AKA Dhaka MUN II: opening the doors of dialogue

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Red, blue, green and purple saris and punjabis filled the halls like a beautiful colour composition. Anxious delegates paced with their faces full of hope, attaching lanyards to their outfits, as placards bearing the flags of different countries lined the rooms. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, and the sounds of fruitful conversations had already diffused throughout the campus.  

Model United Nations (MUN) conferences are academic simulations of the United Nations (UN) proceedings, designed to inspire an interest in global politics among the youth. They encourage discourse and conversation on current events through debate, creating possible solutions and understanding different political stances. This helps students develop better communication, research and diplomacy skills. 

The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka hosted its second MUN conference, AKA Dhaka MUN II, from 23–24 January 2026. Organised by the student-led secretariat board and supported by faculty members, the two-day event welcomed over 300 participants from more than 40 schools across Dhaka. Delegates gathered to demonstrate their understanding of international issues and global affairs.

Head of Academy Mr Sandy Mackenzie began the conference with a few words of encouragement before inviting the chief guest, Ms Minara Nazmin, Deputy Secretary from the Ministry of Home Affairs, to address the audience. Her presence outlined the conference’s values and aspirations, given her work in women’s rights and education, which continues to inspire young leaders. 

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Multiple committees were featured, which modelled real UN bodies, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and more. Each committee explored a distinct agenda.  

The Special Political and Decolonization Committee focused on the conflict in the Syrian Golan Heights. Their discussions reflected on historical events, such as the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the 1949 Armistice Agreements, the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War, alongside the current geopolitical landscape, and the role of global players, international law and regional instability. 

For delegates, correspondents and secretariat board members alike, this MUN was an opportunity to learn, inspire and communicate.  

DP 1 student Rukfa Islam, President of the AKA Dhaka MUN II secretariat, shared, “I decided to organise the MUN because I want to inspire my juniors to participate in MUNs.”  

Similarly, UNHRC delegate DP 1 student Samreen Nawar, reflected, “It was an enriching experience as a first-timer, and I got to learn more about the conflicts around me.”  

As the conference drew to a close, anxious pacing and nervous conversations turned into sentimental goodbyes and thoughtful reflections. The AKA Dhaka MUN II stood as a reminder that meaningful dialogue begins with young voices willing to engage. While the future remains uncertain, the determination and passion displayed over these two days suggest it is in capable hands. 

By Grade 9 student Midori Mishyel Hossain