CU Correspondent
Vice-Chancellor encourages students to excel academically and build meaningful connections
The Chittagong University Model United Nations Association (CUMUNA) launched its latest edition on Tuesday with an opening ceremony at the Law Faculty of the University of Chittagong. The conference, themed “Reconfiguring Urban Governance and Socio-Spatial Justice through Transitional Cooperation,” represents one of the university’s premier student-led academic conferences.
The opening ceremony commenced at 2:00 PM, hosted by Md. Ishraq Parves and Afnan Hayath, who emphasized how Model United Nations fosters global understanding, leadership skills, and collaborative abilities among young people.
The ceremony featured the National Anthem followed by interfaith readings promoting equality and cultural harmony. Maaz Bin Mohammed Raad, a CUMUNA member, recited from the Holy Quran, while Senior Associate Arka Nandi read from the Geeta.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yeahia Akhter arrived at 2:15 PM alongside CUMUNA Advisor Dr. Amir Mohammad Nasrullah. The General Secretary of CUMUN 2026 welcomed them with bouquets.
In his motivating address, the Vice-Chancellor urged students to excel academically and develop strong communication skills. He encouraged them to build meaningful friendships that would benefit their future and praised CUMUNA’s efforts in fostering these qualities. He expressed satisfaction with the conference organization and pledged continued support for CUMUNA’s initiatives.
The ceremony was also attended by University Proctor Dr. Hossain Shaid Shohrowardhy and Faculty of Law Dean Dr. M. Jafar Ullah Talukder, who commended the Secretariat Body’s efforts and wished participants success.
Afnan Hayath from CUMUNA’s Governing Board thanked alumni and founding members for their ongoing support. The event included an interactive country-guessing game before breaking for refreshments at 3:30 PM.
The Opening Plenary Session began at 4:30 PM, with General Secretary Anika Tahsin Sami inviting President Mohammad Shafkat Aziz to chair the session. Aziz introduced the Executive Body Members overseeing seven committees: DISEC, UN Women, UNHRC, International Press, SCO, Bangladesh Election Commission, and UN-Habitat.
Each committee head outlined their objectives and hoped-for outcomes, emphasizing the importance of productive discussions and solution-finding. The General Secretary concluded with an inspirational speech.
With the opening ceremony and plenary successfully completed, CUMUN 2026 has officially set the stage for days of discussion, diplomacy, and youth-led policy dialogue on pressing global and urban governance issues.