Bhubaneswar, July 27: Around 1,200 students from across the world are participating at the second edition of the Model United Nations Conference that kicked off on Friday at Sai International School.

Participants of this conference are nominated to various mock UN committees. They hold discussions based on the actual policies of the countries they represent. Over the next three days, the students will discuss five major issues of global concern — Global LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) rights, violation of human rights for combating illegal immigration, the seven-day war, necessity of and risk factors involved in the trade of genetically modified organisms and intellectual property rights.

Arnold Buoro, a delegate from Kenya, said: “It is a wonderful experience. The student representatives are so young and yet so intelligent and dynamic; there is indeed a lot to learn from them.”

Ana Moreira from Brazil said: “I am looking forward to purposeful debates and a common consensus for bringing in a wave of peace and harmony.”

Noorhan Naseef from Egypt said: “It is great to come to a different part of the world and discuss on pressing issues of international politics that concern the entire globe.” Reception committee chairman Bijoy Sahoo said: “The summit aims to bring a dynamic change in the students’ thought process by giving them a chance to learn about global issues.”