Mangaluru: St Aloysius Pre-University College hosted the eighth edition of SAPMUN (St Aloysius Pre-University Model United Nations), which concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony on August 30, 2026. The three-day conference was marked by intellectual engagement and deliberations, providing students with a platform to critically analyse global challenges and toformulate sustainable solutions through the principles of diplomacy, constructive dialogue and reasoned debate.
This year’s edition brought together over 400 delegates from more than 25 institutions, who deliberated on some of the most pressing global issues facing the world today. The themes addressed included the energy disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Rebuilding the International Order after World War III, Welfare measures for Gig workers in Karnataka, and Examining the implications of De-dollarization and more.
The discussions were conducted within a wide range of committees such as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), United Nations Security Council (UNSC), World Health Organisation (WHO), Karnataka Legislative Assembly (KLA), Lok Sabha, Continuous Crisis Committee (CCC), SITCOM Central (SC), and the International Press (IP). Each committee served as a platform for delegates to demonstrate critical thinking, engage in diplomatic negotiations, and exhibit leadership skills while collaborating on draft resolutions.
The Valedictory Ceremony commenced with a solemn prayer song, setting a reflective tone for the evening, followed by a graceful welcome dance. Mr Muralikrishna G M,Vice Principal of Science, extended a warm welcome to the gathering. He remarked that SAPMUN has provided delegates with an opportunity to step beyond the boundaries of the classroom, engage with pressing global issues, and contribute towards finding meaningful and sustainable solutions. He then introduced the Chief Guest, Mr Rohan D’Souza, Director of Group Tax India and Head of Tax for the Volvo Group India Private Limited, highlighting his expertise in Corporate and International Taxation.
Addressing the gathering at the Valedictory Ceremony of SAPMUN 2026, Chief Guest and alumnus, Mr Rohan D’Souza reflected on the three-day conference and its role in preparing students to engage with complex global issues. He noted that the delegates had stepped into the roles of diplomats, policymakers and global leaders through debates, negotiations, compromise and problem-solving. Describing SAPMUN as a “rehearsal for life,” he emphasised the importance of listening, understanding diverse perspectives and collaborating in an increasingly interconnected world. He urged students to embrace curiosity, empathy and global citizenship while highlighting that true leadership lies not in having the loudest voice, but in having the patience to listen and the wisdom to respect differing opinions.
Congratulating the award winners and delegates, Mr D’Souza stressed that success should not be measured solely by certificates or trophies, but by the lessons learned from both achievements and failures. Drawing from his own experiences, he encouraged students to read widely, participate in sports, pursue their passions and cultivate self-learning, discipline and perseverance. As the conference concluded, he urged delegates to carry its spirit beyond the conference hall by questioning thoughtfully, debating respectfully and making informed choices. Calling for a new generation of quiet, honest and courageous leaders, he expressed confidence in the students and congratulated the organising team, faculty and delegates for the successful conduct of SAPMUN 2026.
The valedictory ceremony marked the conclusion of three days of spirited debate, diplomacy and collaboration, leaving the participants with valuable lessons in leadership, communication, empathy and global citizenship.
In his closing address at SAPMUN 2026, the Director General, IreshKishan Shetty, reflected on his journey with the conference, describing it as a story of opportunities and “second chances.” He recalled beginning as a volunteer in 2023, serving as Under Secretary General of Public Relations in 2024, returning as a delegate in 2025, and ultimately taking on the role of Director General in 2026. He expressed gratitude to the Secretary General Namratha, the Apex Youth Leaders, the Organising Committee, the Principal Rev. FrClifford Sequeira SJ, teachers in-charge, volunteers, staff and management for their trust, guidance and support. Emphasising that the conference was built collectively, he highlighted how each opportunity along his journey helped him grow into roles he had once never imagined.
