4th Edition of Meghalaya Model United Nations Competition 2023 Held at NEHU, Shillong

Previous Next

Date: Aug 13, 2023

By Toniho S. Kharsati, B.A.LL.B (Hons.) Semester V

The Meghalaya Model United Nations is a non-profit youth organization, the goal is to engage young people from the state of Meghalaya in particular and the North East area in discussions about international issues and the UN's priorities. By including young people in talks about global concerns and generating their own solutions to these problems, it gives them a forum to express their thoughts and participate in decision-making and policy formulation. The UN Information Center for India and Bhutan (UNIC) has only recognized the Meghalaya Model United Nations Conference as the second in North-East India and the only one in the state.

The Meghalaya Model United Nations organized its fourth edition from August 11^th - 13^th, 2023, in the Law Department, NEHU Shillong, Meghalaya. The theme of this year's MMUN was "Disrupting the Status Quo: The Gen Youth Era". The opening ceremony was graced by Shri Metbah Lyngdoh, MLA, Chairman Meghalaya State Planning Board, the Vice Chancellor of NEHU, Dr. Jemino Mawthoh and Ms. Alethea Kordor Lyngdoh, Deputy Executive Director, NESFAS. The event saw a huge participation of youth from all over the nation and from India's neighboring nations. The competition had contestants from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. Domestically, participants from states like Assam, Tripura, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, and Meghalaya were seen actively participating in the competition. Over 750 children participated in this 3-day youth program in total.

The event had enthusiastic participation from the law students at NEHU Shillong. Nearly 50 departmental students participated in the competition as student volunteers, while about eight students attended as delegates. Three of the eight students were given a special mention award for their dedication to the cause and for their thought-provoking ideas for resolving the global problems.

The 3-day event saw wonderful daytime debates and discussions and cheerful social nights, which were part of the social interaction program. The closing ceremony was chaired by Shri. Rakkam A. Sangma, Minister of Education of Meghalaya, along with other dignitaries. The event ended with a positive note about bouncing back next year and the promises made by the youths to take part in disrupting the status quo and bringing positive change to society.

Three of the eight students with special mention awards are as follows:

1. Name: Toniho S. Kharsati
   Committee: United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
2. Name: Gideon Lyngdoh
   Committee: International Press Corps (Journalism)
3. Name: Abigail Dkhar
   Committee: United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)