Kochi Model UN programme from today

KOCHI: Kochi Model United Nations (Kochi MUN)  - Redefining Diplomacy will be held in St  Teresa’s College from September 30 to October 2.The programme will be inaugurated at 9 am on Friday by novelist C Radhakrishnan. Former MP and expert in International Relations analysis Sebastian Paul will deliver the keynote address. Over 200 selected university students from national and international level will attend. The event is part of Students Capability Enhancement Scheme, a project initiated by the Department of Economics, being held in collaboration with MUN India.MUN is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda.   In a MUN, the participants play as diplomats representing a nation or an NGO in a simulated session of a committee of the United Nations. General Assembly, Interpol, Futuristic Crisis Committee 2050, Non-Aligned Movement, Conference on Disarmament are the committees in Kochi MUN and the delegates of different countries take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues,debate, deliberate, consult and then develop solutions to world problems.Kochi MUN, the first-of-its-kind in Kerala, attempts to popularise this concept in the academic community of Kerala. The platform will serve as a training ground for grooming future leaders and responsible citizens. The three-day conference also aims to enhance the skills of the participants in facing the highly competitive global labour market.The valedictory function will be held on October 2 at 5 pm. Raju K Thadikkaran, director, School of International Relations and Politics, MG University, will be the chief guest.St Teresa’s College Principal Sr Treesa (Helan A P) is the chief patron of the event. The conference is being guided by Nirmala Padmanabhan, HOD, Department of Economics and faculty member Anupa Jacob.  Secretary-general and director-general of Kochi Model United Nations Silpa Vipen and V R Vachana, students of Economics of the college, are the coordinators.For details, call 09446438687 or 09995749377.