Youth Must Redefine Resilience for a Sustainable Future: Odisha Governor
Bhubaneswar, Aug 24: The 12th Edition of the KiiT International School Model United Nations (MUN) concluded on Sunday with a stirring address by the Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, who commended the young delegates for embodying the spirit of dialogue, diversity, and global citizenship.
The 12th edition was attended by over 1000 students from across the country, including 100 students from KiiT International School. In all, 13 committees were formed which discussed various issues including peace and security and climate change.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Dr. Kambhampati underlined that resilience in today’s world is not about enduring crisis alone, but about adapting and innovating collectively. “We live in an interconnected age. Climate change, poverty, pandemics, gender equality, digital transformation and regional conflicts are challenges that transcend borders. Yet, this is also an era of immense opportunities for innovation, sustainable development and cultural exchange” he said.
The Governor urged students to embrace leadership as a responsibility of service and cooperation rather than power. “Diplomacy is not about winning arguments but finding common ground. The true strength of a nation lies not in domination but in collaboration,” he remarked.
The Governor also shared a personal sentiment, saying his lifelong dream was to represent India at the United Nations. “Even though that dream was not fulfilled, I am delighted to participate in this Model UN,” he told the gathering.
Founder of KIIT and KISS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, praised the Governor’s humility and humanitarian outlook. Recalling how Dr. Kambhampati made history as the first Governor of Odisha to sit on the floor and share a meal with 40,000 KISS students, Dr. Samanta described him as “a river that never shouts or boasts but flows with sincerity, nourishing people with his goodness.”
He highlighted the importance of such platforms for students, saying, “You may come here with one knowledge, but you return with thousands. That is the impact of competitions like the MUN.”
The two-day event, which opened on August 23 with the presence of dignitaries including President of KIIT and KISS Saswati Bal, School Chairperson Dr. Mona Lisa Bal, Principal Dr. Sanjay Suar, and Mr. Marc L. Coleman, Head International Curriculum saw students deliberate on pressing global issues such as cyber warfare, nuclear non-proliferation, eco-innovation, refugee crises, and the mental health implications of artificial intelligence.
