Inspiring confidence and global thinking, students shine at MUN stage

Declamation and debate are integral to holistic education, promoting the growth of public speaking, critical thinking, and persuasive skills. Platforms like Model United Nations (MUN) conferences offer invaluable opportunities for students to enhance their communication abilities, present ideas with clarity and confidence, and thoughtfully engage with critical global issues.

At one such event, Kaizen 2024, hosted by Apeejay School, Pitampura, the students of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, showcased their exceptional talent and skills, leaving a lasting impression. From High Commendation – Eshana Pahwa (High commendation AIPPM Committee) to Special Mention – Ishana Sharma (UNGA Committee) to Verbal Mention-Ishika Sethi (UNGA Committee), these students exhibited their speaking skills and global knowledge.

Eshana, a class VIII student, is a talented and multifaceted student who has been pursuing various hobbies over the years. She is trained in Hindustani classical music and Kathak dance. She occasionally writes poems as well. Her wide range of interests reflects her dedication to personal growth and exploration of diverse skills.

Her journey with MUN began this year when her school introduced and encouraged middle school students to participate in the activity. Her first experience was at the Crux MUN. She represented the All India Political Parties Meet (AIPPM) and, despite being new to MUN, earned a Special Mention. At AIS MUN, she got a Verbal mention (AIPPM) and at the Kaizen MUN, a High Commendation (AIPPM).

“I represented the Foreign Minister S Jaishankar in the AIPPM. The discussions revolved around Education and Examination Policies with Special Emphasis on the Public Examination Prevention of Unfair Means Bill 2024. It took a week to prepare for this topic and sought guidance from parents and teachers to develop perspectives,” she said.

Explaining the AIPPM committee, which Eshana represented in both MUNs, simulates informal meetings of political parties at various levels, offering a unique platform for debate and discussion. “The simulation encourages participants to express their thoughts freely without fear of judgment. The Indian MUN circuit is particularly inspiring. Their exceptional knowledge and skills are amazing; some of whom are only slightly older than myself,” she shared and credits her school for playing a crucial role in her MUN journey.

“The encouragement and guidance from my teachers and seniors gave me the confidence to step into the MUN circuit. I have gained valuable skills, including confidence in public speaking, debating, and collaborative problem-solving,” Eshana stated. These experiences, she said, have enhanced her ability to express her views and engage in meaningful discussions about global and national issues.

Ishana is a class XI student pursuing PCM with Economics as her chosen subject. She has a keen interest in debates and MUNs, activities she has been actively participating in since class IX when her class teacher introduced her to the concept during summer vacations.

“To begin with, the MUN was challenging since I was not aware of the format. However, I was familiar with debates and adapted quickly and became invested after understanding the structure. It took me two to three MUNs to fully grasp the procedures, and since then, the MUN experiences have been smooth and fulfilling,” she said.

Through MUNs, Ishana has developed a broader understanding of global politics and international relations. She participates in international committees, which require extensive research on foreign relations. “I appreciate the nuances of how different countries function based on their unique laws and political contexts. This newfound understanding has not only helped me in academic subjects like Social Studies but also enriched my personal growth, enabling me to engage in intellectual discussions with peers who share similar interests,” she explained.

At the Kaizen MUN, she represented China, where the topic was Disturbance Caused by Non-State Actors with Special Emphasis on the Middle East. During the session, she encountered a crisis simulation where China was accused of a missile launch on Israel. This experience was particularly impactful as it tested her critical thinking and ability to defend her country’s stance under pressure.

She was awarded a Special Mention for her performance in this MUN. “I spent three to four days preparing for this MUN with support from the school. “The Political Science department and the teachers guided me in addressing complex committee agendas and developing strong arguments. The school has played a pivotal role in fostering my interest in MUNs. The school actively promotes extracurricular activities and provides students with the resources and mentorship needed to excel,” she shared and added that through her MUN experiences, she has honed essential skills like analytical thinking, interpretation, and debating.

Meanwhile, Ishika, a class X student, received a Verbal Mention at the MUN event. Expressing her excitement and gratitude for this recognition, which, while not a physical award, was a significant appreciation for her contribution to the debates and discussions during the MUN.

“Initially inspired by my friends and seniors, I decided to give it a try despite my first experience not being very successful. My first MUN involved a large committee where I did not get the opportunity to speak. However, the second attempt was in a smaller committee and allowed me to actively engage,” she said and added that represented Argentina.

The topic of debate was The Impact of Non-State Actors in the Middle East Region. It required her to dive deeply into conflicts like the Libya war, the Syria war, and the Israel-Palestine issue. She used the United Nations website as her primary source for accurate and credible information and also researched Argentina’s stance on these issues.

“Participating in the MUN helped me to overcome my fear of public speaking. This platform has enabled me to express my thoughts confidently. I have also noticed an improvement in my ability to articulate my points during classroom discussions, which I previously hesitated to do,” Ishika stated and was emphatic about MUNs value.

“The MUN is an enriching experience that benefits all participants by fostering skills like research, confidence, and public speaking. “It is an opportunity worth exploring for every student,” she said.