Latest news with #ModelUnitedNations
The Wire
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Wire
VIBGYOR Group of Schools Announces 15th Edition of Model United Nations Conference Focused on Climate Action
New Delhi [India], June 20: VIBGYOR Group of Schools, one of India's leading K-12 education networks, is set to host the 15th edition of its flagship Model United Nations (VIBGYOR MUN) from June 25–28, 2025, at The Westin, Mumbai Powai Lake. This Quindecennial Edition marks more than a milestone, it reaffirms the conference's mission to empower young minds with the skills, awareness, and empathy needed to address global challenges. Open to students aged 14 to 19 from domestic and international schools, VIBGYOR MUN has long served as a platform for intellectual exchange and leadership growth. This year's theme centred around the UN Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action—highlights the urgent need to tackle climate change through inclusive, solution-focused dialogue. Delegates will examine topics like emission reductions, environmental equity, sustainable transitions, and global cooperation, gaining insights into both the science and politics of climate resilience. The conference will be inaugurated by Dr. Vedprakash Mishra, a distinguished academician and public health expert, who will set the stage for meaningful dialogue on sustainability and global responsibility. 'What makes VIBGYOR MUN truly special is the way our students show up—not just as debaters, but as thoughtful, compassionate individuals who care deeply about the world,' said Kavita Kerawalla, Vice-Chairperson, VIBGYOR Group of Schools. 'Every year, I'm humbled by the conversations they spark and the empathy they bring into the room. This isn't just a conference, it's a reminder of what's possible when young people come together with purpose and heart.' Over four days, students will take part in eleven sessions across seven committees, including SPECPOL, COP30, UNICEF, Security Council, and Lok Sabha. Guided by experienced Chairs, the simulations aim to inspire critical thinking, collaboration, and confident problem-solving. What sets VIBGYOR MUN 15 apart is its rich co-curricular programme, designed to deepen engagement beyond formal committee discussions. Highlights include: • The MUN Colosseum, a high-stakes, parliamentary-style debate featuring the Executive Board in action. • A Fireside Chat series, offering students an intimate space to interact with leading voices in policy, activism, and diplomacy. • A midnight crisis simulation, an unscripted challenge for the Executive Board that tests agility, leadership, and teamwork under pressure. • A student-run press conference and a socio-cultural night, blending journalism, spontaneity, and community celebration into the MUN experience. Over the years, VIBGYOR MUN has hosted influential figures including Afroz Shah (UN Champion of the Earth), Erik Solheim (former Executive Director, UN Environment), and Consul Generals from Sweden, France, and the Netherlands, enriching student dialogue with real-world relevance and global perspective. As it enters its 15th year, VIBGYOR MUN continues to be a crucible for young voices committed to change, where diplomacy meets action, and students step forward not just as delegates, but as future leaders. Registrations are now open at About VIBGYOR Group of Schools Founded in 2004, VIBGYOR Group of Schools, recognised as Best Education Brand of 2023 by The Economic Times, followed by the BW Education Top Education Brands Award 2024 for Academic Excellence in K-12, is a leading network of K-12 schools known for its academic excellence for over two decades. The Group offers a unique range of world-class educational programs for the holistic development of students in curricular and co-curricular studies across all its schools. Under the leadership of Mr. Rustom Kerawalla, Founder Chairman of the institution, VIBGYOR Group of Schools is nurturing the academic growth and development of over 50,000 students nationwide across its 39 schools in 15 major cities. VIBGYOR Group of Schools delivers international levels of education in affiliation with CISCE, CBSE and Cambridge International curriculum, from early years education to Grade 12. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Expand access to MUN for public school students, education ministry told
Arishah Rusydan, 17, won the 'Best Delegate' award at the 16th Asia Youth International Model United Nations in Kuala Lumpur. PETALING JAYA : The education ministry is being urged to expand access to Model United Nations (MUN) activities for public school students, given their value in fostering critical thinking, leadership and global awareness. Malaysian Youth Association for Diplomacy and Policy (MyADP) president Benjamin Fong said MUN serves as a powerful educational platform for developing higher-order thinking, aligning with the national curriculum's focus on Higher Order Thinking Skills (KBAT). Benjamin Fong. He said it also sharpens English proficiency and equips students with soft skills such as public speaking, teamwork and diplomacy. 'MUN goes far beyond debate. It teaches problem-solving, policy writing, idea generation and negotiation—all essential in preparing our students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,' he told FMT. Fong said many MUN events struggle to gain recognition from the ministry, particularly in securing approval for Psychometric Assessment and Assessment of Physical Activity Co-curriculum (PAJSK) marks. This, he said, limits participation among government secondary school students despite growing interest in the activity. Under current guidelines, secondary school students only receive PAJSK marks—used in admissions to public universities and for scholarship applications—if the event is approved by the ministry. 