"If we are to reach real peace in this world... we shall have to begin with children." - Mahatma Gandhi

Epitomizing the phrase, GIIS KL students donning the hats of diplomats participated in the Asia’s largest youth conference - the Indian International Model United Nations IIMUN conference which was held between 20th and 23rd August at Mumbai, India and responsibly utilizing the platform put forth their ideas on solving global issues.

Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the UNITED Nations and it provides the youth a platform to voice their opinions by forwarding their drafted resolutions to the United Nations.

Significant takeaway from the IIMUN

Eight GIISians, as to rightly say the Eight delegates from GIIS, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia represented the country Nigeria for various riveting and intriguing committees. Sonnika Sundar (Head Delegate) and Kesav Binoy represented the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) and debated on Legalization of Euthanasia and Decriminalization of Homosexuality. Lavannya Sundralingam and Austin Julius represented the Administrative and Budget Committee (ADMIN) and spoke about Financing the UN program on HIV Aids. Madhan Venkatesh and Kushali Patel represented the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) and discussed issues on Declaring Middle East as a nuclear weapon free zone and Maintaining integrity of the former soviet republics. Shivvanand Velan Ram represented the Human Rights Council (HRC) with his issues on Taking actions against the Bokoharam militants in Nigeria and Syrian refugee crisis while Ramasworupha Nair represented the World Health Organization (WHO) and addressed issues on Legalization of Marijuana and Ebola.

What a way to party after a heavy schedule of conferencing

Young and talented youth from different places representing different countries brainstormed on social issues forming 17 committees. A delegate during the course of debate can make a presidential statement to express his or her stance on a particular issue, challenge another delegate over a country policy, raise questions to a specific delegate and any two delegates may come together as two different countries and make a joint announcement regarding their views on the topic areas. As delegates, our students had an enriching and rewarding experience in their respective committee sessions and thereby helping them become eminent leaders of tomorrow, today.

The conference had talks by eminent Indian personalities namely the famous actress, Ms. Vidya Balan, the entrepreneur, Mr. Ronnie Screwvala, and Mr. KTS Tulsi, senior Supreme court lawyer. Students also had a session with Mr. Amish Tripathi, the world famous author of the Shiva trilogy, his adaptation of the life of the demigod Shiva.

Facilitators for guiding our students through the event are Ms Melizza, Ms Valerie and Ms Mahaletchumy.

Participants: Sonnika Sundar (Head Delegate), Ramasworupha Nair, Lavannya Sundralingam, Kesav Binoy, Kushali Patel, Madhan Venkatesh, Austin Julius and Shivvanand Velan Ram