‘Redefining Global Diplomacy’: 11th Session of Sri Lanka Model United Nations Conference
Sri Lanka Model United Nations more commonly known as SLMUN, is a simulation of a United Nations Conference, created for the younger generation in between the age group of 16-21 to foster diplomacy, creative thinking and debating skills. More than 1000 delegates from Sri Lanka and abroad participate in the conference each year. With this participation, SLMUN aims to spread MUN to all corners of Sri Lanka. SLMUN is also considered to be the largest student run conference in entirety of South Asia.
SLMUN first started off as a “Simulation SAARC” in 2005, to bring student senators to discuss issues of SAARC nations. A determined and an inspired group of students organized the summit. By 2007, “SimulationSAARC”, established itself as a well reputed student summit among schools. But in 2008, the team decided to go beyond the SAARC region and cover up a wider range of global issues and crises and ventured into the Model UN circuit. As a result, SLMUN conference replaced Simulation SAARC. The idea for such a simulation was conceptualised by Mr. Rohan L. Ellawala, who was the driving force behind the simulation of ‘Simulation SAARC’ and continues to be a pillar of strength behind the success of Sri Lanka Model United Nations.
SLMUN Conference is held three consecutive days and consist of intense debate and resolution making in a diplomatic aspect. The purpose is to make the youth engaged in the conference realize and bring out as to what real diplomacy is. SLMUN encourages young voices to rise up and make a difference irrelevant of age and background. Within the rapidly changing world, SLMUN strives to educate youth on global issues and different perspectives of nations on controversial subjects. This way, SLMUN has paved the way for hundreds of students to become inspiring leaders. Past SLMUN alumni have gone on to be leading youth leaders and diplomats. SLMUN also to given birth to numerous Sri Lankan UN Youth Delegates.
Understanding the importance of youth involvement in discussions related to international issues and their ability in resolution making, SLMUN 2018 has adopted the theme ‘REDEFINING GLOBAL DIPLOMACY’. In a world where true diplomacy has gone astray, SLMUN 2018 hopes to foster the values of true diplomacy in the youth. True diplomacy is all about the solutions, negotiations and compromise and it is hoped that the youth at SLMUN 2018 will achieve solutions to pressing global issues through diplomacy, debate and compromise.
SLMUN 2018 will take place from August 31st- September 2nd 2018 at the BMICH, Colombo. Registrations are now open for schools and private delegates. Delegates wishing to participate can log on to www. slmun.org and register themselves up for the 11th Session of Sri Lanka Model United Nations Conference.