SAIMUN 2026 Begins with 650+ Delegates from 14 Countries, Celebrating 14 Years of Youth Diplomacy

2026-07-25 03:05:42 Events / Trade Shows

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Mumbai/Bhubaneswar, 25 July 2026: SAI International Education Group, one of India's leading educational institutions, successfully inaugurated the 14th edition of its flagship international diplomacy conference, the SAI Model United Nations (SAIMUN) 2026, today. The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Guest of Honour, Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner. The conference has brought together more than 650 student delegates, including 30 international participants, representing 14 countries and 23 schools from across India.

Welcoming the delegates, Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson, SAI International Education Group, reflected on the vision behind SAIMUN. She said, "SAIMUN embodies the visionary legacy of our Founder, Late Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, who believed that education must extend beyond classrooms to nurture compassionate, globally conscious leaders. Fourteen years ago, he envisioned SAIMUN as a platform where young minds could engage in meaningful dialogue, appreciate diverse perspectives, and develop the confidence to lead with empathy and integrity. Today, as we proudly host the 14th edition of SAIMUN, welcoming over 650 delegates from 14 countries, it is inspiring to see that vision continue to grow and inspire generations of young leaders. Every edition strengthens our resolve to create future-ready global citizens who believe in collaboration over conflict and dialogue over division. I encourage every delegate to embrace this opportunity with curiosity and an open mind, for the conversations you begin here have the power to shape not only your future but also the future of our world."

Speaking on the importance of youth-led diplomacy, Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner, encouraged students to embrace dialogue and collaboration as the foundation of global progress. He emphasised that negotiation, active listening, and empathy are the three essential skills every young leader must cultivate to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. He said, "Platforms like SAIMUN remind us that the future of international cooperation rests in the hands of young people who are willing to listen, debate, and lead with empathy. Every meaningful global solution begins with informed dialogue, mutual respect, and the courage to embrace diverse perspectives. I congratulate SAI International School for creating a platform that prepares students not just for academic excellence, but for responsible global leadership."

SAIMUN provides students with a platform to engage with important global issues through diplomacy, dialogue, and collaboration. By simulating international forums, the conference encourages participants to think critically, negotiate with purpose, and work together to find practical solutions to real-world challenges while developing leadership skills and a global outlook.

The conference has brought together delegates from 14 countries, including Liberia, South Sudan, Uganda, Eswatini, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Libya, Madagascar, Syria, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India, creating a vibrant multicultural environment that promotes meaningful dialogue, mutual respect, and collaborative problem-solving.

Sharing his experience of attending SAIMUN for the first time, Chol Malual Achiek Cath from South Sudan said, "It has been a wonderful experience, and I've really enjoyed being here. Since this is my first time attending SAIMUN, everything has been new and exciting. I especially appreciate how well the conference has been organised and how supportive the Executive Board has been throughout. The opening ceremony was truly special, particularly the beautiful performance by the children. It was a lovely reminder that when we come together and work as a team, we can overcome challenges and create something meaningful. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this experience."

A total of 23 schools participated in SAIMUN 2026, representing a diverse mix of leading educational institutions from across the country. The participating government schools included PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3, Bhubaneswar; PM Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Mundali, Cuttack; PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 3, Cuttack; DAV Public School, MCL, Talcher; Demonstration Multipurpose School, Bhubaneswar; and Iconic Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya, Bhubaneswar. Leading private schools included Pinegrove School, Subathu, Himachal Pradesh; Shree Niketan Patasala, Mannivakkam, Chennai; Shirdi Sai Public School, Moradabad; Shree Saibaba English Medium School, Shirdi; Sunbeam English School, Bhagwanpur, Varanasi; Venkateshwar Signature School, Raipur; and Cohen International School, Bhubaneswar.

Furthermore, many student representatives participated from Mother's Public School, Bhubaneswar; KIIT International School, Bhubaneswar; Asha International School, Bhubaneswar; ODM Public School, Bhubaneswar; Modern Public School, Balasore; DAV Public School, CSPUR, Bhubaneswar; SAI International Residential School, Cuttack; and SAI International School, Bhubaneswar. The wide participation of schools from across India reflected SAIMUN's continued prominence as a leading platform for student diplomacy, leadership, and international collaboration.

SAIMUN 2026 features 11 intellectually engaging committees, each offering delegates an opportunity to deliberate on pressing global and national issues through informed debate and diplomatic engagement. The committees include the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM), United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), United Nations Security Council (UNSC), United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Trade Organization (WTO), Indian Parliament, and the International Press Corps (IPC). Covering a diverse range of contemporary issues, these committees provided delegates with a dynamic platform to strengthen their analytical thinking, public speaking, negotiation and leadership skills while fostering a deeper understanding of global governance and policymaking.

Reflecting its commitment to community engagement beyond committee discussions, SAIMUN 2026 also organised a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative through a tree plantation drive at Sahaya Old Age Home. Delegates came together to promote environmental responsibility and social awareness, putting the values of collaboration and compassion into action.

The inauguration also featured the Felicitation of Toppers, where high-achieving students were honoured with the Top Score Awards 2026 to Tarun Tapan Bhuyan, Tamanna Bal and Vatsal Agarwal in Humanities, Science, and Commerce respectively. Students who demonstrated exceptional innovation and entrepreneurial thinking were presented with the Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo Global Entrepreneur Award to Nayantara Karthikeyan. The recognition celebrated academic excellence, creativity, innovation, and leadership while paying tribute to the visionary legacy of the institution's Founder, Late Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, and reinforcing SAI International's commitment to nurturing future-ready global leaders.

The conference will continue on July 25, with committee sessions, policy discussions, and diplomatic negotiations as delegates deliberate on contemporary global challenges. Through meaningful dialogue and cross-cultural collaboration, SAIMUN 2026 continues to uphold the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam- One World, One Family, while inspiring young changemakers to become responsible global citizens.