Our Stories – Page 6

Insight into the Plenaries Team: In conversation with Ananya Balakrishnan and Nikhil Binu

By Meenakshi Mariappan

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With the inauguration of the Global Summit 2.0 inching closer, the Plenaries team provide an insight into what are possibly the most highlighted shows of unity incorporated into the Summit: the plenary sessions. In an interview, Co-DSGs of the Plenaries team Ananya Balakrishnan and Nikhil Binu, reveal their thoughts about the significance of the plenaries and the long-awaited three days.

With the ongoing pandemic and times of uncertainty, Balakrishnan emphasises that “it’s at times like this mobilisation is most important.” And as she rightfully says, “summits like this teach us how to do that and how to make a positive change.” Subsequently, she hopes the Global Summit 2.0 will thus serve as a platform to “begin the process of making a change in your community.” But the positive changes the world is yet to see can only spring from the small things, or as Binu puts it, the “topics we tend not to shed light on.” However, as he notes, it is important to understand that beyond the nobleness of diplomacy and altruism associated with the Summit, is also “the chance to see more than just four walls, to interact, to inform and to have fun.”

By nature, the plenaries, which Balakrishnan highlights, are “a must-attend, as they kind of pull everyone together for incredible talks.” The opening and closing plenaries are the only sessions wherein all participants have the opportunity to come together to hear the inspiring words of world-renowned speakers. In Binu’s words, the plenaries are in no way “like any ordinary session,” and that can definitely be agreed upon. He adds that the plenary will also be host to “extravagant performances, by our debutant MUN Impact Choir and musicians respected around the globe.” Well, this just builds on the list of reasons why participants should attend the plenary.

What most participants do not see though, lies behind the screen, in the efforts of student leaders such as Balakrishnan and Binu. When asked about the process of organising the plenaries, Balakrishnan exclaims that she “lost track of the sheer number of Zoom calls that have gone into pulling this Summit off.” Here, there is a lesson to be learnt for aspiring leaders around the world, as she admits that the key component to good leadership and teamwork is “flexible communication.” Binu summarises their efforts in saying that “the team members of the plenary are hard-working, and the Summit would not be as colourful as it is without them.” At MUN Impact, leadership is defined by the efforts of all the members, with uplifting relationships forming the foundation of the organisation itself.

Binu reiterates the perks of attending the Summit as it “paves the way for the sharing of knowledge for free,” whilst Balakrishnan reinforces this by interjecting “how it’ll help you expand your networks and help you meet people who are doing such amazing things all over the world.” Speaking about the MUN Impact family, she hopes that “we keep growing as a community and sharing ideas and thoughts.” And for those “itching to make a difference,” Binu believes that “there is no age for making a change.” This could not have been said better, as it is one of the core philosophies of MUN Impact, which can be observed in its everyday proceedings. More importantly, this lies at the heart of the Global Summit 2.0 and the overarching desire to make a change.

To end with a brief message from the plenary team, “attend the plenaries to hear from some amazing speakers, attend the workshops to learn how people are making a difference, and attend the social hours to meet new people and to unwind.” Join us on October 23-25 for an invaluable time! Find out more at: https://munimpact.org/globalsummit2-0/

Amping up the Summit Spirit with the Press Team

By Shambhawi Sahoo

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All those MUN Impact posts which showed up on your feed, the blog stories that got you excited for the summit ; ever wondered who’s behind all this- Yes! The Press Team!

The reporters are an integral part of our team. They write articles to fuel enthusiasm among the readers. They are backed by the Head of Press who along with the Editor-in-Chief makes necessary changes to their articles and makes sure that they are posted on the MUN Impact blog. To capture the beautiful memories of the summit, the reporters will be present in several workshops.

The graphic designers are vital to spread the word of the summit all over social media platforms. They design posts to reach out to global changemakers and MUN enthusiasts and keep them posted about the summit. They are assisted by the Head of Social Media who makes necessary changes to the designs and posts them on the MUN Impact social media handles.

The Press Team along with the MUN Impact family is working tirelessly to make this summit more special than the previous one. We are highly enthusiastic about the summit and we hope to see you there!

