Bhubaneswar: The 14th edition of SAI International Education Group’s flagship international diplomacy conference, the SAI Model United Nations (SAIMUN) 2026 was inaugurated on Friday.
British Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Fleming was the Guest of Honour at the inaugural ceremony.
More than 650 student delegates, including 30 international participants representing 13 countries, are participating in the conference.
Foreign student delegates are from Liberia, South Sudan, Uganda, Eswatini, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Libya, Madagascar, Syria, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
As for India, 23 schools from across the country are represented at SAIMUN 2026. The participating government schools include PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3, Bhubaneswar; PM Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Mundali, Cuttack; PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 3, Cuttack; DAV Public School, MCL, Talcher; Demonstration Multipurpose School, Bhubaneswar; Iconic Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya, Bhubaneswar.
Among private schools to have joined the conference are Pinegrove School, Subathu, Himachal Pradesh; Shree Niketan Patasala, Mannivakkam, Chennai; Shirdi Sai Public School, Moradabad; Shree Saibaba English Medium School, Shirdi; Sunbeam English School, Bhagwanpur, Varanasi; Venkateshwar Signature School, Raipur; Cohen International School, Bhubaneswar.
Many student representatives participated from Mother’s Public School, Bhubaneswar; KIIT International School, Bhubaneswar; Asha International School, Bhubaneswar; ODM Public School, Bhubaneswar; Modern Public School, Balasore; DAV Public School, CSPUR, Bhubaneswar; SAI International Residential School, Cuttack; and SAI International School, Bhubaneswar.
In his address, Fleming encouraged students to embrace dialogue and collaboration as the foundation of global progress.
“Platforms like SAIMUN remind us that the future of international cooperation rests in the hands of young people who are willing to listen, debate, and lead with empathy. Every meaningful global solution begins with informed dialogue, mutual respect, and the courage to embrace diverse perspectives. I congratulate SAI International School for creating a platform that prepares students not just for academic excellence, but for responsible global leadership,” Fleming said.
Welcoming the delegates, SAI International Education Group Chairperson Dr Silpi Sahoo reflected on the vision behind SAIMUN.
“SAIMUN embodies the visionary legacy of our founder, Late Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, who believed that education must extend beyond classrooms to nurture compassionate, globally conscious leaders. Fourteen years ago, he envisioned SAIMUN as a platform where young minds could engage in meaningful dialogue, appreciate diverse perspectives, and develop the confidence to lead with empathy and integrity. Today, as we proudly host the 14th edition of SAIMUN, it is inspiring to see that vision continue to grow and inspire generations of young leaders,” she said.
