Dear delegates,

It is with immense pleasure that we Falguni Athale and Isha Maheshwari invite you all to the 10th iteration of the Shishukunj Model United Nations. We are honored to be serving as the Co-Chairpersons of The United Nations Commission on the Development of Africa.

I am Falguni Athale, an 11th grader. As I stand here today, I am filled with nostalgia and excitement, reminiscing about my own journey in the MUN circuit. Four years ago, I was in your shoes, nervously yet enthusiastically and excitedly stepping into the whole new world of debates and discussions. Fast forward to today, and I am humbled to be chairing a committee comprising talented individuals like yourselves. My experience in MUNs has been transformative, helping me hone my skills in public speaking, debating, lobbying, and leadership. More importantly, it has given me lifelong friendships, bonds and unforgettable memories.

I am Isha Maheshwari, a 12th grader studying Commerce with Applied Maths. An ENFP through and through I am curious, expressive and not afraid to stand up for what I believe in. In my free time, you’ll probably see me surrounded by books or engrossed in a mathematical equation (Yes, I’m a nerd!). Just like many of you, my first ever MUN was a SISMUN. I have been MUNing for about 4 years since then and I have come to love the experience. MUNs have played a pivotal role in shaping who I am. A confident public speaker, a good listener, a critical thinker and most importantly a responsible leader. 

The United Nations Commission on the Development of Africa is an international commission responsible for Africa’s sustainable development. It maintains the focus on careful operations and facility construction. Uniting Africa and forging global partnerships, the committee offers pooled access to Africa’s resource wealth. The UNCDA also supports environmental protection, education & technology — striving to develop African countries through sustainable development methods. After a lot of brainstorming we have decided to take up the agenda – Addressing Exploitation of Resources in the African Subcontinent. Africa is a country rich in natural resources but struggles with the systemic exploitation of these resources. This agenda seeks to confront this deeply rooted issue that traces its origin back to the colonial era and has only intensified over time. We seek to analyse the different dimensions of this problem and explore cooperative and long term solutions that enable African countries to exercise greater sovereignty over their resources by shaping developmental paths.

This conference is more than just a simulation of the United Nations. It is a platform for you to shine, to explore your potential, and to discover your voice. We urge you to dive headfirst into the debates, to challenge your perspectives, and to learn from one another. Be bold, fearless and purposeful. We are confident that this MUN will be a defining experience for each of us. As your co – chairpersons, we want to make this committee as engaging and informative for you as possible. Do not hesitate to reach out to us in case you have the tiniest of doubts. Let’s make this conference one to remember!

Looking forward to seeing you soon!!

Best of luck 

Happy debating