MGI MUN 2016

THE NEWSLETTER

CONFERENCE

Welcome Speech of the Secretary GeneralMy fellow precious Gandhians,

It fills me with great pleasure to be serving as the 7th Secretary General of the MGI MUN. I reckon that MGI MUN 2016 is the most innovative conference so far, with an absolute sense of professionalism and sophistication enrobed in it.

Admittedly, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute has revolutionized the concept of Model United Nations in Mauritius, by engaging students in this metamorphosing experience as from the tender age of twelve.

This year, the Secretariat has brought the MGI MUN to a whole new level, by introducing the Official MGI MUN Information Booklet, and a highly informative website which is complemented by a new approach to the conference itself.

Our pledge for this 7th Edition is “If not us, who? If not now, when?” which beautifully depicts the mission of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute Model United Nations. Evidently, I firmly believe that great leaders are those who demonstrate optimal proactivity, and this is what MGI MUN 2016 wishes to instill in its participants.

Moreover, I esteem all participants of this conference to have equal importance in my regard, which can be perfectly illustrated by the fact that a house of cards collapses upon the removal of a card at its base.

Delegates, you are the ambassadors of your countries, defend it with utmost honour and justice; Security Officers, preserve the security and stability of the conference; Secretaries, optimize the efficiency of communication within the Member States, for it is one of the greatest asset of a MUN; Press members, broadcast the truthfulness which resides in media and journalism, Chairpersons, your supervision is crucial for the well-being of the delegates and last but not least, Coordinators, never cease to perpetuate guidance and knowledge within the soul of your students.

My blessings are conferred to this conference and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, and may this annual conference continue to prosper in the most delightful of ways.

Cordially,Mr. KhadarooM.AkhtarSecretary General MGI MUN 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS2 Interview with Mrs. Bhujohory

2-3 Interview with Mrs. Ramful

3-4 The Aim of MGI MUN...by Simran Jahajeeah

4-5 How does MUN help students?...by Cadersaib Benazeer

5-6 MGI MUN Training at RTISS...by B.B. Saheerah Bundhoo

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8 Making of MGI MUN...by Sristi Torul

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Interview of Mrs. BhujohoryWhat are your personal views about the MGI MUN?

Being the one who initiated the MGI MUN, it is obvious that I truly believe in this project. I feel that it is important to force the students to participate as they step out learning so much.

As the chief coordinator of the MGI MUN, what are the novelties that have been introduced in this year’s MUN?

Every year, every group who takes over to organize the conference, tries to come up with new ideas. This year, the most important innovation to mention is the information booklet that the SG, the DSG together with the whole secretariat, have brought out. It is a complete guide for the Munners and will help not only this year’s delegates but also delegates of the upcoming years.

How do you find the secretariat of the MGI MUN 2016 conference?

I find that they are very active. After a very long time, this year we have such a large group of such dedicated members. We find themtaking fundraising, working every day at school till very late. I am very proud of you because I can see that this conference does mean something to them. Also I think that theywant to leave a legacy for the students of the upcoming years.

How do you feel of being the chief coordinator of the MGI MUN?

I am very honored that I am still the chief coordinator even after sevenyears. I am trying to train other people to take over from me but somehow everyone still comes to me for any query or clarification. It in fact makes me feel very proud that something that was initiated nine years ago is still going strong.

Interview of Mrs. RamfulAccording to you, what skills will the students develop and what are they going to achieve in term of experience?

Being a debate competition, MGI MUN surely promotes development in terms of soft skills such as leadership and public speaking. The students’ general knowledge is also broadened through research work. Consequently, they become more aware about global issues.

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What are your views on the ‘Gender Equality’ initiative that the secretariat has put forward with both genders being secretaries and security officers?

It is a new concept adopted this year which according to me is very good as I believe that girls have equal abilities as boys. It is unfair to exclude girls for the role of secretary and security officer. This initiative can be taken as a role model for others to follow.

What advice would you give to the students to boost their self-confidence on that day?

On the day of the conference they will not be less than a real delegate of the United Nations. They do not needto panic as through training sessions they have thoroughlyprepared for this day. Putting themselves in the shoes of diplomats, they just have to make the most of this opportunity.

What are your expectations from the participants?

My expectation from the participants, as I always say, is to show their exemplary behavior, to give their best in terms of training, take it as a learning experience and carry its lessons with them throughout their whole life.

What message do you wish to convey to the delegates?

Being a delegate is an extraordinary experience. Participants should grab this opportunity to learn more about global issues, take it very seriously. Also they have to make it a fun and enriching experience. Wish you all best of luck.

The aim of MGI MUNFor this edition of MGI MUN, the secretariat has spared no effort in ensuring a fruitful and high standard conference. We, ex-MUNners hold the belief that the MUN experience is much more than just a conference. It is a unique platform designed for students to develop an appreciation of differing viewpoints, experience the challenges of negotiation, see the rewards of cooperation, broaden their world view, and discover the human side of international relations and diplomacy. Students are expected to show commitment to the countries they represent and engage themselves at grassroots level to propose solutions to current worldwide issues as we envision a world comprised of civically engaged people who strive for peaceful, multi-lateral conflict resolution and equitable, sustainable human development.

