Blog Spot

My First Time as an IR MUN-er

Syed Shaiban, 3MAIS | 03/09/2021

My first time as an IRMUN-er was a rich experience. I learnt invaluable lessons and gained a lot of exposure. My initial thought process functioned around my stigma against MUN. It just felt like it was a less impactful task that would consume a lot of time and make no changes to how the world functions but that thinking changed rapidly as the session was going on. I felt that the orientation was not as clear as it could have been but the fact that this MUN was conducted on an online platform, I could understand it’s not easy to communicate every detail efficiently.

The formal structure and script of the IRMUN were at a top-level and very professional. The vibe felt very real, and the allotted topics or themes did not feel like an easy task. Challenges that way are fun, and it drove me harder to be adept and competitive. It helped my reading, improved my research skills, and sharpened my thinking.

The feeling of being nervous when you are unmuted for the first time is common because you know people are actively trying to listen to you but at the same time, in a MUN session, if you cannot speak your mind boldly, it is not impactful. I knew that and in spite of being nervous, I put up a bold front, spoke confidently, and summed up my points with conviction. I had to be on my toes on both days of the IRMUN and hardly saw a drop in quality on both days. The second day felt a little more hectic because things move towards a point of climax and resolution.

I got a special mention representing Bangladesh against the Rohingya issue. My thoughts during IRMUN revolved around the need to constantly read more, update myself, listen keenly to the other countries, and see if I can counter or join with somebody to push my agenda and opinion of things. It boosted my confidence, enhanced my public speaking, improved my listening and research skills, and kept me active throughout. Participating in a MUN is very healthy and has a lot of advantages. Perhaps you cannot make a difference to the world but you will definitely be making a positive difference in yourself.

ISPH MUNSOC 2021-2022 Inauguration

Event Report | Sharika Balachandran & Vanita Deshpande | 27/08/2021

MUN will raise awareness among students: Ambassador Kumar.

The Model United Nations Society of Department of International Studies, Political Science and History organized the Inauguration Ceremony of MUNSOC on 27th August 2021. Activities like Model United Nations are needed to raise awareness of globalisation and its consequences among students, said former Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Yogendra Kumar, as he inaugurated the Department of International Studies, Political Science and History Model United Nations Society ’21.

Amb Kumar is currently an author at Gateway House. Apart from serving as the ambassador to the Philippines, he was also the country’s Consul General in Tashkent, during which time he dealt with issues in Soviet Central Asia.

While speaking on the merits and drawbacks of the United Nations, he stated that “Multilateralism was a critical aspect of international diplomacy, which will necessarily help in realising potential global opportunities”. Reiterating his message on globalisation, he talked about the relationship of cause and effect between statements and developments on the ground suggesting that “a future exercise will provide young minds to develop insight into unfolding crises and also unfolding global discourse of key decisions for international conferences”.

MUNSOC aims to provide the best international platform to endow students with impeccable skills and leadership attributes.

The inaugural ceremony was hosted by Johann Cherian, student of Masters of International Studies and Varna Sajee, student of BA Economics, Political Science and Sociology. The ceremony started with a traditional invocation dance performed by Natyarpana, the University Dance team. It was followed by a welcome speech delivered by Dr. Madhumati Deshpande, Associate Professor, ISPH, who stressed on the importance of MUN as an academic exercise and encouraged students to participate and inculcate the culture of MUNSOC. The Presidents of MUNSOC, Dincy Adlakha and Kushal PK, students of MAIS, introduced the team members of the MUN Society and laid out the events to be conducted in the academic year 2021-22. The ceremony concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Stefy V Joseph, Assistant Professor, ISPH.

UN @ 75: Pursuing Diplomacy for a Peaceful Posterity

Deeksha Pandey, 2 MAIS | 24/03/2021

The world is celebrating 75 years of one of the most prolific symbols of world peace and cooperation, the United Nations. As citizens of a globalized world, it is imperative now that young leaders come up with solutions for varied problems affecting countries across the globe. It is important to instill the ability to come to a consensus and formulate solutions for world peace and co-operation, for the advancement of the global future. A peaceful society is fundamental to promote and support the three pillars of the UN- peace and security, development, and human rights. Global issues such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, humanitarian and migratory crises are cross-cutting, implicating the values and interests of nations and necessitate collective attention and action. Technological advancement has also impacted the political and socio-economic landscape and inter-state relations.

Antonio Guterres, the secretary general of the United Nations has time and again reiterated his commitment to a ‘surge in diplomacy for peace’ which included partnering with regional organizations; mobilizing the entire range of those with influence, from religious authorities to civil society and the business community; enhancing the mediation capacity of the UN, including in support to regional and national mediation efforts; and making greater use of the pacific settlement of disputes options laid out in Chapter VI of the UN Charter.

In the 21st century, the limits of state diplomacy are evident. With so many of the drivers of conflict being transnational in origin and effect, and waging wars and conducting diplomacy no longer the sole preserve of states, various adaptations to traditional diplomacy have emerged. Multilateral diplomacy for peace provides a practical basis of a capacity for peace, at both the local and international levels. Creating and nurturing structures and institutions that underpin and sustain peaceful societies would be the ultimate aim of diplomacy for peace. As articulated by the Sustainable Development Goal 16 and its targets, peace would be treated as a function of good governance and sustainable development. It is thus of urgent importance that the young leaders of tomorrow come forth and help facilitate a dialogue through diplomatic means in order to bring peace for our posterity.