Student Presenters – A chat with Omayma Cherkaoui

By Vedant Kulkarni

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Omayma Cherkaoui is an eighteen year old university student with profound interests in economics, history, philosophy, and writing. In her workshop, ‘The Road Less Traveled By: Student Leadership for a Better World’, she will share her experiences of leadership across varied aspects from volunteering & MUN to business and enterprise, elucidating further on leadership philosophies, tips from influential leaders, and her own unique leadership story. She won ahead of everyone else in a Business Plan Competition where she made an implementable strategy for a social endeavor business thought that spent significant time in social equity, network building, and human rights advocacy. She will also share insights from her experience as Team Captain, Head Girl for her High school; concurrently achieving good grades and applying to universities effectively.

She passionately believes that the key to achieve SDG 11 is Making Cities and Human Settlements Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable, and youth enhancing their leadership skills and creating positive change in their communities therefore, she strives to seek wisdom from her unique experiences to help all the participants create positive change via this workshop.
The Inspiration strand’s subsequent segment is to address MUN conferences and how they can demonstrate expected stages to advance the SDGs thus, If you are a Model United Nations delegate, MUN Chair, or MUN student conference organizer, you will also receive meaningful MUN-related insights from her workshop as MUN filled in as the initial phase in her leadership venture.

She participates as a presenter at the Summit 2.0 to have the unique opportunity to present about her leadership journey and leadership philosophies in hopes that participants reflect on their own journey and enhance their own leadership skills to work towards achieving SDG 11. To prepare for this workshop, she has created a thought-provoking presentation regarding the importance of SDG 11 and included an interactive activity as well as her own experiences and ways in how participants can have a more fulfilling leadership journey.

With such success stories, this session can provide students with innovative ideas and, more significantly, the drive to act on local and global issues. Through thinking global and acting local, participants will be able to serve their communities better. You will know more about how you can successfully start and lead a student club to host activities and events that raise awareness and spark change and be part of a growing network of change makers.

Come be enlivened by the projects, initiatives and creative ways advancing, and propelling the SDGs. Pre-registrations for the summit are OPEN – so why miss this brilliant opportunity? Join now for a wide range of such workshops held by students and skilled experts too!

UN75 Disscusion: Inequality in the time of covid-19

An article by our partners in Chennai, AISC

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On September 21st, 2020, the UN celebrated its Annual international Day of Peace. Every year, AISC also celebrates this meaningful day, marking it with a barrage of speeches, a parade, and a fair showcasing countries’ cultures. This year, to mark the UN’s 75th Anniversary, we, the MUN Impact chapter, decided to undertake a community conversation in order to better engage the AISC community in global affairs and see their input on solutions to inequality in the time of COVID. The concept for the discussion, created and encouraged by the UN, is best explained by Secretary-General Guterres:

“In January, the start of the UN’s 75th anniversary, Secretary-General António Guterres launched the world’s biggest conversation on building a better future for all. The vision was to spark conversations (“UN75 dialogues”) in all settings on priorities for the future, obstacles to achieving them, and the role of international cooperation in making progress. Over 330 dialogues in 87 countries were held in the first three months of year – physically and virtually. It is vital that peoples’ voices are heard at this crucial time for the world.”

The discussion allowed us, at AISC, to highlight the important issue of Inequality in the Time of COVID-19. The topic itself — purposely ambiguous can point to varying forms of inequalities and different SDGs. Take Economic Inequality, it is most deeply rooted SDGs 1, 2, and 3. COVID-19 has disadvantaged the poor, as they are no longer able to bring in income, and many around the world have been left starving or homeless. In the short term, we have seen several good samaritans and NGOs step up and provide food and relief for these individuals. Moreover, gender inequality was a large part of our discussion — 5, as many pointed out the regression in gender equality around the world, citing rising rates of unemployment and domestic violence directly due to COVID-19. Ultimately, our discussion revolved around all of the SDGs, particularly highlighting SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. We are proud to carry out the wishes of the UN and Secretary-General, while engaging our AISC community to the global community.

How are You, Really?

By Grace Makwaza

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SDG 3.4 states:

By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

It calls us to address preventable diseases and pay attention to our mental health in all areas of our lives, including our schools.

