Model United Nations (MUN) is an extracurricular activity where students imitate the diplomatic delegates representing different countries in the United Nations conferences.  The activity simulates the work sessions of the United Nations which provides the participating students with a platform to enhance their leadership and negotiating skills. Further, they can also improve their ability to analyze and foresee the changing global socio-political scenario.

Indian International Model United Nations (IIMUN) is the world’s largest MUN conference. IIMUN is a youth conference, for the youth, by the youth and operates in more than 160 countries. With 4,700 committees, IIMUN is an excellent platform for students to learn the current issues and put their leadership qualities to test.

Educational institutions all over the world are accepting this activity into their academic practices, including Nepal. Due to its surge of popularity, the Indian International MUN was brought back to Kathmandu to host the third edition of IIMUN Nepal. The conference slated for 11, 12, and 13th of May took place in Boudha Meridian School with over 40 schools participating in the event. 

The afterschool training sessions equipped the participating students with necessary skills such as debating, lobbying, and leadership. After days of rigorous training, the day finally arrived where the students chicly dressed in formals walked into the inauguration of IIMUN 2018. 

UNICEF goodwill ambassador Ani Choying Dolma, Standup Comedian Sandip Chhetri, the winners of Miss Nepal 2018, and Umesh Prasad Dhakal -- Executive Director of Nepal Red Cross Society -- were present in the event among many other social dignitaries. 

The conferences began on the second day. Students actively advocated in favor of their representing countries’ stance on the agendas provided for discussion. The second day of the event had numerous interactive, and debate sessions.

On the third day, the assembly passed a number of working papers amidst many moderated caucuses. Simulating a real-assembly environment, the UN passed upon a resolution agreeing to come up with a solution to solve the issue that had been discussed during the event. The three-day-long program ended with the committees celebrating the passing of resolution as well as the distribution of medals the most outstanding representatives of the conference.

Pradhan is a grade IX student at Premier International School, Khumaltar Height.