Last month was Black History Month, but it is as good of a time as any to reflect on our great black leaders. When it comes to black leaders and the United Nations, there has been a long history of black people who have been role models within the international community. From people such as Catherine Samba-Panza, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, to the late Kofi Anan, the black community has always had a strong and positive impact within the United Nations.
The sad part is, I believe, that we do not give black leaders in the United Nations enough value and credit for all the work that they have done. For example, in many Model UN conferences, the vast majority of issues do not focus on issues regarding race, diversity, or focusing on a committee about historically black leaders. Why is this the case?
One black leader I want to focus on in this article is Joyce Banda, who became Malawi’s first female president back in 2012. In her time as a politician in Malawi, Her Excellency broke historic barriers within the country. She is a winner of 15 international awards including the Hunger Project Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger. Ms. Banda has also been well known for being a champion for gender equality, violence prevention against women and girls, and an advocate for civil rights. She also founded the Joyce Banda International Foundation to help promote education for orphans in Malawi.
While Banda has accomplished many more remarkable things in her career as a politician and activist, she has had to overcome many challenges in her life. Before she was elected president, Malawi suffered from a long history of violence and political corruption. Malawi suffered in particular from the repression of its leader Bingu wa Mutharika whilst women and girls were victims of gender inequality and domestic abuse.
Before becoming President of Malawi, Banda served as a member of Malawi’s Parliament, Minister of Gender and Child Warfare, and Foreign Minister. With these professional experiences in Malawi’s government, she was able to learn about how Malwai’s institution impacts people’s lives within the country. Her focus on constructing major political and social reform changed Malawi’s society for the better.
Joyce Banda is an example of black leaders transforming their society and making a positive impact within the international community. However, very few people know her story and the importance of her political career.
As delegates and members of the Model UN community, we need to acknowledge black history and excellence. Whether it be through research, by organizing more committees, or by hearing from black leaders and activists, I believe we can all learn a lot from black history.
In addition, if more people learn about black history and leadership in the international community there can be more places for growth and understanding. One of the many aspects of Model United Nations that needs improvement is acceptance and recognition of black leadership and accomplishment. Not just during Black History Month, but every month, let’s all make strives to do better and to recognize our black leaders and role models in our community.
