Highlights of PMUN 2015

HIGHLIGHTS PMUN 2016

Presidium Model United Nations hosted its annual Model United Nations Conference with great zeal in the month of August, 2016 at Presidium, Gurgaon-57.
PMUN 2016 witnessed over 50 schools across the country participating in 11 unique committee simulations based around a central theme of preserving and protecting the environment. Over 500 young leaders stepped into the shoes of global delegates and diplomats to participate at the MUN conducted simulating debate and displayed their keen understanding of UN vision and values. They worked together in cooperation while discussing and brainstorming solutions to address the current global issues of climate change, peace and security, global partnerships for sustainable development among other topics. Each delegation consisted of students who were assigned a country, whose role and position they took on in the committees. The student delegates while representing the country in their assigned committee diligently participated in the procedures and presented their perspective on international issues.

OPENING CEREMONY

Amidst roaring applause and cheers, the most awaited exciting event of the year, PMUN 2016 was declared open. PMUN 2016 celebrated environment and its pivotal role in our existence. Since education is not only preparation for life, but life itself, it is destined to change the face of the world.

The ceremony started with a warm welcome given to the distinguished guests by presenting them with saplings, followed with a heart-warming address by the Charge D' Affaires and the Vice-Principal Academics, Mrs. Alka Singh who wished the students the very best in this incredible endevaour.

She welcomed the guests of honor; our Hon'ble Chairperson of Presidium, Mrs. Sudha Gupta who spoke to the children about the importance of environment and the need for a sustainable future. She inspired the students to work towards an effective dialogue and build consensus on global environmental policies and sensitize themselves towards environmental concerns. In a powerful of address, Mrs. Sudha Gupta emphasised the strength of youth-driven leadership. Acknowledging the UN's immense contributions toward humanity, she urged students to change the world by following in the world by following in the footsteps of the United Nations.

Mr. Varad Choudhary, Advisor of PMUN emphasised the importance of PMUN as a platform for global transformation. He narrated incidents explaining the power of Model UN Conferences and how instrumental they are in the development of young students into future leaders. He went on to introduce the Executive Board for the Conference, the moderators of the committees who act as resource persons and mentors for these young leaders and guide them through the simulations.

PMUN PROCEEDINGS

During the thrilling three days of conference, 503 delegates in 11 committees addressed agendas as wide as "Role of Natural Resources in conflict and peace building with special emphasis on Africa" in the UNEP to "Improving access to renewable and sustainable energy in developing countries" in the UNGA 2 ECOFIN; from Agenda 2030 for sustainable development in least developed nations in the UNDP to "Strengthening pandemic disease control in developing nations" in the WHO, and UNSC Addressed the "Vulnerable areas of the Antarctic Treaty System", while UNFCCC-COP21 discussed "Water, Sanitation and Sustainable Development". The UNGC simulation witnessed the discussions about Encouraging Corporate – Government Synergy for implementation of Paris Agreement. Added to these conventional simulations, PMUN 2016 witnessed 3 unique specialised simulations in the form of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which discussed "Environmental Protection during conflict in The Gulf and The Middle East." This was a double delegation council with one student representing the political head of the state and the other representing the head of the environment ministry of the state. Together they worked on policy deliberations of the environment in the Gulf and Middle East region.

Another unique simulation was the Citizens Dialogue which saw students shed the cloak of diplomacy and assume roles of citizens of India to debate in a town-hall discussion regarding the environment policies like the Odd-Even rule in Delhi-NCR and other such policies and their impact on the citizens. The final simulation at PMUN 2016 was the flagship Supreme Court of The United States of America, being simulated for the first time in the Indian MUN Circuit. The SCOTUS witnessed a case presentation of Exxon Oil Spill Case, Exxon Shipping Company. v. Baker. Students participated as counsels for the respective sides and presented legal arguments for their clients.

In each of these simulations, the delegates worked hard to negotiate on resolution texts that could be adopted by consensus. Each student walked away with a mature understanding of the goals and functions of the United Nations. The participants in the specialised committees were introduced to novel concepts and tested their learning curves.

CULMINATION

As the closing ceremony neared, it became clear that the conference was a resounding success. Every participant of PMUN assembled at Manekshaw Centre for the grand closing ceremony where each committee progress was reviewed and exemplary diplomats were awarded for their efforts.

All good things must come to an end eventually, but the next experience awaits. We are waiting with baited breath for PMUN 2018, which has the theme 'Presidium for Sustainable Development'. PMUN 2016 has indeed set the stage for another groundbreaking experience.