Inspired by the spirit of the United Nations, William Paterson’s Model UN club hosted its first ever GlobeFest on Friday, November 14, bringing students together to celebrate and unite cultures from around the world.
The newly formed club aims to promote dialogue, cooperation, and diplomacy among students. According to the club, its mission is to create space for students to develop leadership, public speaking and negotiating skills while encouraging peace and justice in the real world.
GlobeFest featured educational cultural booths, traditional food tastings, performances, and interactive activities that highlighted the art and stories of various nations.
Guests received mock passports to collect stamps from the countries they visited symbolizing the journey of learning, curiosity, and connection.
The Model UN’s President, Mu’men Musa, opened GlobeFest and introduced the first keynote speaker, Professor Kalaramadam, an associate Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies, Department of Community and Social Justice Studies.
Professor Kalaramadam delivered a compelling ten minute speech on the importance and challenges of unity across diverse nations.
“Unity is tenuous and diversity can come under attack. Unity is challenged by inequalities and such discrimination, rigidity of ideologies, and historical prejudices and injustices,” she said.
“Unity is a process and an achievement of a collective. It is produced only through intentional collaboration and commitment to work with and through our differences. Unity and Diversity should go beyond a slogan and become a set of initiatives,” said Professor Kalaramadam.
Dr. ÓBroin followed with remarks about his international experiences as a young Irish student studying in Germany. He also performed a traditional Irish song that he once shared to his past Moroccan roommate in college.
He lighted the cultural adjustments he faced when moving from Ireland to the United States for graduate school and later joining the William Paterson faculty.
He mentioned having to adapt to the melting pot of cultures that students at the university represented.
“I was so delighted by the mixed languages, people, skin colors, sexualities, and political outlooks in front of me here,” he said.
After the keynote speeches, guests were invited to indulge in a buffet filled with Latin, Middle Eastern, Asian, African, and European dishes before visiting the country-themed booths.
The William Paterson Dance Team performed three times throughout the night, followed by a routine from Lambda Tau Omega Sorority and Dabke performance led by an SJP member.
William Paterson Clubs and organizations such as The Beacon and Student for Justice in Palestine participated and represented Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
Guests were treated with coffees and matchas from Jubran Cafe in Paterson and a photo booth with accessories.
The evening concluded with music, dancing together and a final heartfelt thank you from the Model UN.
