Teen earns commendation for international security speech at Asian Youth sumit

Nineteen-year-old Mateo Adon Govender, a Johannesburg resident originally from Tongaat in Durban, recently earned a Verbal Commendation for a speech on international security safety at the 20th session of the Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN). 

Recognised for his composed delivery, sharp reasoning, and thoughtful engagement in complex international security discussions, Govender distinguished himself in the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) in Malaysia, where delegates debated global conflicts and strategies to maintain international peace and stability.

Govender is a first-year Bachelor of science student in physical sciences, majoring in chemistry and mathematics at the University of Johannesburg.

Reflecting on the moment his name was announced, he described an overwhelming sense of disbelief.

“My initial reaction was complete shock. I would never have expected to be the recipient of this award. I remember looking at some friends at my table and asking them if I had really heard my name being called. 

“Later, once it actually settled in that it was indeed my name, I was grateful. I thanked God for His guidance during the conference. Only through His guidance did I achieve what I did.”

Govender said he was proud to represent South Africa on an international platform. 

“I am beyond grateful that I could raise our South African flag to such great heights, and I plan to raise it to greater heights in the future."

AYIMUN simulates real-world diplomatic processes, allowing students to engage in structured debates that mirror international political meetings focused on international law, conflict de-escalation, and global governance.

“If I were to describe AYIMUN to someone, I would describe it as a real-world simulation of how real diplomatic and internationally political meetings are held. These conferences are significant as they open students to the actual functioning of world peace. It educates us on how we can play an important role in how these international reforms are carried out.”

His speech focused on promoting enhanced bilateral diplomatic discussions between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Cambodia amid their ongoing tensions. 

Drawing inspiration from former South African President Nelson Mandela, Govender quoted: “'Negotiation and discussion are the greatest weapons we have for promoting peace and development'. This helped me to articulate South Africa’s stance as an international mediator more effectively on such an important discussion." 

Govender’s proposals addressed both immediate humanitarian concerns and long-term recovery strategies, including urban planning initiatives and educational reforms to help reintegrate civilians affected by conflict. Rooted in the South African philosophy of Ubuntu, his approach emphasised dignity, reconciliation, and sustainable peacebuilding.

Despite his poised performance, Govender admitted that public speaking was once his greatest challenge.

“The most challenging part of the experience for me was giving speeches in front of the other delegates in my council. I always had a fear of speaking in front of people and it was exacerbated when I had to do it in a foreign country,” he said. 

Over time, however, he learned to manage his anxiety. 

“One thing that works for me is pretending that the audience are all replicas of yourself. This way you feel more comfortable delivering speeches and you make it more engaging.”

He advised future delegates not to rely on memorisation. 

“Do not try to cram and memorise a speech. Understand the main outline of what you want your message to be, even if you forget a sentence or two, you wouldn’t stumble.”

Govender said the experience broadened his academic and career aspirations.

“Academically, it opened me up to the world of politics, international relations and the actual difficulty of maintaining world order in such uncertain times. I would love to pursue a career in diplomacy, international relations or global security.”

To build on his AYIMUN experience, Govender is enrolled in the Aspire Leadership Program in conjunction with Harvard University, focusing on leadership development. He also plans to deepen his understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through university coursework.

Beyond diplomacy, Govender is preparing to publish a poetry book, a creative outlet that complements his passion for global dialogue and reform.

He hopes to attend further international conferences, including upcoming events in Seoul, Bali, Malaysia, and Germany, as well as global leadership summits to refine his diplomatic and leadership skills.

The POST