Hamza Karim, Student President of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CoHSS) and Deputy Speaker of the SRC 17th Parliament, has earned an Honourable Mention at the sixth edition of the United Nations Model Conference organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

The conference, held from March 26 to 30 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, brought together youth leaders from across Africa to engage in simulated diplomatic sessions on pressing continental issues. The UNECA Model UN Conference is held annually to equip young African leaders with diplomatic, negotiation, and policy-making skills, while promoting collaboration on key challenges affecting the continent.

Hamza explained that his participation followed a competitive selection process and marks his first time taking part and winning the competition.

“I heard about the conference from an ambassador who is an alumnus around mid-January. I applied and later received an invitation confirming that I had been selected as one of the delegates,” he said.

He noted that participants were assigned to various committees based on their interests and responses during the application process.

“I was selected for the Committee on Social Policy and Youth Inclusivity for Economic Growth in Africa,” he stated.

According to him, as part of the conference proceedings, delegates were required to prepare and present position papers on assigned countries and despite representing Ghana, he took on the role of a delegate for Burkina Faso.

“On the first day, we presented our position papers. I represented Burkina Faso and had to position myself as the President of the country while addressing the topic. I drafted the paper with support from a lecturer in our department, Dr. Paalo Sebastian, who helped refine it for presentation,” he said.

Hamza noted that the outcomes of the conference carry significant weight beyond the event itself. “We were told that our resolutions and conclusions could influence policy considerations in Africa. So it was not just a typical youth summit it was something more impactful,” he said.

He said at the end of the conference, his committee performance earned Burkina Faso, the assigned country, an Honourable Mention in the Social Policy and Youth Inclusivity category.

“For them, Honourable Mention is like the first runner-up. That was the recognition we received for our committee,” he noted.

The Director of Student Affairs (DOSA), Professor Marian Asantewah Nkansah reaffirmed her commitment to promoting student achievements while encouraging sustainable, student-led development projects across campus.

She emphasized the importance of projecting student accomplishments as part of efforts to strengthen the institution’s reputation.

“When students accomplish something as members of KNUST, they carry the brand of the university. We also share in the glory and the public elevation that comes with it. In the same way, when they fall short, it reflects on the university’s image,” she said

She described the achievement as a source of pride and a model for other students.

“We are proud of him. This should serve as an example to others. That is why we tell the stories of accomplished students not just to blow the trumpet, but for others to watch, listen and learn,” she said.