Bhubaneswar: The three-day SAI Model United Nations’ (SAIMUN) conference of SAI International School was inaugurated by Consulate General of Japan Masayuki Taga, Thursday. Around 500 national and 32 international delegates from 12 different countries including the USA, Switzerland, Russia, Columbia, Costa Rica, Djibouti, Yemen, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Korea and India participated in the event.
In his address, Taga hailed the SAI International School for its energetic attitude and advised the students to showcase their abilities and talent during the conference. He said, “SAIMUN is a great place to learn about the United Nations.”
Addressing the students, MUN chairman Bijoy K Sahoo as individuals, each one of them has the potential to make a difference. He said, “You give me the hope to build a better India, not only through education, but also through international understanding and peace”.
SAIMUN secretary-general Priyanshu Mishra talked about the objectives and expectations of the MUN, in addition to briefing the audience about the organisation’s history.
The address session was followed by introduction of the international delegates and chairpersons of the committee as well as a briefing on the various etiquette and procedures to be followed during the conference.
It is worth mentioning here that the theme of SAIMUN is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (one world one family), aligning with the words of the seventh UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan who said, “The global work of the United Nations is not without reason compared to that of a family-striving for a common goal in concert with all members for a better future”.
During the event, all the participants assembled to create a ‘Global Village’, showcasing the cultures and traditions of their respective countries. The maiden event of SAIMUN was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in 2013.