I.I.M.U.N. (India's International Movement to Unite Nations)[1] is a youth organisation which simulates the workings of Indian Parliament and multilateral organisations to nurture global citizenship among India students with ages between 13 and 19.[2][3] It aims to engage students in debates about international relations, current affairs and world politics and comprises 26,000 young organisers who put together student conferences in 220 cities and 35 countries. These conferences attract participation from over 7,500 schools and involve around 10 million students annually.[4][5][6]
History
I.I.M.U.N. was founded in 2011 by Rishabh S. Shah, with its first conference being held from 2–5 August 2012 at the Mumbai World Trade Centre.[7]
The conferences follow a structured format in which students learn about yoga and Indian practices in the mornings, followed by debates on various issues, after which speakers address and engage with them.[15][16] The conferences are held in cities in India ranging from Srinagar[17] to Kanyakumari[18] and Port Blair[19] to Kohima,[20] as well as in countries from Japan to Uruguay, Poland to South Africa.
Every August, the organisation puts together a yearly finale event, the I.I.M.U.N. Championship Conference, which has taken place in Aamby Valley City, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the World Trade Centre. Winning students from across the country and globe participate in this event.[21][22][23]
Issues discussed
A central topic discussed at all conferences has been Security Council reform; the proposal for India to have a permanent seat on the council is a topic lobbied for by the Indian government in the real United Nations.[1][24] Other issues that are discussed range from debating the 26/11 terror attacks, ISIS, environmental issues, human rights concerns, and economic topics such as demonetisation.[7][25][26] The organisation also simulates councils based on Indian history and polity.
