Model United Nations has existed for more than 90 years. It began as a series of student-led Model League of Nations simulations to nurture the skills of debate, deliberation, and leadership in students.
The first simulations were called the International Assembly, the first of which was held at Oxford University in November 1921. Two years later, in 1923, the simulations were introduced at Harvard University where they gained popularity.
After the Second World War, the Model League of Nations transitioned to Model United Nations due to the formation of the League’s successor organization in 1945 – the United Nations. Today, some Model United Nations conferences include simulations of the League of Nations among their committee offerings.
The first recorded instance of a Model United Nations conference was at Swarthmore College on April 5, 1947. In the early 1990s Model UN spread to Europe, East, and South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. MUN simulations are popular exercises for student delegates interested in learning more about the United Nations.
The 13th Edition of the VIBGYOR Model United Nations is hosted by the VIBGYOR schools in Pune this year. In view of the global pandemic, the conference was also held virtually in 2020 and 2021. The last edition in physical form was a grand success with over 500 delegates displaying their skills of diplomacy and critical thinking.
VIBGYOR Model United Nations is one of India’s largest conferences, based on the United Nations, where students showcase their leadership skills. It is celebrating its 13th edition this year.
The brainchild of Mr Shim Mathew, Director, Academic Operations, VIBGYOR Group of Schools, VIBGYOR Model United Nations has the unstinted support of Mr Rustom Kerawalla, our Founder Chairman, and Ms Kavita Sahay Kerawalla, Vice-Chairperson. It has been nurtured by Ms Tripti Parekh, the VIBGYOR MUN Chief Advisor.