Students all over the world suffer in silence because of the academic and social pressures in the classroom. 2020 did not make it any easier on any of us; some are depressed and others have lost the enthusiasm of going to school all together. These and many reasons inspired Gelila Mengistu, an MUN Impact diplomat from Africa to ask the question, “How Are You, Really?”

On Friday 16^th October 2020, Gelila Mengistu alongside students from Machabeng College International School of Lesotho held an SDG 3.4 seminar tagged How Are You, Really. Here, they educated students from the aforementioned mental health concerns and about the need to implement SDG 3.4. They discussed sensitive issues such as anxiety, depression, pressure at school, expectations society has on students and others. Ultimately, the goal was to encourage students to take care of themselves mentally and persevere despite the challenges they may encounter. Students were given tips on how to cope with the stress that 2020 has placed on everyone.

As the seminar progressed, Ms. Mengistu shed light about controversial issues that people hardly talk about. For instance, the pressure that is on students at all angles, both socially and academically. She spoke of how all these can cause detrimental damage to one’s mental health. In addition, she gave insight on how coping can be easy if we join hands to implement SDG 3.4. Doing something as simple as asking your friend every morning the question, “How Are You, Really” could lower the chance of someone committing suicide or falling into a deep abyss of mental breakdowns. She and her peers further expressed how it is important to support each other at school, be honest with parents and teachers about the struggles students face and be willing to get the help they need to cope with the stress. That way, their transparency promotes SDG 3.4 while saving students’ lives as well.

Some people feel overwhelmed; some feel like their feelings are invalid while others feel like nobody will understand that they are struggling internally. If you struggle with these, Ms Mengistu’s message to you is simple: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. In her words, “Being afraid to admit that you are struggling inside makes you susceptible to more pain. Acknowledging it will only help you deal with it better.”

In conclusion, this seminar did not only inspire students to actively implement SDG 3.4 but it gave hope to so many. Many thanks to all the students who spoke and helped make the event a success. Thank you for inspiring the entire MUN Impact Global community to prioritize their mental health through the implementation of SDG 3.4.

Behind the Screen: Interviewing Ilyes Zeraiki

By Rishita Ghosh and Nandini Badhan

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You can’t stop staring as you look into the mirror. The seriousness of life is staring right back at you. Why can you not find like-minded peers? The fire to bring about change and contribute to the community is so strong that it is now burning you alive. The restlessness is all too similar. Are you doing enough? Is action being initiated? Few realize that not taking action is the equivalent of failing, that also, without honor.

For many, MUN is a platform that has given them a sense of pride and fulfillment required to make their existences an impactful one. As the Covid-19 pandemic ticks, the restlessness and the strive to change amplifies. To feed this hunger, welcoming you with open arms, we present the “MUN IMPACT GLOBAL SUMMIT 2.0”. This second edition of the Summit is an exclusive opportunity to receive those who wish to contribute and impact the world, irrespective of their age, gender, nationality, or identity.

Participants will get the chance to interact with speakers and mentors from all across the world and engage in a community-driven projects with like-minded peers. Workshops, seminars, and discussions revolving around the SDGs will occur, and the spirit of knowledge will be unleashed. High-profile guest speakers will recount their experiences, and other civilized meetings will broaden your spectrum of awareness.

We know one thing for sure: NO ONE will be left out in the cold. We always have something new to offer!

The Deputy Head of Secretariat for the Global Summit 2.0, Ilyes Zeraiki, personally encourages you all to dive in. Ilyes himself graced the previous Summit and now essays the role of the Deputy Head of Secretariat. As the Deputy Head, he oversees the Admin Team, the Community Building Team, and the SDG Strands, acting as a bridge between the other secretaries.

While interacting with us, he praises this event’s inclusivity and explains the benefits to its participants. He explains, “I think what’s great about the Summit is that whatever you aspire to be or whatever your interests are, there’s still something for everyone in the Summit. For example, if you are interested in Life on Land or Economic growth, you will definitely find related workshops that will inspire you to bring about change”.

