School and college students from across the city and outside gathered as delegates representing various countries to discuss human rights, women, climate change and refugee crises over three days.
The students were participating in Jadavpur University Model United Nations 2023 in association with The Telegraph, organised by the Jadavpur University Debating Society.
Over 500 girls and boys did country-specific research to put on the table a country’s stand or agenda at the forum.
A simulation of the United Nations, the annual event of Jadavpur University was held over three days last weekend.
“They are diplomats representing various nations. The students, be it from college or school, have done extensive research before participating. It helps them put their ideas and argument and enhances the public speaking skills and confidence,” said Kamalika Das, second-year undergraduate student and under secretary-general, administration, Jadavpur University MUN 2023.
Some of the agendas discussed during the three days were the role of science and technology in the context of international security and disarmament, deliberation for a nuclear weapons-free world, deliberation on the role of technology and education in achieving gender equality with emphasis on political and economic empowerment of women.
There was also a committee on international press where the delegates had to answer questions.
Despite it being a simulation the issues discussed are some that young people relate to, said a student who was part of the organising committee.
“Climate change, for example, is something that is predicted to impact the young people most in future. This gives them an opportunity to deliberate, discuss and exchange ideas on sustainability to counter the depleting natural resources,” said Sayak Dasgupta, a third-year student and secretary, administration, Jadavpur University MUN 2023.
Sayak said he had been participating in the MUN at Jadavpur University from the time he was in school.
Some of the participating institutes were the La Martiniere schools, Birla High School, Sushila Birla Girls’ School, Vivekananda Mission School, Presidency University, St. Xavier’s University, Bethune College, Scottish Church College and Dhaka University.
Over the three days the participating students understood how to keep their personal opinions and notions aside when they are representing a country.
“I might not believe in all the policies of a country but I had to put that aside. The first two days are all about research and after that it is the logical and negotiating skills that gives a delegate an edge over others,” said first-year JU student of electrical engineering Arghodeep Roychoudhury, representing a delegate from Israel.