THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, NOVEMBER 13, 2026
More than 300 student delegates from schools, colleges and universities
across Odisha have come together in Bhubaneswar for Global Model United Nations
(GMUN) 2026, a three-day international youth conference aimed at promoting
diplomacy, leadership, global awareness and international cooperation.
The conference, organised by the Global Model United Nations Organising
Committee, Bhubaneswar, with Panthan Trust as the Hosting Partner, commenced on
Friday at Hotel Sheetal under the theme “Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change”.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Madhusmita Sahoo, Director,
Teachers’ Education and State Council of Educational Research and Training (TE
& SCERT), Odisha, as the Chief Guest.
Dr Pradeep Panda, Specialist, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
(SRHR), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); Dr Dillip Routray, former
District Magistrate and Collector of Bhadrak; and Subhasheee Nanda, Additional
Secretary, Planning and Convergence Department, Government of Odisha, attended
the occasion as Guests of Honour. Mirza Abdul Zaheer, Founder of Panthan Trust,
was also present as the Host Partner.
The three-day conference seeks to provide young participants with
first-hand exposure to international diplomacy through simulated United Nations
proceedings, structured debates, negotiations and policy discussions.
Representing different countries, delegates will deliberate on a range of
pressing global challenges while gaining insights into international relations
and multilateral cooperation.
The conference features several key forums, including the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA), United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), BRICS, Lok Sabha and
International Press, offering participants an opportunity to engage with
diverse global and national issues.
Beyond academic deliberations, GMUN 2026 aims to equip students with essential skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, negotiation and decision-making. It also seeks to foster mutual understanding, respect for diverse perspectives and a sense of responsibility towards addressing challenges confronting the world.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to providing young people with a meaningful platform to express their views, engage in constructive dialogue and understand the importance of international cooperation in building a peaceful, inclusive and sustainable world.
