LAHORE: CSMUN VIII kicked off at TCS Sports Complex on Friday. The CSMUN VIII theme for 2017 is “Catalysing Revolution” and provided delegates with diverse topics, ranging from nuclear warfare and the threat of transnational non-state actors, to human rights and gender based violence and discrimination. There was a range of the most distinguished committees in the circuit: the Secretariat being one of the best the circuit had ever seen and they produced flawless simulations for the delegates to tackle, made global issues accessible to them, and taught them the fundamentals of eloquent public speaking and diplomacy. Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an extra-curricular activity in which students typically roleplay as delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN committees. This activity takes place at MUN conferences, which are usually organized by a school MUN club. At the end of most conferences, outstanding delegates in each committee are recognised and given an award certificate; the Best Delegate in each committee, however, receives a gavel. Thousands of school, students across the country and around the world participate in Model United Nations, which involves substantial researching, public speaking, debating, and writing skills, as well as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities. The three-day event started on November 3, 2017 with the opening ceremony at TCS Sports Complex which was opened by the Director General. The day of debating, discussing and passing resolutions finished with a music concert at 6:30pm at the TCS Sports Complex with artists Jabar Abbas and Abdullah Qureshi. On the final day the hosts will request the Chairs to announce the awards and give away the shields. The hosts will request the Secretary General for a Speech and to ‘Close the House’ followed by a ‘formal dinner’. Published in Daily Times, November 4th 2017.