A thought-provoking simulation of the United Nations

Apeejay School, Noida organised the third annual edition of the Falcon Model United Nations Conference on Saturday, August 21. Each year the conference draws discerning young minds to discuss, debate and deliberate on pressing world issues.

An academic simulation of the largest international organisation, the United Nations, Falcon MUN aims to nurture future leaders by providing opportunities to practice research, public speaking, team-work and negotiation in a safe and structured environment.

The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a graceful invocation dance. Principal AK Sharma accorded a heartfelt welcome to Chief Guest Smriti Mishra, an Indian Foreign Service officer at the embassy of India in Germany. She is also a proud alumna of Apeejay School, Noida.

Ms Mishra expressed her happiness at being a part of such an enriching experience. She stated that MUN is an interactive educational experience that lends participants an understanding of international diplomatic relations. She applauded the school for providing such a stimulating platform to the students. She reminisced about the years spent in school and stated that she owed her success to similar inter-school events.

The Falcon MUN saw participation from more than 90 delegates from schools across Delhi-NCR.  The executive board members of the Falcon MUN were introduced virtually with their photographs and designations. A video presentation unveiled the general and specific agendas of the conference.

The conference simulated four fundamental committees: the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the All India Political Parties Meet (AIPPM).

The UNGA serves as the main deliberative, policy-making, and representative organ of the UN. The agenda of the UNGA committee was ‘Intervention of Superpowers in Domestic Issues of Other Nations’. The delegates debated on topics such as the human rights violation in Hong Kong, arbitrary methods of governance with respect to National Security Law and the continued economic intervention of China in Hong Kong.

The UNSC is a convocation of the nations with a singular goal of ensuring global peace and regional integrity. The UNSC initiated the discussion on the topic ‘Israel- Palestine Conflict with Special Emphasis on the Recent Uprisings of May 10, 2021’.The delegates engaged in hours of  deliberation to provide viable solutions.  A press conference was also held.

The UNHRC upholds the dignity and security of all and examines human right violations all around the world. Keeping the aim of the Council in mind, MUN participants debated laws aiming at equal treatment, rights and provision of adequate public services towards refugees. They discussed the challenges faced by asylum seekers in cases of forced displacement in the aftermath of Covid-19. The delegates also reviewed the humanitarian aid provided by various countries to tackle the crisis.

The AIPPM committee highlighted the rise and fall of the National Democratic Alliance while striving to conclude its success in the reign of seven years. The Impact of NDA government policies on farmers was also discussed with special emphasis on the FPTC Act 2020.

The programme concluded with the announcement of prizes by Executive Board members. For the UNSC, The Best Delegate Prize was bagged by the United States of America. The delegate of France received High Commendation and Special Mention went to the delegates of Kingdom of Norway and Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

For UNGA, The Best Delegate Prize was won by the delegate from North Korea. The delegate of the United States of America received High Commendation and Special Mention went to delegates of Italy and Japan.

 For UNHRC, The Best Delegate was awarded to the delegate of the Philippines. High Commendation was presented to the delegate of Fiji. Special Mention was given to delegates of Denmark and Cuba.

 For AIPPM, The Best Delegate was bagged by Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. High Commendation was received by a student delegate portraying real-life politician Mahua Moitra. Special Mention was given to delegates portraying Shashi Tharoor and Dilip Ghosh.

“MUN helps the young learners to move a step forward in becoming passionate, global citizens with a profound understanding of the political and diplomatic environment.”

-A K Sharma, Principal,Apeejay School Noida