Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: SNAMUN ’23 Opening Day Brings Students Together for Change at The Lawrence School, Sanawar
Sanawar – The Lawrence School, Sanawar, India’s oldest co-educational boarding school, commenced the prestigious SNAMUN ’23 Conference with resounding success on the opening day, bringing together young minds from leading schools across the country. The three-day student-led conference kicked off with notable collaborations and distinguished guest speakers, reinforcing its commitment to internationalism, public-spiritedness, and building a safer, more inclusive world.
The opening ceremony of SNAMUN ’23 was graced by the presence of Dr. Purnima Chauhan, ex-IAS, who delivered a compelling message on the theme “Students and Young India: The Future of the Country.” Emphasising the importance of “vocal for local” even while planning global reforms, Dr. Chauhan urged the young delegates to be mindful of the needs of their local communities while addressing global challenges.
The Guest of Honour for all three days of the conference is Professor Jasteena Dhillon, a distinguished figure with over 20 years of experience in law and international development. Throughout her career, Professor Jasteena Dhillon has been actively engaged in international legal peacekeeping and development work, collaborating with prominent organisations such as the United Nations (UN), NATO, OSCE, and various NGOs, including the NRC, ICMC, and IDLO. Her work has centred on crucial issues such as justice, human rights, humanitarian affairs, governance, and security.
“As educators, it is our fundamental duty to instill in our students a profound sense of responsibility towards their communities and the world at large. Every school, regardless of its location, must rise to the occasion and envision how it can positively impact its surroundings. Let us inspire our young minds to be catalysts of change, creating a reality that transcends boundaries and fosters enlightenment for all. Together, we can empower the next generation to lead with compassion, drive progress, and make our shared planet a better, more harmonious place for everyone.” – Mr. Himmat Singh Dhillon, Headmaster of The Lawrence School, Sanawar.
Congratulations to Lawrence School Sanawar on its remarkable 175-year journey of producing leaders for the nation and the world. As the United Nations arose from the ashes of World War 2, I commend the Sanawar Model United Nations conference for fostering diplomacy and critical thinking. Best wishes for a successful event, benefiting both students and society. I also applaud the school’s collaboration with UNHCR and UNODC, addressing pressing issues like refugees and drug crime. Himachal Pradesh Police supports this excellent initiative wholeheartedly. – Mr. Sanjay Kundu, Director General of Himachal Pradesh.
Mr. Rohit Thakur, Minister of Education Himachal, Member of Legislative Assembly – I am delighted to extend my warm congratulations and best wishes to all the delegates, faculty members, and participants of the Lawrence School Sanawar Model United Nations conference. Your dedication to diplomacy, meaningful discussions, and constructive debates sets a shining example for future generations. The theme ‘Justice and Sustainability’ reflects the urgency of our times, and I am hopeful that the innovative minds gathered here will contribute to achieving impactful resolutions soon.
Mr. Marco Teixeira, Regional Representative, UNODC Regional Office For South Asia – The power of young people in today’s world is undeniable, and it fills us with hope and enthusiasm for the future. Your energy, passion, and determination are the driving force of positive change. As the Regional Representative of UNODC for South Asia, I see a great opportunity to work together in creating a safer, healthier, and more just society. Your voices matter, and your actions will shape a better world. Let’s unite to promote the rule of law and make our shared future a brighter one
The conference’s agenda encompasses vital topics, including discussions on global crises, women leadership at the grassroots level, measures to protect child refugees, and reviewing Agenda 2030 with a special emphasis on gender equality. Additionally, the conference seeks to shed light on significant historical events like the Cuban Missile Crisis, providing young minds with a better understanding of crisis management and emergency planning.