Seventh IBA MUNIK ends on a high note

Students impress former ambassador Masood Khan with their efforts

KARACHI: As the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) wrapped up its seventh Model United Nations (Munik) on Sunday evening, the students couldn't help but gloat at the praises showered by the chief guest.

Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United Nations Masood Khan was visibly impressed by the hard work and efforts made by IBA students to make Munik-VII a success. "Truth, discipline, merit and teamwork are [factors] what make IBA," he said, addressing the closing ceremony of the four-day conference at IBA's main campus inside the University of Karachi.



The hard work and efforts that IBA has put into its students is the reason why they are competing with Lahore University of Management Sciences (Lums) now, said Khan as he quoted some students who gave him a briefing on their campus.

Khan shared how the Munik team convinced him that the day is not far when IBA will bypass Lums to become the best business school in the country.

Our students have the potential to do better than many developed countries but lack of good environment and project-based learning prevents these students from succeeding in their fields, said Khan. "IBA is changing patterns by changing the system - the biggest example is the conference itself," he said. