| Colombo Model United Nations was initiated in 1994 with the intention of providing Sri Lankan students with experience in the world of diplomacy, through the simulation of the functioning of the UN. CO-MUN is the brainchild of Sandra Fernando, a teacher at the Overseas School of Colombo. Her vision became a reality with the first conference held with the presence of four schools including Holy Family Convent Colombo-04. Ever since, this student-run forum has very firmly maintained its position as the fifth largest MUN conference in the world. The 15th annual conference was held this year from the 28th of February to the 2nd of March, with participation exceeding 600 students from over 30 schools in Sri Lanka and overseas. The central theme for this year was “World Food Crisis”, a topic which is very much a need of the hour. The conference, which was held on 3 days, provided the participants with the opportunity to take up positive roles and negotiate on issues relevant to the current geopolitical situation, dealing with a wide range of subjects. The first two days of the conference was held at the Overseas School of Colombo while the third and final day was at the Ceylon Continental. The sophisticated dress code-formal office wear and sari for the girls on the final day did indeed create a sense of importance and diplomacy. This year, 16 Familians were privileged to be a part of this unique and rich learning experience. Representing 4 countries – Niger, Norway, Swaziland and Trinidad and Tobago, the delegates were able to put themselves in the seats of the UN diplomats and look at global issues from the point of view of the country they represented. Even though they did not personally agree with their country’s stance, the delegates were encouraged to think beyond their own experience, thus giving them the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and insight into the pressing world problems placed before them. CO-MUN 2009 was a great success, and the experience gained will indeed be for life. | 