SGMUN 5.0 opens in Kathmandu with 210 delegates from over 30 schools

KATHMANDU: The fifth edition of Swostishree Gurukul Model United Nations (SGMUN 5.0) opened in Kathmandu on Friday. The conference brought together 210 student delegates from more than 30 schools across Nepal for a three-day simulation of international diplomacy.

Swostishree Gurukul said the conference provides a platform for secondary school students to debate, deliberate and collaborate on global issues while building skills in critical thinking, public speaking and structural problem-solving that are increasingly important for higher education and future leadership.

The opening ceremony featured speeches from the school and international guests. Neha KC, Principal of Swostishree Gurukul IB Continuum School, reflected on the event’s growth. “I cannot help but reflect on how far we have come. Five years ago, hosting our very first SGMUN 1.0, we started with a vision. Today, that vision has manifested into a vibrant platform representing more than 30 schools and over 200 delegates from across the country. Guided by some of the finest student Dias teams, this journey proves that true diplomacy is about inspiring the future," she said.

Chief guest and keynote speaker Dr Santosh Khadka, Professor and Chair of the Graduate Programme at California State University, Northridge, urged delegates to look beyond common assumptions about Model United Nations. "Many see it purely as a competition, some as a public speaking exercise, or an extra-curricular activity," Dr Khadka remarked. "But it is fundamentally about the kind of people it helps to shape, the exact type of compassionate human beings that modern universities look for. MUN teaches you to step outside your comfort zone, understand multi-faceted global perspectives, and vigorously challenge that natural human tendency to remain fixed within a single point of view."

The ceremony included appearances by Swarna Tamrakar, President of Nepal–US Alumni Network (NUSAN), and Udgum Khadka, Executive Director of Communiversity at King’s College, who encouraged students to lead with empathy and purpose. Swostishree Gurukul announced a new collaboration with Udgum Khadka under the 'Championing Entrepreneurship' programme for Grades 11 and 12, aimed at turning students’ diplomatic ideas into actionable local initiatives.

A 'Youth Spotlight' segment featured former delegate Grace Khadka, who spoke about the event’s lasting influence. "One of the most meaningful parts of this entire experience was the community of people I met," she said. "Tackling global issues demands fierce collaboration, and MUN builds the exact critical thinking and public speaking tools needed to make your voice heard."

SGMUN 5.0 Secretary General Zenith Karki closed the ceremony by thanking advisers Adhish Binod Pokharel and Cyiera Shuvangini Bazagai for their support. The conference continued with intensive committee sessions over the weekend and concluded with a final resolution and awards ceremony on Sunday.