Bringing about change is a primary force that steers the MUN Community. Does this Summit fulfill that responsibility? Answering the same, Ilyes believes that change is definite. According to him, the new addition of the ‘SDG Sandbox’ and the ‘Dolphin Pool’ would allow the participants to come up with their ideas and find a medium to implement them; therefore, you will get the chance to pitch in some projects. He believes, “It’s different to tell the participants what to do, but it’s better to let them figure it out and submit it to the ‘Dolphin Pool’ where experts will give feedback, tweak ideas and add efficiency.” Practicality and independence will be valued.

Apart from the educational aspect, this Summit also includes more relaxing and sociable activities. Ilyes fondly mentions that during the last Summit what many people enjoyed was the ‘Social Hour.’ The ‘Social Hour’ was designed to take a break from the seriousness of it all and converse with total strangers! It sounds crazy, but many people actually ended up making friends and kept in touch even outside of the Summit.

Well, maybe you’re genuinely considering participating now. But what does the Summit demand of you as a participant? Are you qualified enough? Will newbies make competent contributors?

“No matter what your experience, just being interested is all we’re looking for. There’s not like a competent or a non-competent participant; anyone who just wants to learn is what we’re looking for. Everyone matters and our focus is to engage as many people as possible,” says Zeraiki.

Still not sure whether it would be worth your time and support your growth? Don’t worry, you have someone to erase your doubts. Ilyes courteously reflects on his journey as he explains how he has grown from a delegate to a mentor. Zeraiki believes that after attending such Summits and events, he is now a better communicator, more knowledgeable and has explored himself better. During his interview, one could tell how much passion he held for the Summit and how eager he is to unite you.

On a final note, what does Ilyes Zeraiki, the Deputy Head of Secretariat want to say? With good intentions, he quotes:

“Every action matters. Whether you’re working towards solving cancer, participating in community service, or even participating in the Summit, you’re always a part of making an impact”

A message from all of us:

“Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

No nonsense meant,

Looking forward to seeing you.”

Behind the Screen: Interviewing Aanya Srivastava

By Rishita Ghosh & Nandini Badhan

It’s amazing how people’s eyes blaze with passion and their faces blossom like a flower when they eagerly await something special. One such person was Aanya Srivastava, and the “something special” she talked about was the “MUN IMPACT GLOBAL SUMMIT 2.0”.

Yes, you heard it right. WE ARE BACK! We’ve missed you so much since the previous Summit that we couldn’t control ourselves this time. While extending a hand of collaboration, we are pleased to announce that the “MUN IMPACT GLOBAL SUMMIT 2.0” is back to make you experience the addictively empowering nature of change. Driven by a community of like-minded peers, this Summit is a free online 3 day event that enables you to participate in workshops, interact with peers/mentors, attend seminars and gives you the chance to pitch your projects and ideas to solve the real-world problems out there. We welcome each one of you, regardless of your age, gender, nationality, or identity.

Talking about the same, Aanya Srivastava, the Co-Secretary-General for the Global Summit 2.0, was kind enough to let her interview us. As the Summit’s Co-Secretary, she oversees the Communications aspect of the Summit by answering questions, assisting teams, and managing the workflow. She even delivered one of the welcome speeches during the previous Summit and will now essay the role of a recurring participant. Aanya is also the Co-Assistant Deputy Secretary General (DSG) of the MENA Region and a Mentor at MUN@Home.

We all know that MUN is a reservoir of learning opportunities and experiences. But how would this Summit benefit you? What exactly does it offer? Answering the same, Aanya informs, “There are workshops from Thought Leaders, Model UN Clubs, and several MUN Conferences; We have the SDG Sandbox where you plan for the projects and learn to implement them. We have 90-minute collaborative sessions that allow you to use our tools to plan something and then there is the Dolphin Pool where you pitch it. You receive ideas from different points of view and get to see the inside of how things actually work. It really is inspiring!”

On being asked why she wants to become a participant herself, Aanya fondly says, “It’s just so action-driven and collaborative and special that I immediately knew I have to be a part of this. You don’t only get to learn, plan and take action; you also get to meet so many people. It’s basically a platform where you get to meet thousands of others, so what’s better than that?”

