Arab League of States Diplomatic Simulation to Be Held in Houston.

The Bilateral Model Arab League Launches in Texas

HOUSTON -- The Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce (BUSACC), is honored to announce the inaugural Bilateral Model Arab League Conference to be held April 4-5, 2008 at the University of St. Thomas. It would be our honor for you to attend the opening plenary session beginning at 10:00 a.m. featuring Mrs. Diana Untermeyer. This will be followed by an intimate luncheon with distinguished members of the academic community, members of the consular corps, media, and the business community.

The Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce will be launching this new regional conference with the goal to educate as many individuals as possible about the most prominent issues faced by the 22 member states of the Arab League, issues which are increasingly having a significant impact on both the United States and global politics.

The Bilateral Model Arab League (MAL) provides university students the opportunity to represent Arab nations in a simulation of the League of Arab States. Student delegate participants will put themselves into the role of Arab League members so that they can better understand the political, social, religious, and military considerations that affect Arab perceptions and psychology allowing the United States to better engage Arab states in a multitude of vital issues, from terrorism to energy security.

BUSACC will be inaugurating the first of many conferences to take place in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Kansas. As representatives of the Arab League's 22 member-states, student delegates work to achieve consensus on questions real-life diplomats wrestle with daily. Participation in a Model is of value to all students regardless of their academic major. Students gain invaluable firsthand leadership experience and hands-on training. They acquire this through the Model's constant challenges and interaction in the course of public discussion, the application of time management skills, the use of parliamentary procedure, and the dynamics of debating, writing, and editing. All this occurs under pressure with tight deadlines that mirror the actual realities and tensions inherent in the give-and-take that comes with activism in public affairs.

For more information please visit our website at http://www.bilateralchamber.org, or to schedule an interview with Aida Araissi, Managing Director of the Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, please call Tina Halcomb at 713-880-8168 or email Tina at [e-mail].