Billabong High hosts first Model United Nations conference in Mumbai

 Mumbai, Policenama Online – The first edition of Billabong High International School Model United Nations (BHISMUN) was successfully held in the city. The two-day conference held in BHIS Malad, witnessed participation of more than 500 students from various BHIS as well as other International schools across India.

The event was also graced by eminent dignitaries comprising of academicians, scholars and business experts  from the city including Researcher and Author – Dr. (Ambassador) Ajay Prabhakar, International law and cyber security expert – Ambika Khanna and co-founder & CEO of Wishberry – Anshulika Dubey, and Afrida Ali, news consultant , among others.

BHISMUN is an educational simulation of the United Nations, which features students representing as delegates of such significant committees such as UNSC (United Nations Security Council), UNHSC (United Nations Historic Security Council), UNHRW (United Nations Human Rights For Women), DISEC (Disarmament and International Security Committee) and Lok Sabha National Committee. These student delegates represent various UN signatory countries, or celebrities or policy makers.

As committee members they are a part of simulated discussions around subjects having critical impact on the sovereignty, democratic, social rights and security of their country/ region such as border dispute, cyberwarfare, Denuclearization of Arms- Nuclear Weapons, RTI Acts, Article 370 and Violence against women.

The event is an effort towards bringing the youth together to exchange informed and mature views on key global issues which would be pertinent to them as global citizens of tomorrow. Students gain a better understanding of the inner workings of the UN while also providing a forum to hone skills in diplomacy, negotiation, critical thinking, compromise, public speaking, writing and research. It also provide interactive experience with a view of educating participants about world issues and promoting peace and the work of the United Nations through cooperation and diplomacy.Elated with the response from students at BHISMUN- 2019, Ashlesha Chitnavis, Vice Principal, Billabong High international School, Malad, said “At BHIS we are setting stage for the growth and empowerment of not just the children of today – but the global citizens of tomorrow. The aim of conferences such as BHISMUN is to help student to Discover, Discuss Debunk and Reimagine solutions to issues regarding the world affairs. This kind of activity helps them develop a world-view on key issues, to have a holistic perspective on both sides of an issue and moreover develop understanding on how the global institutions work and function by finding a common ground among conflicting leaders and nations.”

Tanvi Shrimali, a student and part of the organising committee, BHISMUN added, “MUN is a great learning experience for all of us. The Organizing committee is working on BHISMUN since April 2019.

The senior students with help of faculty took the responsibility of training all the younger delegates in the school. MUN was a great experience as it taught us that each person’s perspective defines their world view and amicable solution needs to be acceptable to both parties in order to be implementable, especially on international platforms.”