Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 29: “Hope requires determined action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity, and a thriving planet. Hope requires the United Nations,” remarked António Guterres, UN secretary-general. These words aptly capture the spirit of SAPMUN (St Aloysius Pre-University Model United Nations), where young delegates step into the shoes of world leaders to engage in dialogue, diplomacy, and collective problem-solving.

Guided by this vision, St Aloysius Pre-University College hosted the grand inauguration of the seventh edition of SAPMUN with great solemnity and enthusiasm. Over the years, SAPMUN has evolved into a premier academic simulation, offering students a distinguished platform to understand global governance, participate in constructive debate, and cultivate essential diplomatic skills. This year’s edition once again reaffirmed the institution’s enduring commitment to nurturing excellence, fostering leadership, and promoting the holistic development of its students.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with a serene prayer song, followed by a graceful welcome dance that set a tone of warmth and cultural vibrance. This was followed by the dignified lighting of the lamp, a symbol of knowledge, hope, and the spirit of collective wisdom.

A sense of pride and anticipation filled the atmosphere as faculty members, student organizers, and delegates from various institutions gathered to witness the opening of the seventh edition of SAPMUN. Nikitha Moras, under-secretary general of finance, then delivered the welcome address, extending a warm reception to the assembly and setting the tone for the day with her words of encouragement and optimism.

She also introduced the chief guest of the occasion, Vishal Hegde, pro-chancellor of NITTE (Deemed to be University), and in her address, highlighted the transformative power of dialogue, urging delegates to enter committee sessions with open minds and collaborative spirits.

The ceremony, in its entirety, reflected not only the grandeur of the occasion but also the spirit of unity, collaboration, and youthful dynamism that defines the essence of this prestigious conference.

The chief guest, Vishal Hegde, began his address by expressing gratitude to the management and organisers, while fondly recalling his own days as a student at St Aloysius PU College. He appreciated the Jesuits not just for building institutions, but for fostering a value-based education that, alongside the home, had instilled lasting principles in him.

Reflecting on the United Nations, he observed that it has grown into much more than a conflict-resolution body, now addressing challenges such as economic wars, including tariff disputes. However, he added that conflict is not limited to nations alone but is also a part of daily life, which makes it essential for individuals to learn how to approach solutions with openness.

He stressed that conflicts cannot be resolved through rigid assertions of being right, but by being open to other perspectives. Using the analogy of a multi-coloured ball—where one person may see red and another white depending on their viewpoint — he highlighted the importance of recognising perspectives and cautioned against forming opinions within closed loops.

In this context, Hegde praised SAPMUN as a platform for meaningful discussion, where delegates learn to accept, tolerate, and respect diverse beliefs and cultures. “We are all part of a diverse family,” he said, urging participants to debate and disagree in a civilised manner. Emphasising the art of listening, he advised them to “listen with your ears, but keep your mind open.”

He also underlined the importance of thinking carefully before making decisions and encouraged delegates to take a 360-degree view of issues, hear different perspectives, and avoid decisions made in the heat of the moment.

Turning to the future, he spoke about Artificial Intelligence and its growing role, cautioning students to handle technology responsibly, especially on social media. He noted that world leaders today often lack the time to think deeply before making decisions, as social media creates constant pressure and circulates half-baked information.

He reminded delegates that the world is becoming smaller, where a tweet can reach across the globe in milliseconds, placing greater responsibility on future leaders to think critically and act wisely.

Finally, he invited delegates to reflect on the continued relevance of the United Nations and to work towards creating a better future. He concluded his address with a powerful message, urging them to take responsibility as future leaders and to leave the world in a better condition than it is in the present.

Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, principal of St Aloysius Pre-University College, presided over the programme and delivered his presidential address. He described it as a privilege to be among young, empowering minds entrusted with the task of confronting global challenges and finding creative solutions, calling SAPMUN not just an event but a transformative journey.

Reflecting on the origins of the United Nations, he recalled its vision of peace, justice, equity, and cooperation, quoting the second secretary-general who said, “The UN was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell.” Citing wars, terrorism, and economic conflicts, he asked delegates: “What kind of world are we creating for ourselves and for those who come after us?” He urged them to rise above barriers of religion, culture, or creed, and to see one another as fellow humans.

Fr Clifford pointed to the tragedies of war, climate change, hunger, and displacement, stressing that their devastating consequences: destroyed homes, starving children, destabilised economies, and degraded environments. He said that they are not inevitable natural disasters but conscious human choices. Yet, he reminded, these can be reversed if humanity focuses on respect and on what unites rather than divides.

Commending the delegates for their intellectual courage, he called SAPMUN a platform to debate, question, and imagine a better world. Quoting Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, he said, “Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result in action,” urging participants to let SAPMUN be the place where the beginnings of a better world take shape.

He drew inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore’s “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high” and Malala Yousafzai’s words that “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world,” telling delegates that each of them holds that power today.

Sharing anecdotes, he underlined that leadership is about vision and responsibility, and reminded the audience that true greatness lies not only in changing the whole world but in transforming even one life or one situation for the better. Concluding with a call to action, he urged delegates to let their voices ring with courage, their hearts with compassion, and their actions be guided by justice.

The secretary-general of SAPMUN 2025, Manvith M, in his inaugural address, set a powerful tone for the conference with an anecdote that highlighted the millions of unheard and unseen individuals across the world. He emphasised that delegates at SAPMUN are not merely representing states and policies but also the voices of people, many of whom remain marginalized.

Stressing that diplomacy is not about personal victory but about collective progress, he urged participants to listen carefully, question respectfully, and seek genuine consensus.

Underscoring values such as justice, fairness, patience, courage, and above all, compassion, he noted that true diplomacy requires both understanding and empathy. Acknowledging global challenges such as conflict, displacement, inequality, climate change, and migration, he insisted that these are not beyond resolution if dialogue is transformed into purposeful action.

He further reminded delegates that their debates and resolutions, though symbolic, carry a lasting impact in shaping them as global citizens. Concluding his address, Manvith M officially declared the seventh edition of SAPMUN open, marking the beginning of three days of debate, diplomacy, and intellectual exchange.

Marking the commencement of the conference, the inauguration transcended ceremonial grandeur, setting an inspiring and purposeful tone for the deliberations ahead. It reaffirmed the transformative power of dialogue, the enduring value of empathy, and the vital responsibility entrusted to the youth. As the seventh edition of SAPMUN unfolded, it stood as a reminder that hope, peace, and diplomacy remain the most powerful tools for building a just and harmonious world.

Dignitaries present at the event included the campus minister, Fr Anthony Derrick SJ, vice principal of science Muralikrishna G M, deans Inas Dais and Kiran Shetty; staff coordinators, Anisha Moras, Lavanya K, and Maneesha; secretary general, Manvith M, director general, Namratha Shenoy, president of SAPMUN, Dhamini Shetty and vice president Aysha Aflah Ismail.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Tanmay Prabhu, under-secretary general of conventional affairs, who acknowledged the contributions of all those who made the event possible, and Shreevatsa Pattaje, the under-secretary general of public relations, compered the programme.