Colombo Model United Nations is the oldest UN simulation in Sri Lanka, and the 5th largest student-run MUN conference in the world. Encompassing simulations of the UN General Assembly, and selected UN specialized committees, COMUN has been providing an unparalleled platform for debate, diplomacy and leadership, for thousands of students from across Sri Lanka for nearly a quarter of a century and provide sa platform for youth to make their voices be heard on global issues and come together as one, to fight back against the deadlock that is fraught in much of the diplomatic realm.
Through its committees, COMUN provides students with a forum to hold skills in diplomacy, negotiations, critical thinking, compromised public speaking, writing and research.
The conference has grown in leaps and bounds; the 23rd COMUN conference was held in 2017, with over 450 students from schools in Sri Lanka and South-East Asia.
Having at least 500 students from 30 schools, both national and international, this academic year, the 24th COMUN conference will be the largest thus far. COMUN over time has transformed to become one of the largest student lead MUN conferences in the world. It is made up of delegates from a wide variety of local and international school in Sri Lanka alongside international delegations attending the conference from a wide-variety of South Asian schools. COMUN, has the prestigious history of introducing and conducting the first inaugural MUN conference in Sri Lanka and this foundation has become stronger by the year, for the last 24 years. COMUN’s main objective is to facilitate students with a platform to actively participate in a simulation of the different committees that make up the United Nations. The students would simulate themselves as real diplomats representing the different countries, to gain an insight into the configuration and functions of the primary peacekeeping and humanitarian organization of this era. COMUNs goal is to raise global awareness and instil the formalities of diplomatic relations into student delegates. Spearheading COMUN 2018, the Executive Committee comprises a diverse array of students from national and international schools around Colombo. These talented individuals have a great deal of experience in COMUN as delegates themselves (a majority having won awards in previous conferences), and are well versed in current affairs and the workings of the United Nations.
The Secretariat is grateful to have worked with a dedicated executive committee and to have organized a conference of this calibre. COMUN has made some long lasting memories and friendships in the process and encourage young persons to engage with fellow delegates, admins and EXCO members. COMUN has learnt that these few days at the conference would really change one, and that one will cherish these moments for a lifetime.
- D. Hettiarachchi