Maharashtra United Nations Association (MUNA) in association with Rotract Club of Mumbai Shivaji Park (RC-MSP) organized the Model United Nations Assembly, a zealous event at Amulakh Amichand Bhimji Vividhlakshi Vidyalaya, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday 25th August 2013. The resolution being debated at the Model UN Assembly was “Protecting Human Rights in the Syrian Conflict”.

The programme was graced by Mr Braphus Kaalund, the Vice Consul for Political Affairs, Consulate General of the United States of America, Mumbai, members of the Maharashtra United Nations Association and Rotary Club. An inaugural and welcome note was read by Mr Abhishek Patel, the President of Rotract Club, Mumbai Shivaji Park, followed by messages of the Chief Guest Mr Braphus Kaalund, members of Rotary Club Mumbai Shivaji Park and Maharashtra United Nations Association.

Mr A. A. Syed read out the Aims and Objectives of Maharashtra United Nations Association with a special emphasis on its numerous activities planned round the year to promote the aims and ideals of the United Nations.

Ms Mohini Mathur expressed her views about the role of youth in today’s modern society. She also elaborated on the special qualities possessed by the youth, which makes them an “ideal force for change”.

Mr Ashraf Ahmed Shaikh spoke about the role of UN and its programmes in giving the youth a platform to become effective leaders of tomorrow. He also read out the UN Secretary General Mr Ban-Ki-Moon’s message on the eve of international youth day 2013 focusing strongly on the theme of the year that is “Youth Migration: Moving Development Forward”. He spoke about the importance of Model UN and also appreciated the partnership of MUNA with Rotract Club in Mumbai.

Mr Malhar Chaudhari spoke about the role of Maharashtra United Nations Youth Association in providing a platform to youngsters in the state to work for the aims and objectives of the United Nations. He also spoke about the rising interest of the UN leadership in the problems of the youth and the various steps taken by them in this regard.

The Chief Guest Mr Braphus Kaalund spoke about the importance of the Model United Nations Assembly and his experience of participating at similar assemblies during his college years.

The members of the Rotary Club on dais Rtn. Himanshu Kapadia (Past District Rotract Representative), Rtn. Sanjay Shah (Past President of Rotary Club of Bombay Uptown), Rtn. Manish Solanki (PHF, District Rotract Representative) and Rtn Neena Kalra (Prinicipal, Amulakh Amichand Bhimji Vividhlakshi Vidyalaya)spoke about the role of Model United Nations Assembly in developing proficient diplomats for our country and the role of Rotary in giving the youth such regular platforms to transform themselves into pillars of a sustainable future.

The Model United Nations Session was chaired by Rtn. Himanshu Kapadia with Mr Nisarg Kamdar as the Deputy Secretary General. The 1st part of the session saw the young diplomats delivering their foreign policy statements. It was a truly exhilarating experience to see the participants dressed in the traditional attire of the country they were representing. Also the use of phrases from their country’s local dialect added a special touch to the event.

The post break session saw a very heated discussion on the amendments to the resolution presented by the delegates during the lunch break. Towards the end of deliberations, it was a general observation that all the countries accepted the acts of terror and complete negligence of human rights happening in the Syrian conflict. The amendments were in general anti-Syrian government and went to the stretches of introducing democracy into the country to stabilize the current situation. The committee accepted the new resolution with a majority.

The session saw about 120 participants representing 36 countries from various schools across Mumbai, with the total count of all the people who attended and organized the Assembly being at around 200.

The session concluded with the prize distribution ceremony. The judges and the executive board committee members of the Model UN Assembly spoke to the participants about developing there negotiating skills and becoming better diplomats.

The judges for the session were Mr Malhar Chaudhari (Secretary General MUNYA)  and Mr Nihal Mayur (Member MUNYA).

The session formally ended by a vote of thanks proposed by Mr Dhananjay Adodra (Project Chair for the Model UN Assembly).