The Indian Public School Hosts Student-Led Model United Nations

KOCHI:
The Indian Public School (TIPS), one of the leading schools in the country which is part of globally renowned education network Globeducate Group, hosted the sixth edition of the South Indian Model United Nations (SIMUN) in Coimbatore, a three-day conference from March 31 to April 2, 2025. Centred on the theme of ‘Navigating a Changing World’, this year’s conference was the largest such MUN ever held in South India. The event brought together 1,135 delegates from 35+ schools around the country, engaged in thought-provoking debates and a true demonstration of student-led diplomacy.

The event was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Dr. S. Pandian, Commissioner of Income Tax, Jairam Balakrishnan, CEO, Globeducate India, Sivasankaran S., Director, Globeducate India, and Dr. Sonali Geed, Chief Academic Officer, TIPS, signifying a commitment to fostering leadership, diplomacy, and global awareness among students.

Over the three days, students participated in discussions across 34 international committees, including G20, UNESCO, UNHRC, WHO, UNSC, NATO, and WHC. Through debates, moderated caucuses, and diplomatic negotiations, students explored solutions to contemporary global issues.

Beyond committee sessions, delegates had the opportunity to refine their analytical and leadership skills under the guidance of an esteemed executive board and subject matter experts. An interactive session with Padmashree Balaram, TEDx Speaker and Mentor at NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore, provided valuable insights into climate action and sustainability, encouraging students to think critically about global environmental challenges.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Jairam Balakrishnan, CEO of Globeducate India, stated, “SIMUN serves as a dynamic platform where students develop skills essential for leadership in an interconnected world. By participating in this conference, they not only strengthen their ability to think critically and collaborate across cultures, but also gain practical experience in diplomacy and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in higher education and beyond. We are glad to see the kind of participation that this edition of SIMUN received, making it one of the largest ever such student congregations in the country.”

Witnessing the students’ participation in the SIMUN with enthusiasm, Dr. S. Pandian, IRS, Commissioner of Income Tax, added, “Students form an intrinsic part of strong societies and it is critical to inculcate critical thinking in them through avenues such as this MUN. It is heartening to see so many students take part with passion and showcase their knowledge.”

SIMUN 2025 extended beyond traditional debates, incorporating team-building and social engagement activities to create a well-rounded learning experience. Social Night provided a platform for students to interact beyond formal discussions, fostering camaraderie and cross-cultural exchange. The SIMUN Spotlight allowed students to showcase their talents, reinforcing the event’s emphasis on creativity and collaboration.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony symbolising the ’ethos of excellence’, recognizing outstanding delegates across multiple categories, including Best Delegate, Honourable Mention, Best Speaker, Best Leadership Initiative, and Diplomatic Distinction.