Junior Dikshit says UN just a 'sexy' world body

MP feels organisation does nothing for weak nations

 Delhi MP on Saturdaycreated a stir by referring to the United Nation organisations as “sexy”, suggesting that they create excitement but do not do much at the ground level.

He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Indian Model United Nations (INMUN) 2012, an event for students.

Sandeep Dikshit, member of Parliament and son of Delhi chief minister, shocked students and teachers present at the closing ceremony of the three-day event with the statement.

“This is not a criticism but my personal views. I apologise for using this word in front of parents and students. But UN comes across as a very ‘sexy’ organisation because of their talks of change in the long run for developing countries,” said Dikshit.

Dikshit added that United Nations did play a role in bringing together different nations on one platform but did not play the role of an independent guide.

Powerful nations

“It started advocating nations which are powerful rather than ones it was formed for — the weaker ones,” he said.

He further urged students to reflect on many issues which the UN organisations do not cater to.

However, Mahishini Colonne, Sri Lanka’s deputy high commissioner, rubbished Dikshit’s statement, by arguing that UN caters to over 100 countries and it is impossible for one body to find solutions to all problems.

“We cannot shove our opinion down others’ throats. It is not fair to say that UN has not done enough. Different people have different perceptions about issues and concerns. The youth needs to learn to listen to what others have to say,” she said.   

Over 900 student delegates participated in this year’s programme with the theme “For a better world.”

INMUN is organised annually and students from India, Nepal, Indonesia and Sri Lanka represent 120 countries to discuss, debate and form consensus on resolutions offering solutions to the recent issues of international importance.

INMUN is open to secondary school students between the age group of 14 to 19. Schools normally send between three to seven student delegates to the conference.

Burning issues

Some of the important issues discussed on day one were militarisation of borders, cheating in disarmament agreements, piracy in Indian Ocean , impact of toxic dumping and developing strategies for currency disputes.

Fifteen students met Rahul Gandhi recently, who suggested that students should lead by example by following the paths of world renowned leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Gautam Buddha.