The Centre for Environment and Law successfully hosted the 1st NUALS Environment Model United Nations Conference at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies Campus, Kochi on the 14th and 15th of March, 2014. Prof. (Dr.) E.P. Yasodharan Chairman, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment and Director, Environment Studies, CUSAT, kochi presided over the inaugural ceromony. Mr. Dheer Bhatnagar from National Law School of India University, Bangalore chaired the conference. Mr. Mohammad Kamran and Ms. Anusha Madhusudan were the Secretary General and the Rapporteur for the conference. The Conference witnessed participation from all across the nation in the form of 80 delegates. The agendas for the conference were “Environmental Refugees – Rights of people of submerging lands” and “Balancing energy requirements and environmental concerns – Concrete step towards sustainable development”. The conference was a simulation of the United Nations General Assembly which is the main deliberative, policy making, and representative organ of the United Nations.
The Deliberations of the conference were covered by the International Press. The newsletters for both days of the conference can be accessed here: [Link] [Link]
Ms. Wafa Sultana(the delegate of Philippines) was declared as the Best Delegate while Mr. Shravan Kumar and Ms. Swarathmika, the delegates of Russia and China respectively, won best commendation. Ms. Manmayi Sharma and Mr. Gautam Jayasurya, delegates of Brazil and Indonesia respectively, won Special Mention Certificates. The Chair also mentioned various other delegates who were very pro-active in the proceedings of the conference. The chair appreciated the performance of ‘first-time munners’ who participated in the conference and motivated the delegates to participate in other Model United Nation conferences also. The delegates were also satisfied with the proceedings of the conference and expressed it during the valedictory function. Delegates also appreciated the fact that the deliberations were dealing with Environment and Sustainable development.
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| Wafa Sultana SDM Law College, Mangalore |
In her feedback, the best delegate Ms. Wafa Sultana said, “EnviroMUN gave us a chance to test our skills of teamwork, expository and persuasive writing, debating, mediation and consensus building. I appreciate the Organizers for hosting an MUN exclusively on Environmental issues which not only paved way for a deeper understanding of the subject but also showed us how it is resolved with tact, sensitivity and diplomacy. The MUN also introduced amazing delegates from all over the country and widened our friend circles through its unique and fun filled ‘social’ event at the end. Heartfelt wishes and thanks to the Center for Environment and Law, NUALS, for organizing a memorable MUN that provided us not merely learning but also a transformative experience.”
The Delegate of the United States of America said, “While other National Law Universities are conducting competitions on contracts and arbitration, NUALS is actively organizing competitions relating to Environment.”
Other delegates also expressed gratitude to the volunteers of the conference organizing committee for smooth organization of the conference.
The conference concluded with a Socials event. The socials were all about dance, music and a chocolate fountain.