Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy Inspires Future Global Leaders at Peterhouse Model United Nations
“Speed defines modern conflict. Threats that once took months to develop now erupt in hours, demanding a new generation of leaders ready to respond with clarity and courage.”
— Ambassador Vova Chikanda
The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy (ZID) proudly participated in the inaugural Peterhouse Model United Nations (PHMUN) Conference, held on 17–18 July 2026 at Peterhouse Boys in Marondera. The landmark two-day conference brought together delegates from Form One to Form Six who assumed the roles of representatives of United Nations Member States, debating contemporary geopolitical and international policy issues under the conference theme, “Redefining Global Security in the 21st Century.”
As Peterhouse’s first home-hosted Model United Nations conference, PHMUN marked a significant milestone in the school’s commitment to developing future diplomats and global leaders. The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy was honoured to deliver the Guest of Honour’s Address through its Chairperson and Principal Lecturer, Ambassador Vova Chikanda, whose keynote officially opened the conference.
Addressing the assembly, Ambassador Chikanda reminded participants that they were not speaking as students but as diplomats representing sovereign United Nations Member States. He challenged every country’s delegation to move beyond identifying global challenges and instead negotiate practical, innovative and long-term solutions to the world’s evolving security threats. He encouraged delegates to embrace diplomacy, dialogue and multilateral cooperation, stressing that the resolutions developed within their committees should contribute to lasting peace and pave the way for humanity’s survival.
Highlighting the rapidly changing security landscape, Ambassador Chikanda observed that contemporary threats extend far beyond conventional warfare. He identified cyberattacks, artificial intelligence, drone warfare, global health emergencies and climate change as defining security concerns of the twenty-first century. He noted that while conflicts once unfolded over months, today’s crises can emerge within hours, demanding leaders who are prepared to respond with wisdom, resilience and cooperation.
The conference featured substantive debates across seven committees: the United Nations Security Council, General Assembly Third Committee (SOCHUM), World Health Organization (WHO), African Union (AU), United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Special Futuristic Committee. Representing countries from across the United Nations, delegates defended their nations’ foreign policy positions, negotiated with fellow Member States and drafted resolutions in accordance with United Nations procedures. The simulations strengthened participants’ abilities in diplomacy, negotiation, public speaking, critical thinking, policy analysis and consensus-building.
PHMUN 2026 also reflected the continued growth of Model United Nations within the Peterhouse community. Earlier this year, the Peterhouse Girls delegation participated in CHIMUN 2026, hosted by Chisipite Senior School, where delegate Olivia Chimberengwa was recognised with the Most Promising Delegate Award.
The success of the inaugural PHMUN Conference demonstrates the growing importance of diplomacy education in preparing young people to address increasingly complex international challenges. By placing students in the roles of United Nations diplomats, the conference provided an authentic platform to experience international negotiation, multilateral cooperation and responsible global leadership.
The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy congratulates Peterhouse Schools for successfully hosting this landmark event and remains committed to supporting initiatives that nurture future diplomats, negotiators and global citizens. Through strategic partnerships with educational institutions, ZID continues to empower young leaders with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills required to shape a more peaceful, secure and cooperative world.
