More than 650 student delegates from 14 countries participated in the 14th edition of the SAI Model United Nations (SAIMUN) 2026, organised by the SAI International Education Group on July 24 and 25.Based on the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One World, One Family), the two-day conference brought together participants from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and 10 African and West Asian nations, including Liberia, Nigeria, Libya and Syria. Students from 23 schools across India also took part.British deputy high commissioner Dr Andrew Fleming and SAI International Education Group chairperson Dr Silpi Sahoo attended the inaugural session.
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Welcoming the delegates, Sahoo reflected on the vision of SAI International founder late Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, saying education must extend beyond traditional classrooms to nurture compassionate, future-ready global leaders who value collaboration over conflict and dialogue over division. Fleming urged students to cultivate negotiation, empathy and active listening skills, describing them as essential qualities for navigating an interconnected world. Delegates deliberated on global and national issues across 11 committees.Freshers’ welcomeBirla Global University (BGU) welcomed its new batch of students during the Commencement Day Programme 2026 for the BCom, MCom, MBA (fintech), BSc economics and MSc economics programmes, on July 24.Vice-chancellor Kulbhushan Balooni said real education extends beyond textbooks and announced the introduction of compulsory French language training for commerce and economics students to enhance their global competitiveness.Reetika Sood, director-talent acquisition, APAC, AML RightSource, attended as the chief guest, while Amit Jagam, regional head of AU Small Finance Bank, was the guest of honour. Addressing students, Sood urged them to remain curious, adaptable and committed to lifelong learning, while Jagam encouraged them to seize opportunities as India emerges as a global economic powerhouse.Earlier in the week, BGU organised its commencement day programme for the bachelor of business administration (BBA) 2026–30 batch, welcoming the new students with a call to embrace curiosity, innovation and lifelong learning.Mangrove cheerFakir Mohan (FM) University, Balasore, on Saturday inaugurated its mangrove research centre (MRC) on the occasion of Unesco’s International Day for Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. The centre, established in collaboration with the PG department of botany, will focus on mangrove conservation, biodiversity documentation, ecosystem restoration, blue carbon, climate resilience and sustainable coastal management in Odisha.Vice-chancellor Santosh Kumar Tripathy inaugurated the centre and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to environmental research. Scientist Sitaram Prasad Panda of the Botanical Survey of India highlighted the ecological importance of mangroves and the need for scientific documentation and habitat restoration.Model United Nations at LoyolaLoyola School hosted the second edition of its Model United Nations (MUN) conference recently, bringing together around 300 students from 21 schools and colleges across Bhubaneswar.The two-day event provided delegates with a platform to hone their critical thinking, public speaking and diplomatic skills while debating contemporary global issues through simulated UN committees. Rector Rev Fr Augustine Ezhakunnel SJ and principal A Amaladoss SJ encouraged participants to engage meaningfully in discussions and strive to make a positive difference.
