Chandigarh students tackle global issues at Model United Nations

The 12th edition of the three-day Strawberry Fields High School Model United Nations (MUN) conference and legal symposium kicked off today at the school’s packed Newton Hall.

With the theme “engage, enact, empower”, the school transformed into a hub of diplomacy as classrooms turned into UN-style committees, brimming with debate, negotiation and resolution drafting.

Over 400 student delegates from across India — both middle and high school — are participating in the three-day event.

The keynote address was delivered by Ambassador Deepak Vohra, a diplomat and advisor. Drawing from his global experience and deep belief in youth empowerment, Vohra captivated the audience with his wit, wisdom and reflections on India’s evolving global identity.

He emphasised the role of belief and collective effort in shaping both personal and national progress, and stayed on to engage thoughtfully with student queries.

Over the next two days, delegates will hone public speaking, leadership, and negotiation skills while simulating key UN bodies and agencies. Committees include: UNODC: Tackling the synthetic opioid crisis, focusing on juvenile narcotic mortality; UNSC: Operating under a classified agenda; joint crisis committee: Re-enacting the 1947 Partition with a freeze date of July 1, 1947; and foreign office of the third reich: examining its role in the Holocaust with a freeze date of July 15, 1942.

“By combining contemporary and historical challenges, the Strawberry Fields MUN and legal symposium offers a powerful platform for students to engage critically with global issues and history, making it a truly transformative learning experience,” school director Atul Khanna said.

Chandigarh