The conference is solely for the students of lower classes with the aim of preparing them to adopt new and broader perspectives, views and attitudes towards crucial world affairs. The motive behind the teamwork required for this conference is to bring that essence of team spirit into their lives; an important quality essential for their personal development.

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Beyond the verbal and writing skills students are expected to gain, the MGI MUN will contribute to the mental development of students; they will expand theircognitive ability.

This year, the organizing team has introduced new procedures for the welfare of the delegates and we hope to have achieved our goal at theend of the conference. On this note, we wish all of you Good luck. Have a fruitful session!

Simran JahajeeahHead of Chairpersons

How does MUN help students?MGIss is the only institution in Mauritius organizing its own MUN, in which the sister schools are given the equal opportunity to participate. The MGI MUN is a prestigious platform offered to Gandhians, which basically involves interacting with other delegates, debating against them, knowing their countries’ problems and finally giving a chance to roll their sleeves in order to meetthe challenges that would be thrust upon them.

This experience enhances open-mindedness, broadens knowledge onglobal issues and equally promotes personal and interpersonal skills such as public speaking and active listening. Delegatesstep out as diplomats with a more mature outlook to the world. Working with the organizing team of the MGI MUN has indeed been a very unique experience which has definitely increased my team spirit. Inspired by Henry Ford’s saying: ‘Coming together is a beginning, staying together is a progress, and working together is a success’, the MGI MUN 2016 Secretariat has been working very collaboratively and we look forward for a successful conference. Cadersaib Benazeer. In the minds of our delegates MUN does not represent solely a conference. It is something mightier holding much more importance than anyone can imagine. It is a day where they get the opportunity themselves.

When the youngsters go for the selection, they are put in the shoes of the candidates going for job interviews. This certainly helps them to learn

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how to confront the interviewer without any trace of fear on their faces. They develop certain confidence in them.

Skills such as leadership is acquired while working in delegations and also, a sense of maturity is developed as they are forced to bring their imagination on a whole new level to find panaceas for problems faced by the world.

In fact, MGI MUN is a preparation for the zonal and national MUN. It is the opportunity to give the young delegates an insight of diplomacy.

Cadersaib BenazeerAssistant Editor in Chief

MGI MUN Training at RTISSThe training sessions of the MGI MUN have been possible with the logistic support of our English teacher, Mr. Syed and experienced Munners of RTSS. The latter have helped us to understand Model United Nations as an educational simulation in which we learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations.

We received guidance on carrying out efficient research work on our respective countries. This enabled us to learn about the economic, social, political and linguistic situations of the countries we had to represent. Moreover, to prepare our resolutions, all delegates assembled to discuss ways of approaching the points and finding solutions. Apart from critical thinking, teamwork and leadership abilities, we also developed our public speaking, debating, and writing skills. Most importantly, we boosted our fellow delegates’ confidence, especially those from Form 1 and Form 2 who were not too familiar about how the conference operates. During lunch time, we devoted our time organising our ideas to argue for and against issues as mentioned in our respective resolutions.

The training session at RTSS has been enriching as we got the opportunity to be acquainted with new friends and share our experience and knowledge with them. Solidarity, team work and communication were

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the main assets we take from our training for the MGI MUN Conference. It was an enjoyable process as we didn’t only train the younger ones but we were also trained by the former Munners! In this fellowship, there was neither selfishness nor ego issues despite the fact that MUN is viewed as a competition. In a nut shell, on behalf of the other delegates at RTSS, I can proudly say that with this project, we have been able to develop self-confidence and interpersonal skills.

B.B. Saheerah Bundhoo Form 44th March 2016

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Making of MGI MUNIf there is one event which is invariably a must each year, it is the planning of the Model United Nations! As MGI MUN moves into its seventh edition, the MGI MUN organizing team took the challenge since the beginning of 2016 to work with zeal in order to provide a memorable experience to all delegates of the MGI MUN 2016. What can be better in the forefront of revolutionary changes and commitment than a well-organized team?

Great Leaders have vision. Accordingly, the Secretary General, Mr. Khadaroo Akhtar had a clear and excellentplan to set a stable concept concerning the MGI Model United Nations so thatevery next generation which will take over later willcontinue to follow the same principles in organising this prestigious event. However, managing a team of people with different personalities and different frames of mind was not an easy task. Humility is one of the most important virtues that I have personally been acquiring during this phase, together with some dedication, ambition, willingness and patience coupled with some great fervour to empower each other, implement plans and above all be fully motivated tonurture the minds of even younger students with awareness of diplomacy and real world issues.

Moreover, the process of fund raising without complete reliance on the sponsors pushed our Secretariat to new initiatives. ‘Ice Cream selling’- an option to cool the atmosphere proved to be a beneficial idea. In an effort to obtain the largest crowd came forth a credible team work which led this activity to another success after the juice sales.

With great commitment comes a great responsibility. With great responsibility comes great endeavour and with a great endeavour comes a victorious outcome. The experience one acquires through the making of this conference is unique and incomparable.Two months of life marking experiences. Two months of ever-lasting memories. Two months which moulded our personalities for the better.Two months which have changed our characters forever.

Sristi Torul,MGI MUN Secretariat 2016.

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