Samara University Student Tries His Hand as a Diplomat at Model UN

Sarkis Shakhazizyan, a third-year student at Samara University, majoring in International Relations, recently participated in the International Model UN "SmolnyIMUN" hosted by the Faculty of International Relations at St. Petersburg State University (SPbSU).

The event, held from March 27 to 30, 2025, was organized with the support of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

A Model UN is not merely a simulation but a rigorous academic conference aimed at addressing pressing global challenges. SmolnyIMUN offers participants the chance to step into the shoes of diplomats and immerse themselves in the dynamics of international negotiations. The platform provided invaluable experience in negotiation tactics, UN procedures, and diplomatic practice.

During the Model UN, Sarkis Shakhazizyan represented Georgia’s delegation in the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. He articulated the state’s position on the agenda item “Facilitating Visa Regimes” and collaborated with fellow delegates to draft proposals for visa policy reforms in the final resolution.

·         March 27: A lecture titled “10 Principles of International Negotiations” was delivered by Anton Sergeyevich Andreev, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor at SPbSU’s Department of Theory and History of International Relations.

·         March 28: A meeting with diplomats featured the following guests:

o    Sergey Andreev (Doctor of Philosophy, Oxford University), an expert on Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Central Asian history, politics, and Islamic studies. His diplomatic career spans OSCE missions, UN analytical roles in Iraq, Sudan, and Afghanistan, and leadership at the World Council of Churches.

o    Alexander Anisimov, former official at the Russian Government’s International Cooperation Department, analyst for the Federation Council, and representative of Rossotrudnichestvo in Germany and Zambia. He has also taught at MGIMO University.

o    Anastasia Malygina, SPbSU Faculty of International Relations lecturer and Head of the Interdisciplinary Center for Global Biosecurity. Her work focuses on arms control and strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention. She has spoken at UN platforms on nonproliferation.

o    Nina Shevchuk, political and public figure of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR). She served as the PMR President’s Special Representative for negotiations (2011–2015) and former PMR Foreign Minister.

Sarkis Shakhazizyan shared his reflections:

“This was my first Model UN, and it was an incredible experience. I met inspiring people, deepened my understanding of diplomacy and the UN’s workings, and was thrilled to see my initiatives included in the joint resolution. Special thanks to the UN Third Committee Presidium for their procedural guidance and fostering a productive environment. The event was exceptionally well-organized.”

Text: Sarkis Aramovich Shakhazizyan, Ivan Mikhailovich Perepelkin

Photos: Sarkis Aramovich Shakhazizyan

Prepared by the Student Scientific Society of the Faculty of Philology and Journalism.