Introduction:
The Maurya School Model United Nations (The Maurya School MUN) 2026, held on May 23rd and 24th at The Maurya School, Gurugram, marked the successful first edition of the conference, fostering meaningful dialogue, diplomacy, and critical thinking among young leaders. Bringing together over 380 participants from 15+ schools, the conference provided a dynamic platform for students to engage in insightful deliberations, collaborative problem-solving, and discussions on pressing global issues. The event successfully encouraged participants to broaden their perspectives, strengthen their diplomatic skills, and actively engage with diverse viewpoints in the spirit of international cooperation.
Inaugural Ceremony:
The conference commenced with an inspiring inaugural ceremony graced by Chief Guest Major General (Dr.) G.D. Bakshi, 1971 war and Kargil veteran, military historian, defence analyst, and author, alongside Guest of Honour Mr. Nitin Saluja, author of The Policy Self and advisor to leading national and international institutions. Their insightful addresses highlighted the importance of informed youth participation, leadership, and diplomacy in addressing contemporary global challenges, setting an engaging and thought-provoking tone for the sessions ahead. The conference concluded with distinguished guests Mr. Ashish Mansharamani and Mr. Chittaranjan Khaitan, IAS (Retd.), whose reflections celebrated the delegates’ efforts and the spirit of meaningful dialogue fostered throughout the event.
CHIEF GUESTS
The Maurya School Model United Nations (The Maurya School MUN) 2026 commenced with an inspiring inaugural ceremony, graced by the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Major General (Dr.) G.D. Bakshi, a 1971 war and Kargil veteran, military historian, defence analyst, and author, along with Guest of Honour Mr. Nitin Saluja, author of The Policy Self and an advisor to leading national and international institutions. Their presence added distinction to the first edition of the conference, while their insightful addresses inspired the young delegates and set an engaging tone for the sessions ahead.
The speeches delivered by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour emphasized the importance of informed leadership, diplomacy, critical thinking, and active youth participation in addressing global challenges. The closing ceremony was further graced by Mr. Ashish Mansharamani, associated with ISRN, UNECOSOC, UNEP Climate Policy, NC-UNFCCC, and the LMSAI Harvard University Initiative, and Mr. Chittaranjan Khaitan, IAS (Retd.), former Additional and Joint Secretary, Government of Chandigarh. Their presence and reflections reinforced the conference's commitment to empowering young minds and fostering the next generation of thoughtful and responsible global leaders.
Committees and Themes:
The Maurya School MUN 2026 featured a diverse range of committees, each designed to provide delegates with a unique platform to engage in meaningful debate, strategic thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. From international organizations addressing pressing global concerns to dynamic Indian and entertainment-based committees, the conference offered a varied and engaging experience for participants. Each committee was guided by a dedicated Executive Board that ensured productive deliberations and an enriching experience for all delegates.
- United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW): Chaired by Mr. Waleed Ahmar, with Mr. Dhruv Tyagi as Vice-Chairperson and Ms. Saanvi Rawal as Rapporteur.
- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF): Chaired by Ms. Aislinn, with Ms. Nelissa Meel as Substantive Director and Ms. Akshita Sharma as Rapporteur.
- World Health Organization (WHO): Chaired by Mr. Danish Macknight, with Ms. Siya Chahal as Vice-Chairperson and Ms. Jiya Batra as Rapporteur.
- Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC): Moderated by Mr. Kartik Pathak, with Ms. Niharika Arora as Deputy Moderator.
- All India Political Parties Meet (AIPPM): Moderated by Mr. Vaibhav Tyagi, with Mr. Kanishak Mahajan as Deputy Moderator and Mr. Abeer Sharma as Scribe.
- IPL Auction: Led by Mr. Omkar as Auctioneer and Ms. Aanya as Deputy Auctioneer, offering delegates an engaging simulation of the high-stakes world of professional cricket auctions.
- Shark Tank: Featuring Mrs. Bhavika Dabur Singh as Panelist, providing participants with a platform to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas and business acumen.
- International Press Corps (IPC): Led by Mr. Satvik Singhal as Head of IP and Ms. Lavanya Mendiratta as Head of Caricature, covering the conference through journalism, photography, and caricature.
Awards and Recognition:
Outstanding delegates and delegations were honored for their exemplary performance and contributions to committee sessions. Awards such as Best Delegate, High Commendation, and Special Mention were presented, recognizing delegates' diplomatic acumen, leadership, and creativity in problem-solving.
Conclusion and Reflections:
The Maurya MUN 2026 concluded on a high note, bringing together 380+ delegates from 15+ institutions across Delhi NCR. The conference fostered diplomacy, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration through thought-provoking deliberations and dynamic committee simulations. Sponsors such as Belgian Waffle, Adorn Me, and Mr. Shakess added to the experience during meal breaks, while the underground social evening featuring a live band and DJ provided a memorable finale. Overall, the conference marked a successful celebration of dialogue, leadership, and youth empowerment.
End Notes from Summit Advisors
The first edition of The Maurya MUN 2026 took place on the 23rd and 24th of May at The Maurya School, Gurugram. The event hosted 380+ delegates and 15+ institutions from various parts of Delhi NCR. The simulation consisted of conventional committees like the World Health Organisation, United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, United Nations Children’s Fund, and International Press Corps. Alongside, unique committees such as Central Board for Film Certification, Shark Tank, All India Political Parties Meet, and IPL Auction were also simulated. The agendas were thought provoking and evoked charged deliberations. Sponsors like Belgian Waffle, Adorn Me, and Mr. Shakess made for a good time during the meal breaks for all participants. To top it all off, the underground social evening with a live band performance and DJ was highly memorable.
