Dear delegates,

 

It is my absolute pleasure and privilege to welcome each and every one of you to the Eleventh Edition of the Sri Sri Academy, Kolkata Model United Nations, 2026. This year marks over 11 years of excellence in the ideas of debate, diplomacy and deliberation, and it has been a truly remarkable journey, which we are proud to continue. For the delegates, this year’s conference offers six distinct committees, serving as the primary forums to deliberate, negotiate, challenge ideas, and ultimately contribute to the legacy of this institution. I sincerely hope that each and every one of you makes the most of the opportunities that lie ahead, and let justice be done, which is the motto of our conference.

 

Over years, it has become increasingly difficult to put into words or define what exactly a Model United Nations conference is. Some say it is an ‘academic exercise’, whereas some more poetically label it as a ‘forum of ideas', both of which are certainly true. There are also certain people who call the entire conundrum an elaborate form of 'LARP', and to their credit, that is also true. Whatever it may be that drives you to MUN, I can assure you this conference will have that, as it has for so many years.  However, this will require your help, as unlike most other occupations these days, the job of a diplomat cannot be replaced by AI.

 

Delegates, over the many committees I have been to, I have seen that artificial intelligence  and communiques written by your seniors will only get you so far. Being a MUNner is not about just ‘winning’, as more often than not it is that the spirit of diplomacy lies in compromise when it comes to international relations. What is ‘Model United Nations’ then? Well, that is for you all to decide. Whether it is getting NATO to launch an armed attack on another NATO country, turning the United Kingdom into a 'communist Emirate', funding cross-border terrorism in the Middle East, metaphorically becoming 'Israel’s strongest soldier' or just straightforward conventional debate, I have done it all in my committees, and now it is for you to to use your own wits and determination to make your journey. 

 

Chop chop delegates, as they say, please do LOCK IN, for who knows what awaits.

 

This concept is perfectly encapsulated by a poignant observation from the film Forrest Gump: "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get.'”

Until October,

Perspicaciously yours,

Arush Mahapatra,

Secretary General,

Sri Sri Academy Model United Nations, 2026