'Because of this, students often have to prioritise officially recognised activities, missing out on the unique developmental benefits that MUN offers,' he said. Fong said student organisers also face bureaucratic hurdles in applying for ministry approval, especially when small participation fees are involved—a practice often restricted under current regulations. 'Out of the 31 schools we've identified as active in MUN, only two are government secondary schools,' he said. To address the issue, MyADP has published a step-by-step guide to help school and university-based organisers apply for official recognition. He said the ministry should simplify the process and consider allowing reasonable fees, provided events maintain educational value and inclusivity. 'We should be encouraging more students like Arishah Rusydan to join MUN. It's a vital step toward nurturing holistic thinkers, confident communicators and future leaders,' he said. Earlier this month, FMT reported that Arishah, 17, had been denied PAJSK marks despite winning the 'Best Delegate' award at the 16th Asia Youth International Model United Nations in Kuala Lumpur. Arishah said such policies could discourage students from participating in global events that help build real-world skills and confidence. The event, which featured 1,000 participants from 38 countries, was not endorsed by the ministry and therefore did not qualify for PAJSK consideration. Under PAJSK, only ministry-approved activities are eligible for co-curricular marks, which make up 10% of the merit score for university placements and scholarships. External certificates, even from international or high-level events, are not accepted.
Free Malaysia Today
07-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Student questions lack of recognition for prestigious international events
Arishah Rusydan, portraying a Malawi delegate, emerged as the best delegate at the conference but her achievement has gone unrecognised in Malaysia. (Asia Youth International Model United Nations pic) PETALING JAYA : A secondary school student has questioned the education ministry's policy of awarding marks for co-curricular activities only for recognised programmes, after failing to receive any credit for participating in an international youth conference. Arishah Rusydan, 17, said she was denied marks under the Psychometric Assessment and Assessment of Physical Activity Co-curriculum (PAJSK) despite emerging with the 'Best Delegate' award at the 16th Asia Youth International Model United Nations in Kuala Lumpur recently. The event, which brought together 1,000 participants from 38 countries, was not endorsed by the ministry and therefore did not qualify for PAJSK consideration. 'Imagine winning first place in a prestigious international competition, only to be dismissed because it wasn't endorsed by the ministry,' the SMK Convent (M) Kajang student told FMT. Arishah said teachers advised her to focus instead on programmes that were 'worth her time' – referring to ministry-approved events. Under PAJSK, only activities endorsed by the ministry qualify for co-curricular marks, which account for 10% of the merit score used in university admissions and scholarship applications. External certificates, even from rigorous or internationally recognised events, are not accepted. Arishah pointed out that the policy could discourage students from taking part in global events that help build practical skills and self-confidence. 'The system should allow a process for recognising unendorsed competitions and certificates. It would help validate students' efforts and promote self-driven learning,' she said. She urged the ministry to review PAJSK guidelines to reflect real-world achievements rather than limiting recognition to a fixed list of approved activities. 'If this strict system continues, students who push beyond its boundaries will remain unrecognised. It disheartens us,' she said. She said her experience may reflect the frustrations of other students who feel sidelined despite meaningful achievements outside the classroom. 'Let students build real skills, not just chase marks. Recognising our achievements can unlock potential and help us grow – which is what PAJSK was meant to do in the first place,' she said. Arishah said she contacted the education ministry via email to seek clarification. In reply, the ministry said PAJSK marks are only granted for programmes by external agencies that follow official procedures. These procedures include submitting an application at least 45 days before the event and obtaining formal recognition – rules the ministry said are in place to protect students and ensure proper oversight. Participation in programmes under other ministries, such as the higher education ministry, does not automatically qualify one for PAJSK marks. However, Arishah said it was 'ridiculous' to expect international organisers to be aware of such procedures and apply for recognition when hosting events in multiple countries. The ministry did not respond to further queries on the matter.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Biden reemerges on the attack, but doesn't mention Trump
