Page 12 - DAIS - DAISPORA ISSUE 05

The Evolution of
DAIMUN
A little over twenty years ago, Model United Nations conferences (or MUNs) were a
niche inter-school activity in India. There were barely three large conferences in
Mumbai and only one international event attended by Indian students. But they were
something I was deeply passionate about. I still remember being part of the first
Year 11 batch at DAIS and asking my teachers if we could host our own MUN — not
really knowing what to expect.
As with any student-led activity at DAIS, I was encouraged to move forward,
supported by everyone from our Chairperson to our housekeeping staff. That spirit
of collaboration became the foundation on which DAIMUN was built.
As the founder and first Secretary-General, writing this article holds a special place
in my heart. Over two decades later, DAIMUN has grown into one of the world’s
most successful student-run conferences — a true symbol of synergy and
teamwork.
The first DAIMUN hosted around 150 students and included India’s first mock
International Court of Justice. Last year, the conference crossed 500 delegates; this
year will see India’s first NATO simulation. Today, DAIMUN brings together students
across grades and schools, teaching them to research, negotiate, and build
consensus — skills that reach far beyond the classroom.
DAIMUN 2025
A Legacy of Vision and Leadership
Aditya Jhaveri, one of DAIMUN’s earliest leaders, reflected on its origins:
“DAIMUN was my first real experience in building something larger than myself. My
exposure to international MUNs opened my eyes to what a Model UN could truly
be — a platform that transcends schools and borders.
In 2006, as Secretary-General, I helped bring THIMUN leadership to Mumbai. On
the final day, they announced DAIMUN’s THIMUN affiliation — a turning point that
transformed our conference into a 400–500 delegate international platform.
The following year, I was invited to The Hague as President of the General
Assembly — the first person from India to hold that role. Overseeing sessions with
2,500 delegates was a defining leadership moment. Two decades later, I still draw
from what DAIMUN taught me: the power of bold thinking, collaboration, and
turning ideas into lasting legacies.”
A Bond for Life
Members of last year’s Secretariat, Rushaan and Veer, called DAIMUN a “bond for
life.” It taught them to collaborate, navigate differing viewpoints, and lead with
confidence — lessons they say extend far beyond school. They also spoke of how
DAIMUN connects students across grades and interests, creating a vibrant space
for teamwork, dialogue, and shared purpose.
The Spirit Lives On
This year’s Secretariat hopes to surpass 500 delegates and strengthen DAIMUN’s
international presence. For Anaya, a DAIS student since LKG, and Aarav, who
joined later, DAIMUN has been a journey of friendship and growth. They describe
teamwork as “an act of diplomacy” — the essence of what DAIMUN represents:
collaboration, curiosity, and leadership.
Two decades on, DAIMUN remains a transformative experience — uniting
students, teachers, and alumni in the shared pursuit of dialogue and diplomacy.
What began as a simple idea has become a defining DAIS tradition, inspiring every
generation to think globally, act collaboratively, and lead with conviction.
Feriel Jackson
Class of 2005
First Secretary-General of DAIMUN