Page 8 - DAIS - DAISPORA ISSUE 05

Reflection and the Road Ahead
After 21 editions, what makes you most proud?
The consistency of excellence. From a small idea, DAIMUN has grown into one of
the most respected student conferences in Asia. Every year, our students uphold
professionalism and authentic diplomacy that rival university-level forums.

What lessons have two decades of DAIMUN taught you?
1. Empowerment breeds excellence. Trust students, and they’ll exceed
expectations.
2. Diplomacy is learned through dialogue. Listening is as vital as speaking.
As DAIMUN celebrates more than two decades of shaping young diplomats, Ms. Growth and Milestones 3. Adaptation ensures longevity. Staying current keeps DAIMUN relevant and
Soma Basu, Faculty MUN Coordinator at DAIS, reflects on its origins, evolution, Which moments stand out as turning points for DAIMUN? resilient.
and the spirit of leadership that continues to define it. Two milestones are unforgettable. The first was in 2006, when we received THIMUN
affiliation — the first school in the Indian subcontinent to do so. The second was How do you envision the next decade?
Inception and Early Vision when our students began chairing committees at THIMUN The Hague and We aim to expand DAIMUN’s international reach, bring in delegations from new
What motivated DAIS to launch its own Model UN back in 2006? Singapore, truly taking DAIS onto the global MUN stage. These achievements regions, and explore sustainability simulations and AI-driven research tools. But the
The motivation came from a clear belief that our students must see themselves as cemented our reputation for excellence and leadership training. heart will remain the same — a student-run platform fostering global understanding
global citizens. The Model UN format offered the perfect intersection of academic and youth diplomacy.
rigour, diplomacy, and collaboration. From the beginning, we wanted to create not How did student leadership evolve over time?
just a debating forum but a living model of the United Nations — where students A: DAIMUN gradually mirrored the THIMUN format — with a full Secretariat, And your long-term aspiration?
could experience global complexities first-hand. Partnering early with the THIMUN Executive Board, and Press Corps. The conference is now entirely student-led, with How have discussion topics evolved? To make DAIMUN not just a conference but a movement — where young voices
Foundation helped us anchor DAIMUN in an international framework of excellence. each year’s team mentoring the next. Empowerment breeds excellence; once Our agendas have become far more nuanced — from peacekeeping to data ethics, shape the conversations that define our shared future.
students are trusted with responsibility, they rise beyond expectations.
What were those early years like? AI governance, and climate migration. The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of
They were exciting and challenging in Outer Space, for example, encourages delegates to consider how technology and
equal measure. We had to build everything What role did the school’s global ethos play in this growth? responsibility must coexist to keep space sustainable and accessible to all. Supriya Khanna
— committees, documentation, and A: Global citizenship is one of DAIS’s strongest pillars. DAIMUN naturally became an Class of 2008
procedure — from scratch. Convincing extension of that philosophy — a living classroom where global perspectives meet Impact and Community
everyone that a student-led conference local initiative. As DAIS embraced international curricula like the IGCSE and IB, What impact has DAIMUN had on its participants?
could mirror the professionalism of the UN DAIMUN’s intellectual foundation only grew stronger. It’s transformative. Students learn diplomacy, negotiation, and research — but more
was ambitious. But those learning years Adaptation and Innovation importantly, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and critical thinking. Many describe
forged a culture of initiative and DAIMUN as a turning point that shaped their confidence and worldview.
collaboration that continues even today. How did DAIMUN navigate the pandemic years?
The virtual editions were a masterclass in adaptability. Students moderated debates Our students continue to gain international recognition.
across time zones, used digital collaboration tools, and reimagined diplomacy
How did the school initially define • Anoushka Tandon (Grade 11) — Deputy Secretary-General, THIMUN Singapore
success? online. When we returned to campus in 2022, the transition was seamless — but 2025; Secretary-General, THIMUN The Hague 2026.
In the beginning, success meant also deeply emotional. Nothing compares to the energy of in-person debate and • Aanya Shah — Deputy Secretary-General, THIMUN Singapore 2024; Student
participation numbers and quality of camaraderie. Advisor for 2025.
debate. Over time, it became more about
impact — the intellectual depth of What innovations have been introduced since? These achievements show how deeply DAIMUN’s legacy of diplomacy runs.
discussions, inclusivity, professionalism, We’ve expanded committee diversity with crisis and advisory panels, strengthened
and the personal growth of every delegate. The Daily Muntra press corps into a multimedia newsroom, and integrated digital What role does DAIMUN play in the wider DAIS community?
Today, success is measured by the tools for registration and live coverage. Each year’s theme now reflects global It’s become part of our identity. Faculty mentor, parents support, and younger
confidence and global perspective our interconnectivity — for instance, “Polycrisis: Navigating a New Global Order” — students aspire to join. DAIMUN brings everyone together in a shared celebration of
students carry forward. urging students to think systemically about world issues. learning, leadership, and global understanding.