Bhubaneswar: Knowledge on diverse cultures and practices enhances acceptability to diversity, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said while addressing delegates at the opening ceremony of the 11th edition of SAI Model United Nations (SAIMUN) in SAI International School here, Friday.
Patnaik said SAIMUN conference is a unique opportunity to understand the world around, society and the people. “The knowledge on diverse cultures and practices enhances our acceptability to diversity. It helps us to find a common approach to global peace, harmony and growth. I believe the experiences you will receive here will help you to become global leaders and make meaningful contributions to humanity,” he added.
The two-day (July 28-29) global gathering is witnessing convergence of over 800 delegates representing 10 nations – Sri Lanka, Uganda, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Bhutan, Kenya, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Mali, and India.
On the occasion, the CM inaugurated the 30,000 sq ft ‘Bijoy Indoor Stadium’ built in memory of the founder-chairman of SAI International School, the late Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, accentuating the significance of sports education within learning curriculum.
“I am also happy for the inauguration of the state-of-the-art ‘Bijaya Indoor Stadium’ here established in the memory of the founder of the school, the late Bijaya Kumar Sahoo. On this occasion, I pay my heartfelt tributes to him. He has made a significant contribution to school education in Odisha by giving it a new direction,” the CM said while wishing the school to continue to scale new heights and help students realise their dreams.
Chairperson, SAI International Education Group, Silpi Sahoo, said, “I am filled with immense joy and gratitude as our dream – the Bijoy Indoor Stadium- is now a reality. It is the result of collective effort and determination. SAIMUN has always been a platform where students gather to explore and understand emerging global issues, engaging in meaningful discussions that shape their perspectives.”
Students from number of prestigious schools from abroad, including St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High School from Kawaala, Uganda, Gombe Junior School in Kikajjo, Uganda, and St. Anthony’s Girls’ College in Kandy, Sri Lanka are participating in the various sessions at SAIMUN.