Bhubaneswar: SAI International Education Group successfully organised and concluded the 14th edition of its flagship international diplomacy conference, the SAI Model United Nations (SAIMUN) 2026, held on July 24 and 25, 2026, celebrating fourteen years of fostering youth leadership and global understanding.
Grounded in the core philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ‘One World, One Family’, the two-day conference brought together more than 650 student delegates, including 30 international participants, representing 14 countries (Liberia, South Sudan, Uganda, Eswatini, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Libya, Madagascar, Syria, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India).
The event saw energetic representation from 23 prominent schools across India, providing delegates with a dynamic, multicultural environment to engage in meaningful dialogue, appreciate diverse perspectives, and cultivate the skills necessary for responsible global leadership.
The inaugural ceremony on July 24 was graced by Guest Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner, alongside Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson of SAI International Education Group. Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Silpi Sahoo reflected on the vision of Founder Late Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, emphasizing that education must extend beyond traditional classrooms to nurture compassionate, future-ready global leaders who value collaboration over conflict and dialogue over division.
Addressing the young leaders, Dr. Andrew Fleming encouraged students to cultivate negotiation, active listening, and empathy as three essential skills to navigate an interconnected world, emphasizing that meaningful international cooperation begins with mutual respect, informed debate, and the courage to embrace diverse viewpoints.
Throughout the conference, delegates engaged in rigorous policy discussions and diplomatic negotiations across 11 intellectually engaging committees addressing key global and national challenges.
Reinforcing the institution’s commitment to holistic development and community action beyond academic debates, SAIMUN 2026 organized a Corporate Social Responsibility tree plantation drive at Sahaya Old Age Home, where delegates actively put environmental stewardship and compassion into action. Additionally, the opening ceremony featured the Felicitation of Toppers, honouring high-achieving students with the Top Score Awards 2026 and Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo Global Entrepreneur Award.
The two-day international MUN concluded on July 25 on an inspiring note, with renowned author and speaker Shri Suresh Srinivasan gracing the valedictory session as Guest Speaker. Addressing the delegates, Shri Srinivasan highlighted that SAIMUN prepares young individuals for responsible global citizenship by encouraging them to engage with complex realities and understand that true progress is built through cooperation. On the final day, Dr. Silpi Sahoo reiterated that SAIMUN remains a transformative journey nurturing critical thinking and empathy, expressing heartening appreciation for the delegates’ maturity, conviction, and mutual respect.
One of the highlights of the closing ceremony was the release of the SAIMUN Tribune 2026, the conference’s official newsletter. Capturing the energy, ideas, and experiences of the two-day conference, the publication served as a lasting record of the intellectual engagement and collaborative spirit that defined this year’s edition. The closing ceremony also celebrated outstanding diplomacy and leadership by presenting prestigious awards to exceptional student delegates and Executive Board (EB) members across all 11 committees for their stellar performance and guidance.
As the curtains came down on SAIMUN 2026, the conference once again reinforced its standing as a premier platform for youth diplomacy and international collaboration. By bringing together young changemakers from diverse backgrounds to engage in informed dialogue and collective problem-solving, SAIMUN continues to inspire a generation of future leaders committed to building a more connected, compassionate, and peaceful world.
Committee-wise Agenda
SOCHUM – Addressing youth loneliness, mental health and social isolation in the digital era.
ECOSOC – Workforce transformation and inclusive growth in the age of AI-driven automation.
UNSC – Assessing impact of the US–Iran armed confrontation on international peace and security.
UNHRC – Human rights challenges from misinformation, disinformation and deepfakes.
UNCSW – Bridging the digital gender divide through equal access and online safety.
UNEP – Mitigating environmental damage from rare earth and critical mineral extraction.
WFP – Combating global food insecurity amid conflict, climate change and economic instability.
UNESCO – Combating illicit trafficking and repatriation of stolen cultural heritage.
WTO – Reforming multilateral trade to prevent trade wars and strengthen global stability.
Indian Parliament – Addressing India’s civil aviation crisis with focus on governance, consumer protection and workforce welfare.
IPC- Reporting, analysis and ethical coverage of committee proceedings