CHICAGO — Former President Joe Biden ripped the Trump administration's efforts to slash Social Security spending in his first major public speech since leaving the White House, but never mentioned the current president. 'In fewer than 100 days, this administration has caused so much damage and destruction. It's breathtaking,' Biden told about 200 people gathered for the conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled on Tuesday. 'They've taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration." Biden attacked the Trump administration for thousands of job cuts at the federal agency, arguing that they've eviscerated services and endangered benefits for the roughly 73 million seniors who rely on the popular financial assistance program. 'They're shooting first and aiming later,' Biden said. 'The result is a lot of needless pain and sleepless nights.' Biden-isms shined throughout the sometimes rambling, roughly 30-minute speech, as he used the phrases 'folks' and 'I mean it sincerely' to make his points. The former president told well-trod stories of growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and of seeing his parents struggle to make ends meet, and he reminisced about his decades on Capitol Hill. Biden's comments were timed with "Social Security Day of Action" on Tuesday to protest what advocates describe as severe threats to the program under the Trump administration. His gradual reemergence comes as other — more critical — voices begin to shape the narrative surrounding his term. Biden's aides have been bracing for the release of several books documenting his physical and mental state before he abandoned his reelection campaign last year, with allies already challenging reporting about his decline. The speaking engagement in Chicago's River North neighborhood was held just blocks from a high-profile campaign fundraiser held last year for Biden before he dropped out of the 2024 presidential race. The central argument of Biden's speech Tuesday was that the Trump administration presents an untenable threat to Social Security. 'Social Security is more than a government program; it's a sacred promise," he said. The White House response to Biden's speech? 'Embarrassing,' said a spokesperson, who referred POLITICO to the Social Security feed on X, which accused Biden of 'lying to Americans.' Two former administration officials granted anonymity to discuss private plans said that although Biden wants to remain 'engaged,' his speech in Chicago is not necessarily a sign of a more aggressive public schedule. Instead, Biden is expected to pick his spots on specific issues, like Social Security, that matter deeply to him, these officials said. In recent weeks, he's spoken to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, accepting an honorary membership, and he dropped in on students at the Model United Nations conference. 'Coming out with a big democracy, rule of law speech would have been, maybe, too on the nose, so picking Social Security, something that is real to people ... and it matters to him, makes a lot of sense,' said a third former Biden administration official. 'No one would be talking about Social Security tomorrow if Joe Biden wasn't giving this speech, so that alone is proof positive that he can still command a certain level of attention and ability to set the agenda." He's also working on another book, these officials said. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, "The unprecedented assault on Social Security is an all-hands-on-deck moment that requires all of us to show up, stand up and speak up, which is why President Biden's voice in this fight is going to be so incredibly important.' Former Democratic Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, who introduced Biden at the event, said he thought the former president waited the 'appropriate' (almost) 100 days to make his first big speech. And former Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who also was in attendance, said it was 'absolutely' important that Biden speak out on what's happening in Washington, even as some Democrats still have hard feelings about Biden staying in the campaign as long as he did last year. Earlier in the day, David Hogg, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, described Biden's return to public view as a natural step taken by former presidents who want to share their expertise. 'He's not gonna stop being involved. He is a workhorse and he wants to get things done and he wants to help with the party,' Hogg said. But Biden left office with sagging approval ratings, and many Democrats blamed their party's losses in November on him staying in the presidential race for so long. Hogg, responding to some of the criticism about Biden in 2024, said: 'Somebody can be very good at legislating, but not necessarily the right person to be out there on the front and center of things.' Biden is not the only former world leader stepping out in recent days. Biden's predecessor, President Barack Obama, took to social media on Monday night to criticize the Trump administration's funding freeze for Harvard University. And on the same day Biden spoke in Chicago, Justin Trudeau, who had been laying low since resigning as Canada's prime minister last month, was back in public view with an exit interview scheduled to air on a PBS station in Buffalo. Canada is in the middle of a snap election, and voters have largely moved on from the three-term Liberal leader who was intensely unpopular at the time of his exit. And as with Biden, Liberals in Canada may not be eager to see him back in the spotlight. The conversation with broadcaster Valerie Pringle for 'Canada Files' was taped after Trudeau's final Cabinet meeting Although there is seemingly little in the interview to hijack a campaign, the timing is less than ideal for a Liberal Party that's counting on Canadians to forget the reasons they wanted Trudeau gone in the first place. 'How are you feeling?' Pringle asked Trudeau off the top of the half-hour broadcast. 'Really good,' he replied. 'I'm feeling serene about everything that I got done. I think I had a good run.' Sue Allen and Nicholas Wu contributed to this report.