The address centred on the message that a second chance is not necessarily about recovering from failure, but about using experience to become better. Drawing parallels with Japan’s post-war transformation, he said MUN teaches participants to respond to setbacks by trying again, learning, adapting and finding the confidence to speak up. He urged delegates not to measure SAPMUN solely by awards, but by the person they become through the experience, stressing that leadership begins with the courage to learn, change and try again. Concluding with a call to recognise unexpected opportunities—even when they appear as failure or starting over—the Director General officially declared SAPMUN 2026 closed.
The President of the Valedictory Ceremony, Rev. Fr Brain Periera SJ, Rector of Aloysian institutions, congratulated the student organisers and delegates for successfully conducting the three-day SAPMUN 2026 conference. He commended the students for taking the initiative to plan and organise the event with the guidance of their teachers, describing it as a reflection of leadership, teamwork and responsibility. Emphasising the importance of nurturing young people, he said the conference had helped develop critical thinkers and encouraged students to engage meaningfully with global issues.
Fr Pereira presented three challenges to the delegates: to be “thinkers, tinkerers and doers,” to recognise that they are “never too young to make a difference,” and to “never underestimate the power of one small action.” Stressing the need to distinguish truth from misinformation and translate ideas into action, he cited Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg as examples of young people who brought about meaningful change. He urged students to practise kindness, uphold human rights, verify information, volunteer for meaningful causes and turn ideas discussed at SAPMUN into concrete initiatives. Concluding with a call to responsible citizenship, he urged the delegates to “think deeply, tinker creatively, act courageously” and contribute to building a better nation and world.
The results for each committee were announced by their respective chairpersons.
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
Chairperson : Sanketh Alva
Vice Chairperson : Vinay Satish Mayekar
Best Delegate : Abirami Ayman
High Commendation : Esther Fernandes
Special Mention : PoornaAdarshaHerale
United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
President : Skandha Nambiar
Vice president : AdoraMascarenhas
Best Delegate : Zara Ramlath
High Commendation : Bhavesh Sharma N
Special Mention : Daksha K S
World Health Organisation (WHO)
Chairperson : Tejas Murugan
Vice Chairperson : Sai Prathiksha
Best Delegate : Ayisha Aflah Ismail
High Commendation : Mohammed Aneeq
Special Mention : Lisa Angela Rasquinha
Karnataka Legislative Assembly (KLA)
Speaker :Ronston Sequeira
Deputy Speaker : Dion Rego
Best Legislator: Allen Philip Rasquinha
High Commendation : Sridhi Rai
Special Mention : Daniel Luke Aranha
Lok Sabha
Speaker : KunalKherajani
Best Parliamentarian : Sai HarshadKarthikeyah
High Commendation : Leanne Sarah Rego
Special Mention : Adyath Shetty
Continuous Crisis Committee (CCC)
Chairperson : Athul Chackiath
Vice Chairperson : Shreevatsa Pattaje
Best Delegate : RiddanthPadival
High Commendation : SiyaKarkera
Special Mention :Samanya V Kannan
Entertainment Committee: SITCOM Central
Chairperson : Vishnu Saravanan
Vice Chairperson : Gabrielle Clementine Veigas
Best Delegate : Dhamini Shetty
High Commendation : Rishima Rai
Special Mention : Anush Joshua Lobo
International Press (IP)
Head of Photography/Videography : Chirag Shriyan
Head of Journalism : Krish P Chowta
Best Journalist: KhadijahLiyana
Best Photographer: Nibras Mohammad
Best Videographer : Shaker Rao
Best Delegation: St Aloysius Gonzaga School
The winners were felicitated with mementos, certificates, and cash prizes in recognition of their exemplary performances. The chairpersons and the secretariat were also appreciated for their dedication and were presented with certificates and souvenirs as a token of gratitude. The vote of thanks was delivered by the Vice President of SAPMUN 2026, Tanya Nayak, while Jinelle Pinto gracefully compered the valedictory programme.
The event was also graced by the Principal Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, deans, MrInas Dais and Ms Kiran Shetty; staff coordinators, Ms Lavanya K, Ms NihaFahim Noor and Mr John Wesley; Secretary General of SAPMUN, M NamrathaShenoy,and Vice President of SAPMUN, Tanya Nayak.
