Letter from the Secretary-General

Dear Delegates and Faculty Advisors,

It is my honour to welcome you to the sixteenth session of Harvard Model United Nations India. With two chapters, Bengaluru (August 13th to 16th ) and Jaipur (August 20th to 23rd ), this year, our team is doubling our commitment to increase the reach and accessibility of the HMUN platform to more schools and students across India.

My name is Ved, and I am a rising senior at Harvard studying Applied Math. I was born in Mumbai and grew up between Gurgaon, Bangalore, and Mumbai. I started my Model UN journey in Mumbai, competing at local conferences, and eventually found myself at HMUN India as a delegate 7 years ago. HMUN India was, and remains, the only conference of its kind in the country. I have returned year on year to be a part of this incredible project in various capacities: as a Delegate, Assistant Director, Director, Director-General, and I now have the honour to serve as your Secretary-General this summer.

At its heart, HMUN India is one of a kind because it exemplifies collaboration. In a society that otherwise teaches us to look upward to authority for validation, at HMUN India, success is driven by earning the respect of those around you — your fellow delegates. Unlike smaller Model UN conferences in the country, where speech delivery and international relations knowledge are emphasised (though they are just as important here!), HMUN India challenges you to do something far more demanding: To listen closely, build consensus, and work effectively with your peers to create meaningful solutions. I believe wholeheartedly that this is a powerful lesson that goes a long way beyond the committee room.

As an extension of Harvard Model United Nations Boston, our conference is committed to delivering a high standard of academic rigour and delegate experience. This year, we have designed a diverse set of committees that engage with pressing global issues while remaining accessible to delegates of all experience levels.

HMUN India was and remains one of the most important experiences in my life. It is where I made some of my closest friends, learnt some of my most important lessons, and was exposed to the opportunities that brought me to Harvard. We endeavour to create a space at HMUN India this year to open the same doors for you.

I warmly invite you to join us in Bangalore or Jaipur this August. We look forward to welcoming you to HMUN India XVI.

Regards,

‍ ‍

Ved Pant Secretary General Harvard Model United Nations India 2026 secgen@hmunindia.org