Mumbai: In a bid to make global issues and diplomacy accessible to all, students of Bombay International School (BIS) have spearheaded a unique initiative, MUNify — a Model United Nations (MUN) project that reaches beyond their own school to engage students from municipal and semi-private schools across Mumbai.
Led by BIS students Arjun Vora, Gayatri Mehta, and Hriday Rajani, the MUNify initiative aims to introduce Model United Nations to municipal school students. From left: Hriday Rajani, Gayatri Mehta, and Arjun Vora |
The program was held on Saturday (July 19) in the school premises. Led by BIS students Arjun Vora, Gayatri Mehta, and Hriday Rajani, MUNify is a simulation-based program that introduces young students to the workings of the United Nations. Through roleplay, participants represent countries and debate real-world challenges from environmental crises to international conflicts.
“Our mission at MUNify is to empower young minds from different backgrounds by providing them with the knowledge and skills to participate in Model United Nations,” said the student organisers in a joint statement. “We aim to bridge the gap for students who lack access to these enriched experiences by organising and hosting MUN events. Through our various committees, we raise awareness about critical global issues such as environmental sustainability, social inequality, and diplomacy. We want to inspire a new generation of leaders through debate and collaboration.”
Creating inclusive global thinkers
Serving as Chief Guest at the culminating MUNify conference, BIS Principal Arjun Rao applauded the efforts of the students, highlighting the importance of democratising such platforms.
BIS Principal Arjun Rao |
“What I think is most amazing is that we've taken what, for many years in our context, has been considered an activity for elite schools with a lot of privilege and extended it to institutions that haven't had such exposure. That makes it powerful,” said Rao.
“You, as fellow students, have chosen to share this wonderful ideas with your peers, whether they go to BIS or a BMC school. You all will share the world together in your generation, and seeing that collaboration come to life is incredibly powerful,” he added.
Rao also underlined the role of youth in driving societal change. He said, “I believe change is only truly possible when young people decide to make it happen. Whether it's a project for social good or a movement for real-world impact, nothing changes until young people get involved. That’s the most crucial takeaway.”
Students from BMC school participated in MUNify |
Teachers applaud the impact:
Educators from participating schools expressed surprise and delight at how transformative the initiative proved to be.
“This is a very innovative and unconventional approach,” said Hetal, a teacher from a BMC school. “We’ve taught about the UN in class, but we never imagined simulating it this way. We do activity-based learning, but this is different it’s a hands-on experience of diplomacy.”
She added, “It helps build so many qualities like confidence, research skills, and empathy. It’s always encouraging to see quiet students speak up loudly in front of others. In today’s world, problem-solving, rational thinking, and understanding others are vital. These children are gaining those skills early.”
BMC school students participate in the MUNify workshop, where they learn to research, negotiate, and speak on world issues — guided by BIS students in an immersive simulation of the United Nations. |
Mamata Sangani, teacher leader from Sitaram Mills Compound Public School, who has been part of the MUNify journey since its inception last year, described her experience as a guide and motivator.
“Our students were mentored by BIS peers, who shared excellent resources and study guides. My role was more of a cheerleader and sounding board, encouraging students to ask questions and develop their own thinking,” she said. “None of them had even heard of MUN before this. Watching them gain clarity, confidence, and collaboration skills has been beautiful. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if they now came up with their own Junior MUN, the spark is there.”
Students step into global roles:
Student delegates like Yash Prajapati from SMCMPS School and Aliza Khan from MLMPS, representing China and South Korea, respectively, reflected on their transformation through MUNify.
“This event gave us an opportunity to learn how to debate,” said Aliza. “It’s very good for building our confidence and gives us knowledge about different countries. Through this project, we were able to speak up and learn to defend our positions.”
Yash said, “MUNify is a very good program. It motivates us to improve our public speaking. After this, my friends and I are even thinking about starting a MUN in our own school.”
On what they learned, Yash noted, “I’ve learned how to research efficiently, speak publicly, and how to defend ourselves when blamed in a debate.” Aliza added, “I’ve learned how to debate confidently, and how to stay on topic during a one-on-one discussion.”
Both students also spoke about how the experience altered their worldview.
“I used to think China was just a corrupt country,” Yash admitted. “But through research, I’ve realised it has many positive sides and has done a lot of good as well.” Sharing a similar perspective, Aliza said, “I always associated South Korea with K-pop. But now I know it also contributes to vaccines and healthcare around the world.”
Heeba Choudhary and Mantasha Choudhary another participants from Abhyudaya Nagar, Mumbai Public School. Heeba said, “MUNify helped us engage with others and improve our speeches.” Whereas Mantasha said, “It’s also beneficial for our future if we want to continue in MUN or public speaking.”
Listing her takeaways, Heeba & Mantasha said, “They’ve learnt how to debate, make their own speeches, speak with confidence, and improve their communication skills.” They also expressed how the event influenced their thinking. “Yes, it changed how I see the world. We are future citizens, and this experience helps us understand how we can contribute and work toward change.”
A platform with purpose
What began as a passion project among a few BIS students is now evolving into a meaningful platform that nurtures skills, broadens worldviews, and promotes inclusion. In a world that often feels divided, MUNify is quietly but surely building bridges — one debate, one delegate, one school at a time.
As Principal Arjun Rao aptly put it, “You will all share this world together. Learning to work together this early, across different schools and backgrounds, is exactly what the world needs.”
Echoing this sentiment, Arjun Vora reminded the audience that “The MUNify Project is not just a conference organiser, we’re building a community of architects of tomorrow. Diplomacy shouldn’t be a privilege; it should be a launchpad.” With each placard raised, MUNify is not just simulating global discussions, it’s shaping future voices that are ready to be heard.
