The 6th edition of SAI Model United Nations (SAIMUN) Conference was inaugurated by Mr. Masayuki Taga, Consul General, Consulate of Japan, on Thursday, July 26, 2018. In his address Mr. Taga said that “SAIMUN is a great place to learn about United Nations” and added that “SAI International School has the best kind of energy that I can feel”. He advised the students to show all their ability and talents during the conference and conveyed his appreciation for the event where students get an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding on global challenges and learn to tackle those through negotiation.
Chairman Dr. Bijoy K Sahoo wished the delegates all luck for a fruitful conference and said that “each one of you as an individual has the potential to make the difference”. He added that “you all give me a hope to build a better India not only through education but also through International understanding and peace”.
The 3-day Conference held from July 26 to 28, 2018, saw participation from around 500 National and 32 International delegates from 12 different countries like USA, Switzerland, Russia, Columbia, Costa Rica, Djibouti, Yemen, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Korea and India. The diversity of 30 participating schools added charm of the conference.
On the inaugural day, the Secretary General of SAIMUN, Priyanshu Mishra outlined the objectives and expectations of the SAIMUN and briefed the audience on its history. It was followed by the introduction of International delegates and the Chairpersons of each committee as well as a briefing on the various etiquettes and procedures to be followed during the Conference.
The day also marked the visit of 20 students from Shri Harsha Memorial School for Deaf and Dumb. The enthusiastic students attended the inaugural ceremony and took part in an interactive workshop conducted by Shri Suman Rath, a visually impaired resource person who briefed them about various career opportunities for Special abled persons.
The second day of SAIMUN saw an insightful and energetic session by International Motivational Speaker Shri Simerjeet Singh who enthused the students with an inspirational positive talk. In his address Shri Singh said that “MUNs happen all across the country, but it is the vision of SAI International School to inspire students by conducting a motivational session every year during the event, makes the difference”. The International delegates of SAIMUN 2018 along with the students of SAI International Residential School (SIRS) visited Kala Bhoomi, the treasure trove of the art and craft of Odisha. Day 2 also witnessed some excellent level of debating.
On the final day of SAIMUN, Shri Suman Rath gave an inspirational talk on Hope and Faith. A grand valedictory ceremony was organized to celebrate the success of the 6th edition of the event. The Chief Guest of the Valedictory Ceremony, Shri Asit Kumar Tripathy, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha appreciated the diversity of participation and the excellent quality of debating and added that each of the participants should realize the role they play to bring an improvement in the society. He also lauded SAIMUN for being featured in the the United Nation’s 70th Anniversary publication.
Chairman Dr. Bijoy K Sahoo congratulated the delegates for an exceptional level of debating and through meaningful videos gave valuable advises on happiness, empathy and spending quality time with parents. On the occasion, the International Delegates from twelve different countries showcased the culture, tradition and history of their respective countries through Power Point Presentations and short movies. Awards and certificates were given to outstanding delegates of each committee and the IP team. Mementos were presented to the participating schools.
The 6th edition of SAIMUN had seven committees like UNSC, UNDP, UNESCO, WHO, WFP, ECOFIN and UNSCW which discussed issues like Emerging Cyber Security Threats, From Recovery to Sustainable Development at Haiti, Integrating Migrants in Cities: Challenges and Opportunities, Addressing Health Emergency Programs for Refugees and Displaced Individuals in Syria, Fighting malnutrition in Bangladesh – Addressing Rohingya Refugees, The fight against financing terrorism and Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls respectively.
The sessions saw insightful debating, meaningful deliberations as students role-play delegates to the United Nations (UN) and simulate seven different UN committees. SAIMUN is a duly accredited registered event of UNESCO and the United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan (UNIC), under the aegis of the UN.
SAIMUN aims to generate interest among the students and educate them on prevailing global events & challenges, international relations and politics simultaneously help them to up-skill their leadership trait, debating skills, dispel stage fear, inculcate in them the value of unity and create awareness on importance of voicing their opinion as well as imbibing the art of debating and winning not by force but by reason.