We the world

Suddenly one saw students of a Medical College keeping aside their stethoscopes, surgical equipment and waxing eloquent about world affairs.Some arts and engineering colleges also joined them in this discussion.These students were all participating in an intercollegiate forum MUN (Model United Nations) which was first initiated at St.Teresa’s college.This year ‘MUN effect was carried to MESAMS as part of their inter collegiate literary festival ‘Illumination 11'.This was held in MES medical college, Perinthalmanna for two days, earlier this month.The Model UN or MUN is an academic simulation that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda.The participants role-play as diplomats representing a nation or NGO in a simulated session of an organ (committee) of the United Nations, such as the Security Council or the General Assembly.Participants research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult, and then develop solutions to world problems.The aim of the event is to enable students to be active in world affairs and mould them to become Global citizens of tomorrow.It is also the first step for those interested in careers such as foreign diplomacy etc.The MUN debate session held was indeed refreshing for the medical and engineering students who got to speak on topics such as international relations and relevant social issues pertaining to various nations.Students from different colleges participated in the event.Other than the ‘delegates’, there were also teams comprising of the international press (IP).Part of the mock IP was BBC and Al Jazeera.The Secretary General of MESAMS MUN was Hameed Fazal, Chairperson- Nihal Thondepoo, and Vice chair- Silpa Vipin.Events such as these are certainly welcome, as they go a long way in creating awareness among the younger generation about the world in which they live