Mr. Bandila representing Mapúa MCM at the AYIMUN 2025.
In an era where youth engagement in global affairs is more critical than ever, the 16th Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) 2025, hosted by the International Global Network (IGN), provided a dynamic platform for young leaders to develop skills in leadership, negotiation, and diplomacy. Held from January 17 to 20, 2025, at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this prestigious event brought together over 1,000 youth leaders from 38 countries to discuss and propose solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.
Among these promising leaders was Datu Jamsheed Hisham P. Bandila, a Grade 12 student from the Senior High School Department of Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao. Representing Jamaica as a state diplomat in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Council, Datu took on a significant role in drafting resolutions aimed at combating pressing issues in the online world, such as illegal gambling and cybercrime.
Reflecting on this experience, Datu shared, “Representing my school, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao, and the Philippines on an international stage was a moment of immense pride for me. It felt incredible to showcase not only my skills and knowledge but also the values that reflect my identity. The opportunity to engage in discussions with people from various cultures and backgrounds made the experience even more meaningful.”
Datu’s efforts earned him recognition as a signatory of the resolution titled “Mitigating the Worst Impact of Illicit Online Activities: Illegal Gambling and Cybercrime Resolution 1.1.” The resolution underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to address the growing threats posed by cybercrime. Furthermore, the resolution aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by promoting awareness, strengthening legal frameworks, and fostering multi-sector collaboration.
A key element of the resolution was the proposal of CYBERPACT, a comprehensive initiative designed to foster collaboration between various stakeholders, including technology companies, private sectors, government institutions, and both public and private entities. The initiative aims to leverage collective resources and expertise to develop effective strategies for combating cyber threats on a global scale.
Mr. Bandila representing Jamaica in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Council.
The resolution was co-authored by Datu and his allied states, which included representatives from the United States of America, The Kingdom of Sweden, The Federal Republic of Germany, Jamaica, the Central African Republic, the Swiss Confederation, Lebanon, The Federation of Malaya, The Republic of the Philippines, The Commonwealth of Australia, Ukraine, The Republic of Argentina, the State of Qatar, and Singapore. Their collective efforts demonstrated the power of diplomacy and collaboration in addressing complex global challenges.
Datu’s participation in AYIMUN 2025 is a testament to his dedication to creating meaningful change through diplomacy and leadership. His experience at the conference not only enabled him to contribute to important discussions but also provided him with invaluable insights and connections that will undoubtedly shape his future endeavors.
As young leaders like Datu continue to engage in such international platforms, their contributions pave the way for a more inclusive and cooperative global community, ensuring that the voices of youth are heard and valued in shaping the world’s future.
For inquiries about international engagement, please contact the Center for International Programs at iprogram@mcm.edu.ph. To learn more about upcoming international activities, sign up on Engage through this link https://engage.mcm.edu.ph/ and join the Center for International Programs (CIP) Engage page, where you can access the full list of activities.