College event provides pupils platform to talk global issues

SNS, SILIGURI, 4 APRIL 2023 : A three-day Salesian Model United Nations conference, the biggest of its kind to he held in Salesian College Siliguri, was declared open by Prof Om Prakash Mishra, the Vice Chancellor of North Bengal University, yesterday.

The conference is being held in association with the Press Club, Kolkata and UNICEF, West Bengal. It features a range of committees, including the UNSC,

Lok Sabha, UN System Chief Executive Board, International Press, and Economic and Social Council.

According to college officials, the event has attracted more than 200 participants from various places like Sikkim, Siliguri, Guwahati, Bangalore, Delhi and Darjeeling, and includes international students from Nepal and Bangladesh.

"The conference aims to provide a platform for young minds to discuss and deliberate on global issues, and to develop their skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and public speaking," a college official said.

The opening ceremony was attended by several guests, including Sneha sis Sur, President of Press Club Kolkata, Mohammad Mohiuddin, Chief UNICEF-West Bengal, who was accompanied by Soniya Menon, Social Behavioural Change (SBC) Specialist, Pragyan Bharati, Water Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Paramita Neogi, Child Protection Specialist, and Suchorita Bardhan, Communication Specialist (Communication Advocacy Partnership).

Addressing the gathering, Prof Mishra said, "United Nations is about inter-dependency" Highlighting the importance of being a permanent member of the Security Council, he said countries like India and Pakistan are racing to get a scat in the council. Representing UNICEF in West Bengal, Mohammad Mohiuddin spoke about the importance of youth engagement in global issues and praised the Salesian Model United Nations conference to be a good platform for young people. 

"Model United Nations will make students learn about various global issues which can make them contribute to the society with what they have learned," he said.

Fr Prof George Thadathil, the Rector and Principal, Salesian College, said that the responses coming front other institutions was very promising and that the model UN was a good learning platform for all the students.

The Salesian Model United Nations conference promises to be an exciting and engaging event, with participants engaging in lively debates and discussions over the three days. "The conference is an excellent opportunity for young people to hone their skills and to learn about global issues," Fr Thadathil said.

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