On the occasion of United Nations Day, the International Relations (IR) Programme of North East Christian University (NECU) organized its first NECU Model United Nations. Dr. Hutoka Sumi, acting as the UN Secretary-General, declared the General Assembly open.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Chibenthung Yanthan, who briefed participants on how the idea for the event was conceptualized. Vivekananda Das, an MA student of the IR Programme, shared a brief history of the United Nations.
Ten students represented countries including the United States, India, China, Japan, Russia, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Germany. They addressed a range of global issues and proposed resolutions before the General Assembly. Witenthuibo Chawang, an alumnus of the NECU IR Programme, served as the President of the General Assembly.
Recurring themes during the plenary sessions included the need for collective responsibility, global cooperation, multilateralism, peace, security, human rights, climate change, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and respect for international law. Countries such as India, Japan, and Singapore raised concerns regarding the non-inclusive UN Security Council and called for India’s inclusion as a permanent member. Chan Seth, representing Myanmar, emphasized the necessity of recognizing the National United Government as the legitimate democratic government. Pongmei P. Konyak, representing China, highlighted ongoing global conflicts and supported a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestinian issue.
The proposed resolutions were put to a vote by the President of the General Assembly. The session concluded with remarks from Dr. Hutoka Sumi and a vote of thanks by Dr. Keneisenuo Solo, Coordinator of the IR Programme.