ARCANE MUN 2024: Where young minds shape global futures

Day 1 of ARCANE Model United Nations (MUN) 2024 was a grand affair, hosted by Apeejay School, Saket, with schools from across Delhi-NCR gathering to participate in this prestigious event. Students from Laxman Public School, Amrita Vidyalayam, New Green Fields School, Ambience Public School, Apeejay School Pitampura, Bluebells International School, IP World School, Apeejay School Panchsheel Park, and Ridge Valley School actively participated, contributing to a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment. 

The guests were greeted by the dedicated secretariat members, setting a welcoming and professional tone for the day. The event commenced with the ceremonial lamp-lighting accompanied by students singing the Saraswati Vandana, invoking blessings for wisdom, followed by a captivating Ganesh Vandana dance performance. 

The guest of the day was Mr Mikhail Antsiferov, Attaché, Embassy of Russia in India. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of MUN in shaping future global citizens. The Principal then extended a green welcome to the Chief Guest, presenting him with a sapling and a personalised memento featuring a hand-sketched portrait. 

Mr Mikhail took the centrestage and spoke about how MUN conferences give students a unique opportunity to develop research, diplomacy, and public speaking skills while fostering a deep understanding of global issues. “I am honoured to be here today. My journey with MUN began at New York University in 2000, where I learnt the importance of diplomacy and global cooperation. I want to highlight the contributions of Dr Vitaly Churkin, a Russian diplomat and former UN ambassador, whose leadership inspired many of us. Today, MUNs have gained immense popularity, especially in India, with students engaging in global issues. Our long-standing relations between Russia and India are built on trust and friendship, with collaboration in various sectors like culture, energy, and diplomacy. Let’s continue working together for a better future,” he shared.

Dr Sujeet Eric Masih, the Principal of Apeejay School, Saket, delivered the welcome address and expressed his pride in hosting such a significant event that not only challenges students to think critically but also prepares them for leadership roles in the future. He welcomed Mr Mikhail Antsiferov, Attaché, Embassy of Russia in India, and spoke about his significant contributions to international relations.

“We are honoured by Mr Antsiferov’s presence and look forward to your words of wisdom. A warm welcome to all. Over the next two days, we will witness the brightest young minds engage in critical debates and discussions. I am confident this MUN will enhance your leadership, negotiation, and diplomacy skills. May this be a learning experience for all,” Dr Masih said.

He also talked about the long-standing friendship between India and Russia which is rooted in mutual respect, trust, and shared values that have spanned over decades. Having the opportunity to interact with the Chief Guest helped engage in a one-on-one discussion where he shared impeccable insights.

Talking about how MUN influenced real-world diplomatic affairs, Mr Antsiferov said: “Dr Vitaly Churkin, a renowned Russian diplomat and former Ambassador of Russia to the United Nations, serves as a motivating example of the vital role diplomats play in global diplomacy. His speeches at the UN General Assembly and Security Council left a lasting impact, earning him respect and admiration. Over the years, the MUN movement has grown globally, especially in India, where students actively engage in global agendas, expressing their thoughts on sustainable development and world peace. Dr Churkin emphasised the importance of understanding each nation’s responsibility in preserving the planet for future generations. Reflecting on the long-standing India-Russia relations, dating back over 500 years, he highlighted the mutual trust and friendship between the two nations, which extends across various fields, including trade, culture, nuclear energy, and industry. Dr Churkin was pleased with India’s growing global influence and Russia’s support for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations.”

Mr Antsiferov also shared advice for students participating in MUN, stressing the importance of thorough research and professionalism. “My sincere visit to Apeejay School, Saket has been superb,” he shared and expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and praised the welcoming song performed by the students. His speech on the history of MUN left an impression on the students, and he hopes they take away valuable lessons from it.

The highlight of the day was a rap performance by two alumni of Apeejay School, Saket. Their high-energy act struck a chord with the audience, keeping the students thoroughly entertained and ensuring a lively, vibrant atmosphere in the auditorium.

With the performances over, the students, who were participating as delegates, executive board members, role call participants, secretariat members, organising committee, and volunteers, were dispersed into different classrooms for the committee sessions. The board members took this opportunity to introduce the new participants to the inner workings of an MUN conference. They provided insights about the use of placards, chits, country-specific roles, and other procedural aspects essential for smooth functioning. This briefing helped first-time participants gain clarity and confidence in their roles.

Each participant was provided with a specially designed ARCANE MUN Kit which contained all the essential materials needed for the two-day event. 

The agendas for the various committees showcased a wide range of pressing global issues, each one reflecting the complex challenges faced by the international community. These included topics like Global Economic Stability through Financial Policies, Status of Women, Deliberating Civil Rights Violations, Tracking the Global Opioid Crisis, Deliberation on Environmental Degradation, Global Cybersecurity, Origins of COVID-19, Electoral Dynamics, Mitigating the Impact of Gambling, Athlete Welfare, Photography and Journalism, and Caricature.” The diversity of these topics ensured that students were exposed to multifaceted debates and discussions that fostered critical thinking and diplomacy.

Bhoomika Verma, a class XI student from Apeejay School, Saket, shared her excitement and nerves as a first-time participant. “All my friends are participating in MUN, which sparked my interest too. I’m sure all the hard work I’ve put in today will benefit me greatly in the future,” she shared.

Christie Leina, a class IX student from Apeejay School, Saket, also expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm. “This is my first time participating in an event like this, but I’ve done a lot of research via YouTube. I believe I made the right decision, as this will help improve my communication skills. I’m so grateful that our school has organised such a detailed event for us to grow,” she said.

Mrs Neena Kaushik, PGT Economics and the Chef de Cabinet for ARCANE MUN shared her perspective on the effort it took to organise the event. “It was quite a challenge to maintain a student-led event, but it’s all worth it in the end. Seeing such an enthusiastic group of over 250 students, all set to make an impact, is very rewarding. The event not only helps students learn but also grow in ways that will benefit them long after their schooling is complete,” the educator added.

The success of Day 1 was evident in the energy, enthusiasm, and engagement of the students. With over 250 participants from a range of schools, ARCANE MUN 2024 provided a dynamic platform for young minds to engage with critical global issues. The event concluded with students eagerly looking forward to the next day’s sessions, ready to continue their intellectual journey.