1500 students from 200 schools participate in HMUN India 2018 to discuss solutions to global issues
Hyderabad: Worldview Education in association with Harvard International Relations Council (IRC) successfully hosted the 8th edition of the Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) India, providing an exciting opportunity for students to debate issues that confront world leaders and to draft resolutions in response to these global issues. There were more than 1500 students, who represented over 200 schools from across India and countries like Brazil, Singapore, Afghanistan and Oman. The 4-day program held from 12th to 15th August 2018 at HICC, Hyderabad saw students actively take part in intense discussions. The Leadership Forum sessions also witnessed eminent speakers and panelists sharing their insights on several topics.
In line with this year’s theme, ‘Act to Impact’, the delegates at the 2018 conference got engaged in 16 simulated committees that fostered meaningful deliberations over some of the most pressing global issues such as ‘Capacity Building and Counterterrorism’, ‘Cyber Crime, Cyber Security and Cyber Warfare’. Students also bagged an opportunity to step into the shoes of journalists, represent some of the biggest global networks and function in scenarios that closely resemble the reality in the Press Corps Committee.
The grand opening ceremony on 12th August 2018 saw H.E. Shaida Mohammad Abdali, Afghan Ambassador to India, Bhutan, Maldives & Nepal deliver the keynote address.
The Leadership Forum saw distinguished experts and dignitaries such as the former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation A.S Kiran Kumar, Dr. Sharon Barnhardt, Ph.D. from Harvard University, Director of the Centre for Experimental Social Sciences – FLAME University, Chandramohan Gupta, Director of Corporate Affairs, Coca-Cola India & South West Asia, Hans Dalal, Nature & Wildlife Conservationist, D Suresh who built the Most Sustainable House in India and Abhishek Agarwal, a social activist share industry insights and urge students to become proactive problem solvers in order to bring about positive changes in the society.
Commenting on the 8th edition of HMUN, Sampreeth Reddy, CEO of Worldview Education said, “At HMUN India, our focus has been to uphold the ideals of the UN and encourage everyone involved in the program to actively contribute in addressing the SDGs, in order to create a positive change. This year again, we saw active participation from the industry, the government, academia and the social sector. We want the present generation of students to address real issues and take positive action after they return back home. In fact, the forums held at HMUN are in sync with the Gen-Z study that we are running at the conference, which enables us to comprehend the voices of the future generation. The Gen-Z are the future Generation of Solvers for which we have been providing them with an opportunity and platform to learn, act and inspire.”
Eliza R. Ennis, Secretary-General, Harvard Model United Nations India 2018 said, “Through this year’s ‘Act to Impact’, we wanted to highlight the reality of the problem-solving that occurs at HMUN India 2018. Our aim has always been to inspire action beyond the committee room by cultivating ideas, encouraging friendships and motivating students to make a positive impact in their world. We hope that the lessons learnt from HMUN India have inspired and empowered delegates to form a voice beyond the committee room, create better solutions and build up a harmonious global community.”
HMUN India also provided a space for the delegates to rejuvenate and reenergize themselves after the intense sessions in the committee halls. Delegates had fun-filled evening’s every day as they could witness a music performance by Threeory, and be a part of HMUN India’s Got Talent and Delegate Dance, where they could showcase their innate talent as well.