioned the Chapter to a new generation of leaders, who are now chairing the Chapter.
Christopher El Murr
Chairperson
Christopher is an inspiring and effective leader with a strong commitment to teamwork. His experience in concept development and the implementation of developmental programs allows him to lead the Chapter’s projects with a strong focus on growth. With a background in Clinical Psychology, he tailors UMC’s programs to be accessible to a wide range of university students with one goal envisioned: Forging Future Leaders.
Chris joined UMC in 2021 and quickly progressed to become the Head of Trainings, then Head of Programs, and now the Chairperson of UMC. He aims to lead the Board towards collective growth and development, ensuring that UMC continues to foster a healthy and inclusive environment.
Chris is a proven problem-solver with strategic capacities and an unwavering readiness to find solutions to overcome obstacles. His key to success lies in his belief in the power of teamwork thanks to the rich and diverse team at UMC.
Joy Topalian
Lead Executive
Joy, a passionate leader and innovator with a degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship, exemplifies excellence in every endeavor. A recipient of the Amazon Award for Business, she combines a passion for entrepreneurship with a proven track record of accomplishments. In her role as Lead Executive at UMC, Joy plays a key role in driving innovation, change, and professional growth.
Her journey with the USEK MUN Chapter began in 2021, where she quickly distinguished herself as a delegate, earning her first MUN Forum 1 Conference award while representing the EU Delegation. Over the years, her dedication and performance have earned her numerous recognitions, including the Position Paper Award.
By 2023, Joy’s leadership and vision led to her appointment as Lead Executive, where she spearheaded transformative initiatives such as the Level-Up Leadership Program, the Jumpstart Program, and other high-impact events. Driven by a commitment to empowering students, Joy inspires others to unlock their full potential and achieve remarkable success.
Diana Al Hayek
Head of Logistics and Communications
Diana is a third-year biochemistry student at USEK. Her academic journey has been guided by a profound passion for science and relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Her commitment to personal growth and community involvement led her to embark on a journey of self-development at UMC, growing with the Chapter to become the Head of Communications and Logistics.
Beyond UMC, Diana is engaged in several volunteer activities and serves as the student representative of USEK’s Zahle RUC. In all her endeavors, she strives to leave an impact on society, advocating for positive change.
Ziad Chalhoub
Head of Programs
Ziad is a dedicated law student with a deep commitment to leadership, diplomacy, and driving meaningful change. Since joining the University’s MUN chapter in 2021, Ziad has actively contributed to its growth, culminating in his current role as Head of Programs. In this position, he leads the design and execution of professional, high-impact initiatives, ensuring members are equipped with the necessary skills to engage in constructive dialogue on global issues.
Having participated in numerous MUN conferences and earning several leadership certificates, Ziad has cultivated expertise in public speaking, negotiation, and planning.
His professional approach to problem-solving and teamwork reflects a strong focus on excellence and innovation, inspiring others to actively engage in diplomacy and global affairs. With aspirations to leave a positive mark on the world, Ziad brings not only skill and dedication but also a unique ability to make every experience both impactful and enjoyable.
Alexandre Razzouk
Head of Programs
Alexandre Razzouk is a third-year bachelor’s student in International Relations at USEK. Passionate about diplomacy and leadership, he has gained extensive experience in Model United Nations programs, serving as a delegate, Training Coordinator, and Advisor for USEK delegations at programs such as BEYMUN.
His contributions to public speaking, speechwriting, and research have earned him multiple awards in recognition of his skills and dedication. Alexandre is also actively involved in leadership programs and ecological initiatives, highlighting his commitment to building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, global communities.
Beyond academics, Alexandre is a member of the USEK Tennis Team, showcasing his discipline and team-oriented mindset. Balancing rigorous studies, extracurricular activities, and competitive sports, he exemplifies a well-rounded approach to personal and professional growth. His strong organizational and interpersonal skills position him as a promising future leader in the field of international relations.
Level-up Leadership Program 2023 (LULP2023)
LULP 2022’s success paved the way for a return in 2023, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for leadership development. Extending beyond USEK, LULP2023 welcomed 90 students from different universities across Lebanon.
Inspired by the rise of Artificial Intelligence, LULP 2023 focused on tackling the connection between AI and sustainable development.
Participants took part in a series of practical training sessions designed to boost their skills and deepen their understanding of how AI can improve cities and communities. This approach, paired with a hands-on Model United Nations conference, allowed students not only to come up with ideas, but also to actively put them into action. LULP’s expansion in 2023 shows its commitment to spreading leadership development and knowledge-sharing to a wider audience beyond a single institution.
Jumpstart: Skill-Full Day
“Jumpstart: Skill-full Day” was a one-day developmental program in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) and supported by USEK.
The program featured top-tier expert speakers who shared their insight on personal and professional growth in the fields of team management, pitching, and civic engagement.
Participants worked in groups, under the theme of development in civic engagement, to create solutions to enhance student life at USEK.
The 3 winning teams received support to make their ideas come to life.
Level-up Leadership Program 2022 (LULP2022)
The Level-up Leadership Program (LULP) was a USEK Model United Nations Chapter (UMC) initiative in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF)and with the support of USEK. This MUN-based program was designed to mold students into future leaders, equipping them with essential skills and insights.
The program consisted of several accelerator training sessions followed by an MUN simulation targeting Global Goal 16 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Winners received several valuable awards, with the 3 laureates of our Leadership Award winning a trip to Germany.
How Future Leaders Find a Job
“How Future Leaders Find a Job” was a two-day interactive workshop at USEK’s Zahle RUC designed to empower over 40 participants with essential soft and hard skills, including job search strategies and insights into the dynamic world of professional life.
Simulation of Collaborative Gatherings (SCG)
Following the UMC Program, the most dedicated participants went on to become UMC members following a new phase of immersive development through multiple training sessions. These specialized sessions solidified their skills and fortified their understanding of effective leadership. The practical application of the participants’ enhanced abilities in an MUN final conference became a hallmark of the UMC experience, with outstanding delegates becoming part of the UMC team.
UMC Program (UMCP)
The UMC Program was a comprehensive training program where participants engaged in weekly sessions dedicated to developing public speaking, leadership, and conflict resolution skills. Throughout the program, participants delved into the art of effective communication, explored the principles of diplomacy, and mastered critical thinking strategies. Dedicated mentors and professional public speakers led this journey, which concluded with a final MUN simulation.
E-mail : UMC@usek.edu.lb
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