Deeksha Pandey is a MA student in the Department of International Studies, Political Science and History, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru.

*Views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the position of the University.

IR MUN - Where the best Munner's Meet

3/01/2021

International Relations Model United Nations 2021 (IRMUN 2021)

IR Mun 2020 is one of the most famous and successful MUN in the Bangalore circuit. The objective of the Model United Nations is to seek, through discussion and debate, solutions to the various problems of the world. The International Relations Model United Nations (IRMUN 2021) is a two-day national-level event that will be held virtually through an online platform. IRMUN is a debating platform that will follow the guidelines of the United Nations. IRMUN offers students an excellent opportunity to expand, develop and put into practice their lobbying, negotiating and debating skills. As our theme suggests, UN @75: Pursuing Diplomacy for a Peaceful Posterity we aim to instill the ability among the students to come to a consensus and formulate solutions for the world peace and co-operation, for the advancement of the global future. At this conference, young leaders are encouraged to come up with solutions for varied problems affecting countries across the globe. This is a platform where students from across the nation and the world can hone and test their skills of diplomacy, problem-solving, debating public speaking, writing and team building as well as gain the ability to scrutinize and analyze seemingly complex concepts to acknowledge and understand the multifaceted nature of problems, and most importantly, to actively listen to friends and foes alike.

IR MUN 2021 aims at nurturing young minds to pursue diplomacy over war and conflict and to enable them to create a prosperous future. It is the need of the hour to solve issues around the world through the art of diplomacy, to enhance peaceful coexistence and to integrate nations for a better tomorrow. The crucial act of striking a balance between the fruits and perils of development is the requirement for the world. The IRMUN focuses on five such relevant and important committees of Model United Nations which include:

The UN General Assembly - Disarmament and International Security (DISEC)

The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. Comprising all 193 Members of the United Nations, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter. Disarmament and International Security is the First Committee of the General Assembly and discusses military matters including disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons and weapons of mass destruction.

United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action.

Continuous Crisis Committee (CCC)

One of the most thrilling committees of a Model United Nations conference is the Continuous Crisis Committee leaves all delegates with an adrenaline rush. The most integral part of this committee is to test the ability of the delegate to defend the policy and stands of their country in that particular crisis. The committee expects the delegate to constantly update themselves with the changing conditions and updated crisis. The use of directives makes the committee even more unpredictable and expects the delegate to respond by protecting their sovereignty.

United Nation Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

The UNHCR is one of the most challenging committees in the Model United Nations, were agendas are shaped surrounding the major issues of displacement. The delegates engage themselves in dealing with refugee crisis across the world, with an acute interest in protecting their national interest and at the same time taking necessary actions of humanitarian intervention.

Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Indian parliament and is composed of representatives of the people chosen by direct election based on adult suffrage. The maximum strength of the House envisaged by the Constitution is 552. Various political parties, having national and regional interests share the platform on a particular agenda through parliamentary procedures. The participants in the committee are allotted certain political parties and this committee is where a majority of heated conversations occur.

MUNderstand

2/10/2021

Model United Nations (MUN) is essentially a simulation exercise to replicate the innate workings of United Nations. While the driving idea with its initial introduction was to focus more on the academic learning that one gains from their participation in the conference, but in reality , one can witness that MUN’s have so much more to offer.

The pandemic has taught us that our globe has become more interconnected than ever, thus having extensive knowledge not just about one’s own nation but rather one needs to assess and develop our thought process on the dynamics and interplay among nations.

MUN’s facilitate this process by compelling the individual to critically think from the view point of the country allotted, keeping aside their own personal considerations.

MUN is also an enabler of achievement of a multitude of soft skills beat it whether it is leadership skills, public speaking skills, interpersonal communication, organizational skills, negotiation tactics and writing skills but the most important learning aspect is the persuasion and ability to undertake concise research which is to be employed with effective materials researched upon.

MUN’s also gives one the opportunity to form strong connections in a safe and structured environment and due to its academic nature; MUN’s can form an impressive addition to one’s own portfolio.

Finally, at a much larger level MUN makes one aware of the working of the nuances in United Nations which at this point in time has become an immensely important organization to provide a common platform for various compelling nations to engage in dialogue on issues that are of a global concern and as Dag Hammarskjöld said " United Nations was not created in order to bring us to heaven, but in order to save us from hell."

IR MUN 2020 Feedback

2/10/2021

I Jeevitha GL from 1MAIS took part in CCC committee as a delegate of Turkey. As a first time munner, I was scared on the first day to give my speech after watching all other delegates speeches. But the second day was much more fruitful as I gained more confidence to speak and understand how a delegate representing a country would handle the international affairs of that particular country. Participating in IR MUN 2020 gave me an exposure to how the bilateral relations and conflict resolutions are made in the international arena and also how a country foreign policy could influence the actions taken by the representatives of that country. IR MUN was a unique opportunity for the students to engage in real world situations and come up with solutions to the crisis around the world.

- Jeevitha G L , MAIS, Christ(Deemed to be University)

As a delegate of India in UNSC, I made sure that the topic given to me-LAWS is being analyzed so that I could state my country’s position to the chair. I had a very enriching experience wherein I learnt skills like writing, reading, team work during drafting the resolution. I have participated in several MUN’s before, but this MUN was unique has we had students from various backgrounds which made me gain knowledge. The two-day event culminated successfully and I am proud that our department staged it and it paid off really well. I am looking forward to IRMUN 2021.

- Lakshmi Karlekar, MAIS, Christ(Deemed to be University).