Looks like the Summit meets Aanya’s passions and expectations, but what about us? Are we the target audience? Well, Aanya says, “The target audience is everyone. Presenters, for example, are both adults and students. This is for everyone who is interested in working with other people to make a change in their community. We especially look forward to the youth because they are the future. We have the power, we have everything. We just need that little extra push, which is what this Global Summit is about”

During further interaction, she also gets candid about her journey. Before joining MUN Impact, she was a curious young girl who understood the importance of change. But after joining, she acknowledges that her level of awareness has skyrocketed altogether. She encourages every single one of you to participate, and wants you to get inspired, just like she did.

Aanya is proud to say that she has made an impact, and will continue to do so. After all, success is nothing but grabbing the right opportunity at the right time; and this Summit is one of those guiding moments. If she could describe the Summit in one word, what would that be? Without any hesitation, Aanya replied, “Monumental. There are so many words to say, but this Summit for sure is Monumental.” While wrapping up the interview, she quotes Mahatma Gandhi, saying:

“Be the change you want to see in the world……. Be the change, make the change, and it will happen.”

It cannot be emphasized enough about how important this Summit is. To participate, register now at: https://munimpact.org/globalsummit2-0/

A message from all of us:

“Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

Let’s change the world,

Me and you.”

On inspiration and action: Interview with Farihah Ahmed

By Meenakshi Mariappan

“What’s important is not just being inspired, but going and doing something about it. That’s what makes the Global Summit stand out from anything else. That’s why the value of this Summit is so crucial to the world.”

Truer words have never been said as the speaker is none other than the Secretariat’s Head, Farihah Ahmed, spearheading the leadership teams for the upcoming Global Summit 2.0. One interview with her was enough to secure such words of promise. And sure enough, her responses are bound to be inspiring to all!

In keeping with the MUN Impact aspiration to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Ahmed confirmed the significance of SDGs in our world. “The SDGs, not just in my life but in everyone’s life, are probably one of the most important things that especially we, as young people, should be aware of.”

Subsequently, she emphasized the relevance of the Summit, remarking that “at a time when crucial systems around the world are failing, the Global Summit highlights the importance of youth action and advocacy.” With political systems and essential services, such as healthcare and education, coming to a standstill over the pandemic, she reiterates that young people must not wait for adults and policymakers to take action anymore. For her, it is vital that the youth take action themselves, “not taking these barriers as they are anymore, but instead breaking them.”

This sums up the essence of the Global Summit and the reason for its existence. Ahmed admits that the first Summit in July served as a: “trial and error process and a great starting point, sort of like a melting point of ideas; with people from all around the world coming together with their ideas on how we can change our world, it was a chance to exchange ideas for what they are.” But as she points out, we at MUN Impact realize that it is now time to take these shared ideas that we see as youth and put them into action, to ensure a tangible final product rather than leaving the idea suspended in limbo. “This time,” she says, “it’s all about action. It’s about inspiring young leaders everywhere, and even if it’s something super small, just going into the world and making that change so that we can all move forward sustainably. Taking all those ideas and making them a reality, that’s why and how the idea for this Summit came about.”

True to the values of MUN Impact, Ahmed is also a fervent believer of the power of Model UN. Using MUN as a tool, she underlined that “we need to apply our knowledge to take action, taking a path forward to change our world for the better.” Since joining O-MUN six months ago as a debate officer, she has assumed the role of Secretary-General of O-MUN.. She now heads the Secretariat for the upcoming Global Summit. Running out of words to describe “how surreal the experience is,” Ahmed revealed that being a part of MUN Impact has transformed her in a way; “the responsibility and the chance to serve as a role model for other students has made me appreciate MUN more.”

When asked about how it felt to be a part of MUN Impact, she likened it to being “part of this big collective beehive, bursting with ideas and passion.” And it truly is a befitting description. “It’s a new community of friends,” she says, “and an awesome support system, like a beehive buzzing with energy. Everyone’s a leader, and every single leader is working to make sure that this Summit comes to fruition.”

