The recent Model United Nations held at the Birla Vidya Niketan school in the heart of South Delhi, throws open a pertinent topic for us to debate. While dignitaries from various schools debate and negotiate in various cabinets at these MUNs, their confidence is notable. So are the speeches which are often direct, sharp and loaded with points which could be debated at the highest political level.
But are these models really serving any greater purpose? Are they really giving us future world leaders?
Politicos Say This Is A Good Start
These model united nations are a brilliant concept. It gives our youth perspective and makes them more conscious of the things happening around them. I would say it is a preparing ground for our children. Everyone should be given a chance to participate in such MUNs. Whether we get our future leaders or no, only time will tell. But we know that our future leaders will be better equipped to handle pressure situations.
Dr Sambit Patra, spokesperson Bhartiya Janata Party.
The purpose of these MUNs is to make our younger lot more aware. And students take it to another level with their keen participation. It is not just shaping their personality, it is giving these children a forum to represent their voices. These voices could one day be representing the country at a real UN. I think this is a very positive beginning and should be taken very seriously.
Raghav Chadha, spokesperson Aam Aadmi Party.
Yes, Of Course It Makes Us World - Ready Say BVN School Members
Contrary to popular belief, the youth today is interested in world politics and are fascinated by international relations. Model United Nations or MUNs work perfectly to bridge the gap between the youth and international issues. MUN conferences are essentially simulations of the United Nations.
What Is It?
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These conferences held by schools, colleges and other educational institutions are academic and co-curricular competitions in which students can learn about diplomacy, international relations and how the UNO operates. They follow the formal procedures to inculcate critical thinking, problem solving and analysis, and leadership abilities. They introduce young minds to the prominent issues which our world faces. MUNs break the stereotype of children being incapable of holding intelligent conversations on critical issues. Not only do the delegates discuss these topics but also they indulge in an in-depth debate about them. After two days of spontaneous and fruitful debate, they arrive at a consensus and formulate a unanimous resolution. This resolution serves as the solution for problems that this world doesn't seem to find.
This exercises their grey matter and gets the gears of their minds whirring. MUNs help in building the confidence of teenagers, something which is essential in the long run. They enhance lobbying skills which further leads to better persona. The weight of the global responsibility on these shoulders that have just got used to carrying schoolbags, these future leaders have an edge over the others when confronted with testing times. These conferences provide the exposure that one seeks when setting foot in the real world. Stepping into the shoes of diplomats instills a sense of empathy into the minds of adolescents. It offers a dynamic perspective and presents a new dimension of looking at problems which in turn, helps them develop a higher order thinking and enables them to connect with people facing different situations.
It is not just for good debaters, rather for visionaries. The passion that they show while solving problems gives us hope for peace, for which they are experienced in their inexperience. MUNs are the craftsmen, these children the clay. Their experience shapes them into better future leaders.
By
Tushar Bahirwani
Harshita Chhatlani
Nandini Goel
These authors were members of the International Press team at Birla MUN 2016.
Tell Us About Your MUN Experience In Detail. Do You Think These Model Conferences Shape Future Leaders? Or Are They A Complete Waste Of Time?