Politico
16-04-2025
- Business
- Politico
Biden reemerges on the attack, but doesn't mention Trump
CHICAGO — Former President Joe Biden ripped the Trump administration's efforts to slash Social Security spending in his first major public speech since leaving the White House, but never mentioned the current president. 'In fewer than 100 days, this administration has caused so much damage and destruction. It's breathtaking,' Biden told about 200 people gathered for the conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled on Tuesday. 'They've taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration.' Biden attacked the Trump administration for thousands of job cuts at the federal agency, arguing that they've eviscerated services and endangered benefits for the roughly 73 million seniors who rely on the popular financial assistance program. 'They're shooting first and aiming later,' Biden said. 'The result is a lot of needless pain and sleepless nights.' Biden-isms shined throughout the sometimes rambling, roughly 30-minute speech, as he used the phrases 'folks' and 'I mean it sincerely' to make his points. The former president told well-trod stories of growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and of seeing his parents struggle to make ends meet, and he reminisced about his decades on Capitol Hill. Biden's comments were timed with 'Social Security Day of Action' on Tuesday to protest what advocates describe as severe threats to the program under the Trump administration. His gradual reemergence comes as other — more critical — voices begin to shape the narrative surrounding his term. Biden's aides have been bracing for the release of several books documenting his physical and mental state before he abandoned his reelection campaign last year, with allies already challenging reporting about his decline . The speaking engagement in Chicago's River North neighborhood was held just blocks from a high-profile campaign fundraiser held last year for Biden before he dropped out of the 2024 presidential race. The central argument of Biden's speech Tuesday was that the Trump administration presents an untenable threat to Social Security. 'Social Security is more than a government program; it's a sacred promise,' he said. The White House response to Biden's speech? 'Embarrassing,' said a spokesperson, who referred POLITICO to the Social Security feed on X , which accused Biden of 'lying to Americans.' Two former administration officials granted anonymity to discuss private plans said that although Biden wants to remain 'engaged,' his speech in Chicago is not necessarily a sign of a more aggressive public schedule. Instead, Biden is expected to pick his spots on specific issues, like Social Security, that matter deeply to him, these officials said. In recent weeks, he's spoken to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, accepting an honorary membership, and he dropped in on students at the Model United Nations conference. 'Coming out with a big democracy, rule of law speech would have been, maybe, too on the nose, so picking Social Security, something that is real to people ... and it matters to him, makes a lot of sense,' said a third former Biden administration official. 'No one would be talking about Social Security tomorrow if Joe Biden wasn't giving this speech, so that alone is proof positive that he can still command a certain level of attention and ability to set the agenda.' He's also working on another book, these officials said. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, 'The unprecedented assault on Social Security is an all-hands-on-deck moment that requires all of us to show up, stand up and speak up, which is why President Biden's voice in this fight is going to be so incredibly important.' Former Democratic Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, who introduced Biden at the event, said he thought the former president waited the 'appropriate' (almost) 100 days to make his first big speech. And former Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who also was in attendance, said it was 'absolutely' important that Biden speak out on what's happening in Washington, even as some Democrats still have hard feelings about Biden staying in the campaign as long as he did last year. Earlier in the day, David Hogg, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, described Biden's return to public view as a natural step taken by former presidents who want to share their expertise. 'He's not gonna stop being involved. He is a workhorse and he wants to get things done and he wants to help with the party,' Hogg said. But Biden left office with sagging approval ratings, and many Democrats blamed their party's losses in November on him staying in the presidential race for so long. Hogg, responding to some of the criticism about Biden in 2024, said: 'Somebody can be very good at legislating, but not necessarily the right person to be out there on the front and center of things.' Biden is not the only former world leader stepping out in recent days. Biden's predecessor, President Barack Obama, took to social media on Monday night to criticize the Trump administration's funding freeze for Harvard University. And on the same day Biden spoke in Chicago, Justin Trudeau, who had been laying low since resigning as Canada's prime minister last month, was back in public view with an exit interview scheduled to air on a PBS station in Buffalo. Canada is in the middle of a snap election, and voters have largely moved on from the three-term Liberal leader who was intensely unpopular at the time of his exit. And as with Biden, Liberals in Canada may not be eager to see him back in the spotlight. The conversation with broadcaster Valerie Pringle for 'Canada Files' was taped after Trudeau's final Cabinet meeting Although there is seemingly little in the interview to hijack a campaign, the timing is less than ideal for a Liberal Party that's counting on Canadians to forget the reasons they wanted Trudeau gone in the first place. 'How are you feeling?' Pringle asked Trudeau off the top of the half-hour broadcast. 'Really good,' he replied. 'I'm feeling serene about everything that I got done. I think I had a good run.' Sue Allen and Nicholas Wu contributed to this report.