Moreover, she expressed her hopes for the upcoming event, wishing that “people come out of this, not just more aware of the SDGs, but knowing how to take action and how exactly to make a change.” All of us at MUN Impact, as does Ahmed, hope that “out of the thousands who attend, at least a couple of people go and apply this in real life, no matter how big or small.”

To conclude, here is Ahmed’s message for all participants: “sit back, relax, and come with an open mind. That’s the biggest thing: come with an open mind. You are going to learn how to take action and how to be a changemaker. And that’s such an invaluable experience, so try to make the most of the Summit no matter what.”

Feeling inspired? The next step then is to take action. So join us on October 23-25 for the long-awaited Global Summit 2.0! Find more information at https://munimpact.org/globalsummit2-0/.

Strengthening unity through Social Hours: Let’s socialize!

By Kopano Maketekete

After a day of thoughts and discussion on the Sustainable Development Goals, would you not find it appealing to socialize with friends? Well the Social Hour it is! The definition is as explicit as the naming, social hour. It is one of the most anticipated moments during the summit, precisely towards the end of each day. Here people share some get-together time and get to know about each other outside what brought them together, hence advancing and promoting friendship. It was first introduced in the very first MUN Impact Global Summit. The goal was to collaborate outside the summit’s content, creating a bond of friendship among the participants. Through the social hour, participants enjoy the last of the summit where they can discuss anything. So it is inherently about baring your soul and unwinding with the MUN Impact family, permitting the bond to blossom.

The Social Hour is way more than just having fun but is also about sharing a common mentality of being a family from different regions, brought together with an overall goal of solving the world’s most pressing issues. From its very first conception, it is now featured in other MUN Impact programs for the benefit it proved to serve – bonding the family and facilitating the easy flow of discussions on set agendas. Therefore, it goes without saying that the three-day upcoming Global Summit 2.0 starting the 23rd of October will also hold a social hour.

Zoey Fisher and Leila Ali Diab, our Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General respectively, are the pioneers of this brilliant idea, which they facilitate tremendously well. It is amazing to watch Zoey dancing on camera after a lengthy discussion following the issues put for solutions. That is the moment you know that now you fully understand the MUN Impact family. Why not try to solve the world’s most intricate issues and concerns while having fun at the same time?

In her exact words, Zoey declared: “It was definitely bittersweet, but I think it represented what a success the event was. I remember that we sat there for thirty minutes because no one wanted to close the event. It was heartwarming to know that everyone had a good time and that the first Global Summit would be a success”.

The Social Hours are quite an experience and one that I would never want to miss out on. The events give you the opportunity to virtually sit together with student delegates, ranging from any age, from all around the globe with the like-mindedness of finding solutions to global issues and advocacy of SDGs. Don’t miss out and preregister for the MUN Impact Global Summit 2.0 here!

I will see you there!

Speaking at the UN International Day of Peace

By Abdullah Shamsi

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On Thursday, September 17th I had the privilege of speaking at the United Nations International Day of Peace. I was chosen as one of eight youth to speak at this event. When I had initially received an email from the UN asking if I was willing to participate, I was immediately filled with a sense of pride and joy. I have been involved in MUN both locally and internationally for over six years, and so to finally be able to speak at the highest level there is in the field where it is no longer a model and the actual United Nations felt like a huge accomplishment.

Although I was given the freedom to discuss peace in the context I deemed fit, I chose to focus on stability in the Middle East specifically. This is because it is the region I am from and live in and therefore have the most experience and knowledge to talk about. I also wanted to highlight ares of unfathomable suffering, identify young entrepreneurs in the region making a difference, and provide genuine hope for a better future. Earlier in the event, Dr. Jane Goodall mentioned that we must think locally, and realize there are many people around the world fighting for the same thing. Then, when like-minded people come together, global change is made. That truly resonated with me and in a sense encapsulated my intended message superbly.

It was definitely an honor as well to be amongst the likes of Dr. Jane Goddall as mentioned, Mr. Yo-Yo Ma, and of course Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres. This is the type of experience that shapes you as a person and one that I will certainly cherish. Being a young driven individual listening to the other speakers about the importance of peace, it is now clearer than ever that we must all stand together and take action to ensure a more prosperous future for not only ourselves but coming generations.