Student envoys say model UN a global classroom

Eleven students from different colleges in Mumbai are just back from Lahore in Pakistan.

Eleven students from different colleges in Mumbai are just back from Lahore in Pakistan. They were part of the student delegation from India that took part in LUMON 2006, the five-day model United Nations session held between November 29 and December 3.

Students from seven countries — Portugal, Austria, Nigeria, Brazil, Germany, India and Pakistan — took part in the event. Over 1,000 students participated in the debates that covered topics like politics, decolonisation, General Assembly, counter-terrorism, international crisis and disarmament, among others.

HT Image

Smart Box
In a new role Students from 7 countries took part in the model United Nations session The debates covered topics like terrorism, politics, decolonisation etc Mumbai students acted as envoys for Hungary and presented its views The students picked up skills in public speaking and diplomacy

“We assumed the role of ambassadors of Hungary and participated in debates on issues of global concern. In the process, delegates produced standard UN format resolutions that present practical solutions to international issues," said Ameya Naik of St Xavier's College (Arts).

Each delegate from Mumbai was assigned a different committee. The committee researched their assigned topics intensively for months. “The committee sessions were rigorous and continued for eight hours every day. We had to stick to our country’s stand while trying to reach an unbiased solution,” said Shireen Havewala of St. Xavier's College (Arts).

The team made new friends like Austrian Christoph Schneollitz who returned with them to Mumbai. The delegates were surprised by the hospitality in Pakistan and thought the tension between the two countries was needless.''