In preparation, participants attended an info session led by the African Union Commission (AUC) on its frameworks, along with two briefing sessions on conference roles and procedures. Three delegations also received personalized advisory support from their respective embassies. 

During the conference, youth delegates assumed the roles of heads of state and ministers, working in thematic groups based on the African Union's Special Technical Committees (STCs) to develop solutions for climate change-related development challenges. The event was co-organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Sophia University, and an organizing committee of student volunteers. Looking ahead, the second edition of the conference is planned between August 20-22, 2025, in Yokohama, coinciding with the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

This call for applications is for students to join the volunteering organizing committee and support the implementation of the Model African Union conference. 

Being part of the organizing committee offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in event planning, project management, and cross-cultural communication. Students will have the chance to connect with a diverse network of partners, including key stakeholders in Africa-Japan relations, as well as fellow students passionate about international development and diplomacy. Moreover, committee members will enhance their organizational skills and deepen their understanding of the diverse cultures, challenges, and opportunities across African nations. Through this experience, volunteers will actively contribute to promoting diversity, solidarity, and mutual understanding, while also gaining insights into global affairs and strengthening their extracurricular profiles. 

Below you can find the list of the positions for the volunteering organizing committee members for which we recruit. Please be aware that none of the positions are paid, nor can we guarantee that your application is accepted. 

Currently we are looking for: 
- The President of the conference
- Academic Affairs Head and Team Members
- Communication and Outreach Head and Team Members
- The Logistics Head and Team Members 

Description of the roles: 
・The President of the conference: Will oversee the overall management of the Organizing Committee and serve as the primary point of contact with co-organizers. They are expected to have strong academic skills, in-depth knowledge of the African continent, and proficiency in both verbal and written communication, as well as prior experience in organizing or participating in Model United Nations or Model African Union events. The President is responsible for keeping co-organizers informed about the progress of the conference, including any challenges that may arise. Additionally, the President will facilitate internal communication among Committee members and ensure the timely and successful implementation of the workplan in alignment with the Committee’s objectives.
・Academic Affairs Head/Team Members:  With a strong foundation in academic knowledge of the African continent, international relations, and the procedures of the Model AU/Model UN, the Academic Affairs team will be responsible for conducting thorough and in-depth research. A key responsibility will be conducting research to produce comprehensive and accurate materials, such as study guides and possible discussion themes for the MAU. In addition to research, the team will oversee the selection and assignment of conference participants including delegates, chairs, rapporteurs, and journalists, ensuring they are appropriately matched to the roles. The Academic Affairs team is led by the Academic Affairs Head.
・Communication and Outreach Head / Team Members: The Communication and Outreach team is responsible for developing and implementing the event's media strategy, promoting its concept, vision, and objectives, and establishing a robust communication plan for events. Additionally, the team will work to enhance the event visibility and reputation. This team should possess both strategic and operational communication skills. Their responsibilities include promoting the call for applications for the participants (delegates, chairs, and rapporteurs, etc.), the topics to be discussed in each STC, and the event through social media, as well as engaging with universities and high schools. The team will also handle communication with participants and prepare visibility materials for the conference day, such as placards, flags, certificates, and name badges. The team is led by the Communication and Outreach Head. 
・The logistics head/ Team Members: The team is responsible for ensuring the smooth organization of the event. This includes overseeing the participant list, managing transportation logistics, preparing the venue on the day of the event, and coordinating catering services. Additionally, the team will be responsible for clarifying and formalizing the project details, organizing and delegating tasks, and evaluating the event after its completion. The team is led by the logistics head.  

Criteria: 
■ University students or higher (including exchange, master's and doctoral students), with Japanese or African nationality, with an interest in African development and global issues.
■ Applicants should be partially available from December 2024 to May 2025, and be based in Japan from June to August 2025, to support the successful implementation of the Model AU Conference. 
■ Previous experience in Model United Nations (MUN), Model African Union (Model AU), or other international forums such as the G7, G20, COY, youth events ... is preferred
■ English proficiency in both communication and writing is preferred.
■ Application form:  https://forms.office.com/e/LgkRWPUAu2  
■ Please note that participation in the organizing committee is on a voluntary basis and will not generate financial income or will not be considered as employment by UNDP.  
■ Deadline: 6th December 2024