University of Guyana’s Andrew Thom Receives Prestigious ‘Outstanding Justice Award’ at AMUN 2024 in Chicago
Andrew Thom, a dedicated staff member at the University of Guyana’s Registry Department, recently received the highly esteemed “Outstanding Justice Award” at the 2024 American Model United Nations (AMUN) Conference held in Chicago.
This recognition comes after his impressive performance as a Justice in the International Court of Justice at the conference, a prestigious event that gathered over 600 students from institutions around the world.
The AMUN Conference, which took place at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, provided an immersive and realistic simulation of the United Nations, where students assume the roles of diplomats, addressing global issues through diplomatic and legal reasoning.
Thom’s thoughtful and fair approach to resolving global disputes earned him this distinguished award. Reflecting on the achievement, Andrew shared, “Delivering a well-reasoned opinion that balanced justice with fairness was a proud moment for me.” In addition to the AMUN recognition, Thom also earned the Best Diplomatic Stance Award at the Best Diplomats Conference in London, UK, held from September 27-30, 2024.
This award recognized his efforts in promoting fairness and inclusivity in the realm of technological advancement. “It was a challenging but rewarding experience, working with people from all over the world to draft resolutions and find common ground on global issues,” Andrew said of the event.
Representing the University of Guyana on such esteemed international platforms is an honour Thom holds dear. “It’s not just about personal achievements; it’s about showcasing what UG students are capable of on the world stage,” he proudly states.
Andrew’s journey to these prestigious conferences was shaped by his leadership role as Acting Vice President and Treasurer of the University of Guyana International Affairs Association (UGIAA) during the 2023/2024 academic year. His experiences there gave him invaluable skills in leadership, teamwork, and global diplomacy.
“My time with UGIAA helped me develop the skills and confidence needed to take on international challenges,” Andrew shared.
Growing up in a small village in Berbice, Andrew learned the value of community and resilience from an early age. These lessons instilled in him the drive to pursue diplomacy and governance as a career.
“Those early lessons taught me to view challenges as opportunities, and that resilience fueled my dream of working in international relations,” he reflected.
Currently, Andrew is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Management at the University of Guyana and an Associate Degree in Psychology and Legal Systems from the Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science in India.
His unique combination of studies reflects his aspiration to bridge the gap between leadership, law, and human behaviour. “I want to use my experiences to inspire others, especially young people from underrepresented communities,” he says.
Andrew’s remarkable journey from a small village in Berbice to international conferences serves as a powerful testament to the impact of hard work, perseverance, and a clear vision. He encourages others, especially young students, to face their challenges head-on.
“Many students face obstacles, but those obstacles can fuel success,” he says with conviction. Through his dedication, Andrew has demonstrated that greatness can emerge from the humblest beginnings.
His story serves as an inspiration to others, showing that with determination, passion, and persistence, anything is possible. “We all have the power to create lasting change,” he affirms. With his continued efforts and ambition, there’s no limit to the impact Andrew Thom will have on the world.
