• Social and economic impact of COVID-19, and gender inequality were among the topics discussed in the conference
• Rajdeep Sardesai and Sonu Sood also congratulated student delegates in the closing ceremony

MUMBAI, India, Dec. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —  VIBGYOR Group of Schools’ highly-acclaimed event, VIBGYOR Model United Nations (VIBGYOR-MUN), was, for the first time, hosted virtually this year, to ensure the safety of all the participants amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The proceedings of VIBGYOR Virtual Model United Nations (VV-MUN) were graced by Arne Jan Flølo, Consul General, Royal Norwegian Consulate General, and Zane Wilmans, Director, Protexx Risk Management, who delivered the keynote speeches.

VV-MUN is an online simulation of the global intergovernmental organisation, United Nations, which aims to foster international cooperation, and maintain peace, security and friendly relations among nations. Students participate in the simulation, as delegates of various UN Committees, with a view to understanding the operations of the organisation, and to learn about diplomacy and international relations. Over 350 students from schools across the country participated in the two-day virtual event, and deliberated on various vital issues, such as measures to combat crimes against humanity, social and economic impact of COVID-19, and gender inequality in economic and trade sectors.

Speaking about VIBGYORMUN, Kavita Sahay Kerawalla, Vice Chairperson, VIBGYOR Group of Schools, said, “VV-MUN was conceived with the goal of providing all students with a forum to actively engage with the global society and world-transforming ideas. Through this event, participants gain awareness about various, globally important political, social and health issues, and learn the core values of the United Nations. They also get to understand how and why their active representation and participation can help solve even the most pressing issues that the world faces. As one of our most impactful initiatives, VV-MUN provides an impetus to their individual efforts, and helps nurture young dreams of making the world a better place.”

Congratulating student delegates and VV-MUN team during the closing ceremony, Rajdeep Sardesai, Consulting Editor, India Today Group, said, “We are in the middle of a global pandemic, it is clear that we need to work together as a global community and rise above national boundaries. Hence, it is now more important than ever, to organize a Model United Nations to make the youth realise the importance of discussing issues that matter in the present and future.”

Actor Sonu Sood said, “Fostering a spirit of debate, especially online, is necessary to inspire young people to make an impact. I congratulate student delegates and team VV-MUN for hosting the event with high spirits in these times.”

Through debates and discussions on issues of global import, VV-MUN provides students with a forum to discuss how to bring about real, global change, as well as hone vital life skills, such as diplomacy, negotiation, critical thinking, compromise, public speaking, writing, and research, entirely from the comfort and safety of their homes. 

Below are the specific topics that were discussed in committee sessions:

• United Nations committee on Women (UNW): Gender Inequality in the Economic and Trade Sector
• Disarmament and International Security (DISEC): Measures to combat systematic Genocide and crimes against Humanity
• All India Political Parties Meet (AIPPM): COVID – 19 and its Social and Economic Impact