By IANS
New Delhi : They discussed world politics, argued over bio-weapons and passed resolutions. School children at a simulation of the UN General Assembly here spoke on world issues with élan and did everything to keep war and destruction at bay.
The Indian Model United Nations (INMUN), held here Oct 4-6, saw participants from six countries – Indonesia, Bahrain, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka and India – thrash out global issues level headedly.
The INMUN, organised by Ryan International School, is an attempt at training the young leaders to take the path of dialogue to resolve conflicts instead of choosing violent means.
Grace Pinto, managing director of Ryan International group of institutions, called it an opportunity for children to become aware of everyday issues and of matters affecting the world at large.
“These are our leaders for tomorrow. This is an ideal opportunity for the children to become sensitised to global issues.
“In all the committees, they have taken the lead, they are discussing and passing resolutions. They are making mistakes but let them. That’s how they will learn,” Pinto told IANS.
INMUN functions through seven committees – the Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Disarmament and International Security Committee, Economic and Financial Issues Committee, Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Issues Committee along with Human Rights Commission and Environment Commission.
The IUMN, in its seventh session, is in its secretary general Gunjan Chawla’s words, like a “political science class in practical”.
“This is an ideal world. The students from across 110 schools are representing 110 countries and discussing foreign policies, human rights laws, international security et al.
“They are discussing, arguing and more often than not, are passing unanimous resolutions. In reality, we know that hardly happens,” 16-year-old Chawla said.
At the end of the INMUN, the students go back to their homes but the motive of inculcating a sense of responsibility and awareness doesn’t end there.
“Four years back, we started this ‘each one plant one’ campaign, which all the participating schools are a part of. For this, we adopt parks and areas where the plants are planted.
“Then we also have campaigns on educating the girl child and on AIDS whereby children present plays in vernacular languages in rural areas,” Pinto said.
The best delegate and best delegation will get awards, to be presented by Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh.