(PHOENIX, Ariz., Oct. 15, 2004) – On Saturday, Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Phoenix College will hold its Fall 2004 Model United Nations Conference. The conference is designed as a learning conference and people with no previous experience are encouraged to attend. While representing a country, participants will learn to debate and resolve issues related to Human Rights in Sudan and Reproductive Health in Developing Nations.

Awards will be given to the most effective delegate and the delegate who best represents his or her country. Participants are not required to give a presentation about their country but they must commit to researching basic facts about the country and its position on the conference topics.

Antonie De Jong of the United Nations Population Fund will serve as the keynote speaker. Mr. De Jong holds a Masters Degree in geography from the University of Utrech in the Netherlands as well as a Certificate in Diplomacy from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For more information or to obtain a country assignment prior to the event, please contact Andrea Hightower at (602) 350-1313.

The conference is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Phoenix College cafeteria.

Other United Nations Day events will include:

Friday, October 22 - Flag Raising Ceremony
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Wesley Bolin Plaza in front of the Arizona Capitol Building
(602) 285-7651 or (602) 285-7184

The ceremony will include a reading of Governor Janet Napolitano’s Proclamation of United Nations Day in Arizona.

Friday, October 22 - Human Rights Symposium
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Phoenix College Library Multipurpose Room
(602) 285-7651 or (602) 285-7184

The symposium covers Women’s Rights and Gender Equity. Guest speakers include, Antonie De Jong of the United Nations Population Fund, Dr. Paul Eppinger of Interfaith Action Coalition, Linda Offenberg of the Phoenix College Business Department and Joseph Kimbuende of the Phoenix College English Department.

###