THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: "Here at the UN, we have a responsibility to stand up against regimes that persecute their people,’’ the UK Prime Minister’s conclusion was welcomed by applause from the country heads assembled at the ‘UN General Assembly.’
Well, the scene was a recreation of the 66th UN General Assembly in the city on Friday. The students, some sporting the traditional wear of the representing countries, actively deliberated in the general debate.
The model assembly organised by the Christ Nagar International School saw the active participation of around 200 young talents from various schools in the city. "It was a fantastic event,’’ says Shanika Rakesh, who spoke on a couple of contemporary issues, including the ‘Arab Spring’, in her role as British Prime Minister David Cameron.
"Deliberations on several issues at the assembly helped us a lot in self-improvement,’’ said Shanika, a 12th standard student of Arya Central School.
The Assembly began with the Under Secretary General addressing the assembly complete with 193 nations. The topic for the general debate was, ‘The role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means.’’ The debate was followed by a voting.
"It gave us a chance to peek into international affairs,’’ said Dharini Suresh, who had the prestigious chair of UN Secretary General. "The event helped us to understand the UN and its functioning. Only rarely do we get such exciting opportunities,’’ said Dharini, a student of St Thomas Central School.
"Besides a chance to enhance the public speaking skills, it also gave a taste of coordinating different activities,’’ said Ambica B Nair, a tenth standard student of St Thomas ICSE School.
Ambica, in her role as Under Secretary General, was among those who managed the affairs in the Assembly.
The Assembly also had a fitting chief guest in the form of a real former UN Under Secretary General Shashi Tharoor MP. Tharoor, who complimented the school authorities, said such events would help the students learn international affairs.
The MP also shared his views on the most respected international organisation. "UN is like an arena for the member countries to deliberate,’’ he said. "But to consider the organisation as a foolproof set-up is wrong. UN also has flaws and limitations. It may not help to make our world a heaven. But definitely it will not let the world become a hell like a World War,’’ he said.
The Assembly concluded with the Under Secretary General’s closing address.
The preparations for the Assembly had started much earlier with the speakers of the member nations being selected through an elocution contest. The selected students went through a rigorous grooming process under the guidance of former Ambassador T P Srinivasan.