Sixth edition of St Aloysius Pre-University College Model United Nations (SAPMUN) inaugurated

Sixth edition of St Aloysius Pre-University College Model United Nations (SAPMUN) inaugurated

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, September 14, 2024: "The UN is a beacon of hope for a better world, a world where all people can live in peace, dignity, and prosperity" said Antonio Guterres, the current UN Secretary-General.

St Aloysius Pre-University College is hosting its sixth edition of SAPMUN (St Aloysius Pre-University Model United Nations) which provides students with a platform to engage in diplomatic discussions and debates on global issues. The event brings together students from various schools and PU colleges to simulate the workings of the United Nations and foster critical thinking, public speaking, and negotiation skills. Participants will assume the roles of delegates from different countries, addressing pressing topics on global issues. Through this simulation, students will gain valuable insights into global governance and diplomacy, preparing them for future leadership roles in international relations.

The three-day long sixth edition of SAPMUN was inaugurated on 13 September 2024. The Chief Guest on the occasion was, Dr Edmond Fernandes, Founder & CEO, CHD Group Holding UNECOSOC Special Consultative Status Former Consultant, United Nations Economic & Social Commission for the Asia Pacific Region, Bangkok. In his address, he said that the UN was born out of vision, hope and a deeply passionate desire, asking for world peace, social justice and equity in 1945, but now our world has been marked by regional wars, internal strife wars and frictional provocative wars just like the years before the formation of the UN. He asked the audience to introspect the kind of world we are creating. He urged the MUN participants to hold the fort to eternal and fraternal values of egalitarian justice. He stated that it was important to view another human being not from the angle of culture, religion, caste or creed but simply from a human perspective. He urged the participants to shape the world slightly different from what we inherited. He emphasized the importance of human integrity, values and respect.

Presiding over the function was the Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Rev. Fr Melwin Pinto SJ. In his presidential address, he extended a warm welcome and heartfelt gratitude to all the officials of the Model United Nations (MUN) and conveyed his best wishes to the delegates. He emphasized on how the world needs young minds to dispel hatred from the world. He further mentioned that the delegates would find solutions to the different crises as they have come together with an open mind and without any vested interests.

He stressed the role of the delegates in putting an end to the hatred that exists in the world. He encouraged the delegates to become the voice of the voiceless as they are provided with a platform at SAPMUN to discuss global issues. He further encouraged them to continue to use every opportunity in their lives to speak up for the marginalised and thus create a better world.

The Principal of St Aloysius Pre-University College Rev. Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ welcomed the gathering to SAPMUN 2024 and introduced the chief guest, Dr Edmond Fernandes. Addressing the audience, he emphasized the need for the delegates to be agents of change and urged them not to view themselves merely as an individual and underestimate their ability, but view themselves as individuals capable of making a profound difference in the world. He stated that their efforts no matter how small can lead to meaningful change. He also cited inspiring examples like Malala and Greta Thunberg to illustrate the possibilities.

The Secretary General of SAPMUN 2024 Mr Krish Chowta in his speech spoke about three photographs that struck a chord in him not just because of the moments they captured, but because of the stories of ambition, unity and tragedy that they told and for the relevance in present times. Having urged the delegates to dedicate themselves to understand the root causes of the crises, recognize conflicts, and resolve the problems with compassion, wisdom and empathy, he declared SAPMUN 2024 open.

SAPMUNs are of great importance as they are useful in improving, critical thinking, writing and team-work skills.  It has proved to be a platform for students to hone their skills. It is an excellent platform that allows the youth to be vocal in today’s tumultuous world. They also aid the youth in developing diplomacy, negotiation and improving their public speaking skills.

Over the next three days, delegates will discuss global issues and find ways to resolve the problems in committees like the Lok Sabha, United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Continuous Crisis Committee (CCC), United Nations Women (UNW), The Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Entertainment Committee – The Sherlock Manor and International Press (IP).

The Finance officer Rev. Fr Pradeep Sequeira SJ, Campus Minister Rev. Fr Anthony Derrick SJ, Vice Principals- Ms Vilma Fernandes and Mr Muralikrishna G M, Deans- Dr Pradeep M and Ms Kiran Shetty, the staff coordinators Mr Arun D’Souza, Ms Sabina Manjunatha and Ms Maneesha, Director General, Mr KrishChowta, President of SAPMUN Ms Shrika Manoj and Vice President Ms Aisha Hanina were present on the dais.

The USG of Conventional Affairs, Ms Samika Shetty proposed the vote of thanks and the USG of Delegate Affairs, Herchel Noronha compered the event.