Bhubaneswar: A record 750 student delegates, representing 23 countries and 26 leading schools from across the globe, are participating in the two-day SAI Model United Nations (SAIMUN) 2025.
Odisha’s deputy chief minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo was the chief guest at Friday’s opening ceremony of the prestigious conference, which is being hosted for the 13th year by SAI International Education Group.
Addressing the young delegates attending the international diplomacy simulation event, Singh Deo recalled the vision of Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo.
“When Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo first shared his vision of establishing SAI International School with me, I asked him, ‘Are you sure about this?’ It’s such a bold and forward-thinking idea. Today, as I stand here and witness what SAI International has become, I feel a deep sense of admiration and respect for him and his legacy. I’m truly grateful to Dr Silpi Sahoo for inviting me once again to be a part of this incredible event that brings together bright, young minds from across the globe,” said Singh Deo.
“Seeing delegates from 23 different countries under one roof fills me with immense pride. As I speak to you today, I reflect on my name, K.V. Singh Deo. To me, ‘K’ stands for Karma, ‘V’ for Vishwas, ‘S’ for Seva, and ‘D’ for Dharma. These are the values I strive to live by, and I believe they are essential for anyone who aspires to lead with purpose and integrity. I’ve had the privilege of attending three major international sporting events, the Olympics in Sydney and Melbourne, and the Commonwealth Games. Each of those experiences teaches me the power of representation, discipline, and the global connection we all share. To all the young delegates at SAIMUN 2025, I say this: give your best, speak with confidence, and use this platform to grow into thoughtful, responsible, and compassionate global citizens. The world needs your voice and your vision,” the deputy CM added.
SAI International Education Group Chairperson Dr Silpi Sahoo pointed out the way SAIMUN is an epitome of the vision of its founder Chairman, the Late Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, based on the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — ‘One World, One Family’.
“The conference is a forum to raise sensitive, critically thinking, and internationally responsible young leaders. Every year, SAIMUN promotes cross-cultural dialogue and hones diplomatic acumen through discussion, cooperation, and respect. It is wonderful to see delegates from all over the world gather and challenge assumptions, learn multiple perspectives, and solve problems together for a better tomorrow,” she said.
The government schools participating in SAIMUN 2025 include PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 from Bhubaneswar, PM Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya from Mundali, Cuttack, and DM School, Bhubaneswar, along with Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya.
Among private institutions taking part in the conference from Odisha are SAI International School and SAI International Residential School from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, respectively.
Several student representatives have joined the conference from Mother’s Public School, St Joseph’s High School, ODM Global School and Naidu Concept School in Bhubaneswar, and Delhi Public School Kalinga in Cuttack.
SAIMUN 2025 features 10 intellectually-engaging committees that offer students a platform to deliberate on critical global issues through simulated diplomatic dialogue. The committees are — United Nations General Assembly – Disarmament and International Security Committee (UNGA-DISEC), United Nations Security Council (UNSC), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), World Health Organization (WHO), Indian Parliament, International Criminal Court (ICC), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the International Press Corps (IPC).
These committees encourage delegates to develop key skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and problem-solving while gaining a deeper understanding of international relations and governance.
The inauguration ceremony featured the felicitation of toppers. The chief guest presented students the Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo Global SAIoneer Award in Science, Commerce and Humanities. The Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo Emerging Entrepreneur Award was presented to foster innovation and leadership among young achievers.
SAIMUN 2025 HIGHLIGHTS
Total number of delegates — 750
Total number of countries — 23 (Liberia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Nepal, Tanzania, Nigeria, Syria, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Eswatini, Lesotho, Zambia, Cameroon, Qatar, and India)
Total number of schools – 26.