Bengaluru January 19, 2015: Over 150 students from various schools across the city showcased their talent in the CIS Model United Nations Conference held at Canadian International School. The event called CISMUN – 2015 gave the young participants a taste of diplomacy, international relations, public negotiations, and the working of the UN. The conference was aimed at building an understanding of global challenges amongst young people that crosses borders of background, culture and nationality.
The Guest Speakers for the event were Dr Meenakshi Bharat and Anil Srivatsa who delivered talks on Effective garbage management and Saving the seventh continent as well as his experiences on the Antarctic expedition, respectively. Both the talks were very inspiring and educational. The student delegates thoroughly enjoyed the presentation.
A series of debates, discussions and interactions were held during the course of the event which touched upon all issues that are currently being talked about in international forums. It gave students a chance to learn about different countries, their foreign policies, and most importantly to critically think about issues from multiple perspectives and points of view other than their own.
The various topics which were debated at CISMUN – 2015 included Prohibition of the development, production, and illegal transfer of nuclear technology, Gender equality and women empowerment in the developing world, Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, Addressing the problems due to e-waste disposal and its challenges, Conservation of the Antarctic/Arctic environment, Improving trade relations between the industrialized countries and the LEDC/MEDC countries, Refugee crises/rehabilitation measures in conflict areas, Promoting and upholding the ethnic, religious, cultural rights of minorities around the world, Territorial violations in E Europe, Africa and SE Asia etc.
“It’s great that we have finally organized the first CISMUN. Such an event gives students a global outlook and boosts their leadership abilities,” said Shweta Sastri, Executive Director, Canadian International School.
“It was a forum for all students to get involved, even as observers. They were able to link what is happening around them with what they are studying. As global citizens in an interdependent world, I feel it should be made mandatory for all students, as global citizens to get involved in some way or the other. Awareness is just the first step, said Tara Srinidhi, Faculty at CIS.
“In this era of globalization, global awareness is important and MUN is a great opportunity and an exercise to develop skills like public speaking, research, debating and leadership skills. These are essential life-long skills which are nurtured in students through MUN”, said Vrinda Ramachandran, Faculty at CIS.
CISMUN gives delegates an opportunity to participate in the UN General assembly, Human rights Council, Environment Council, Economic and Social council, and the prestigious Security council This was a great opportunity for school students to debate and discuss issues of global importance,” said Krishna Basani – Secretary General, CISMUN 2015.
