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Shamima Muslim of Citi FM has been given an ambassadorial role by Youth Drive International, a non-governmental organization based in Ghana, USA and Canada. Shamima, also a popular hostess of the �Good Morning Ghana� programme on Metro TV, was crowned the Goodwill Youth Ambassador at the official launch of the 1st Northern Ghana Model United Nations Conference dubbed �NOGHAMUN 2011� in Tamale. Speaking at the launch, Ms. Muslim contended that the youth in Ghana play a pivotal role in the country�s development. She said, �The northern part of Ghana is at a crossroads of opportunity and failure. By not seizing the full opportunities available to us, we give poverty and squalor full reign over us. That must change and you the youth of today and tomorrow�s generation; that is your call.� The conference, which was under the theme, �Climate Change And Its Effects On Food Security In Northern Ghana: Our Role As Students�, sought to harness the potential of the youth to intensify the fight against factors that hitherto continued to make the northern regions unproductive. In Model UN, students step into the shoes of ambassadors from UN member states to debate current issues on the organization�s agenda. Students make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the conference rules of procedure � all in the interest of mobilizing �international cooperation� to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world. Launching the programme, the Northern Regional Minister, Moses Bukari Mabengba called on the people of northern Ghana to promote environmental conservation in their localities by stopping bushfires, tree felling and other related practices. Patrick Kwabena Arthur, President of Youth Drive International, explained that the organization was established in 2008 with the ultimate aim of creating equal platform for the youth in Northern Ghana to debate on global issues that affect their communities. This, according to him, will form part of measures to bridge the gap between southern and northern Ghana. The Chairman for the occasion was Dakpema Naa Alhassan Dawuni who called on the youth to embrace activities which will bring peace and development to the region. The United Nations Country Co-ordinator, who was represented by Gyamila Abdul-Razak from World Food Programme, also tasked the youth to engage in tree planting activities. Among the dignitaries present were MCE of Tamale, Regional and Metro Directors of Education, Regional Standard Board Director and some headmasters from the various senior high schools in northern region. The actual conference is scheduled for 6th August, 2011.