Shillong (Meghalaya), June 7: The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) hosted the Yuvamanthan Model United Nations (YMUN) today ,7th June 2024, at the Golden Jubilee Auditorium here. The event, themed ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ brought together approximately 80 students representing various member countries of the United Nations to discuss critical issues related to environmental sustainability and policymaking.
In his welcome address, Prof. R. L. Nongkhlaw, Dean of Student’s Welfare at NEHU, emphasized the importance of such events in empowering the youth and preparing them to become future leaders. He stated, ‘The Yuvamanthan Model United Nations focuses on the development and empowerment of the youth. Organizing such events at the university gives our students, and those from across the state, a platform to become future leaders.’
The inaugural function was attended by the Chief Guest, Prof. Indrajit Dube, Vice-Chancellor of National Law University, Meghalaya. Prof. Dube highlighted the significance of the YMUN in fostering leadership and policy-making skills among young minds. ‘The Yuvamanthan Model United Nations provides a platform for our young minds to be the future of the nation and lead the world.The youth play an important role in making policies for a better future, and their participation is crucial for the development of the nation by 2047. These events build transformative leadership among youth who are willing to lead, change, and align with democratic values,’ said Prof. Dube.
Prof. D. K. Nayak, Chairman of the inaugural function, expressed his admiration for the gathering of young minds and their role in nation-building. “This gathering is inspiring and energetic. The MUN provides a unique platform to engage in negotiations, not just as an academic exercise but as a training ground for young minds. The principles discussed here today, from global warming to climate change, demand our attention and action’; he remarked.
The YMUN featured three engaging sessions where students discussed various environmental issues.
Session, I saw the discussion on “Renewable Energy and Green Transportation” The session Chaired by Prof. D. K. Nayak, Senior Professor of NEHU, this session saw vibrant discussions and concluded with Welin Stone Shadap, Kushagra Krishna, and Jerus Meshking Debbarma winning the first, second, and third positions respectively.
“Rainwater Harvesting” was discussed in Session II, which was chaired by Naba Bhattacharjee, Chairman SEAC & Technical Advisor (Environment) to the Government of Meghalaya and a noted environmentalist. This session awarded Alfarene Nongbri, Augistina Makri, and N Bishal Singha bagged the first, second, and third positions respectively.
Session III witnessed the discussion on Environmental Degradation in North-East India. The session was chaired by Prof. Devesh Walia, Dean of the School of Human and Environmental Studies. This session focused on the pressing environmental challenges in the region, with Gideon Lyngdoh, Pankhudi Singh, and Pynskhemlang Dkhar taking the top honors.
Each session concluded with the Executive Board, comprising a chairman and two jury members, passing resolutions to be adopted by the nations of the world.
In his valedictory address, Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, Vice-Chancellor of NEHU, commended the students for their participation and their potential as future leaders. ‘Yuvamanthan is not just a platform; it is a movement. A movement that acknowledges the potential and aspirations of our youth, fostering skills-based capabilities through transformative experiential learning programs. Initiatives like these align perfectly with India’s Vision 2047, aiming to transform India into a developed nation. The environmental degradation in North-East India is a matter of great concern, and your deliberations underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to protect and preserve this fragile ecosystem. You are the torchbearers of change, the leaders who will guide India towards its envisioned future,’; Prof. Shukla stated.
The Yuvamanthan Model United Nations at NEHU marks a significant step towards engaging young minds in critical global issues and empowering them to lead the way towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
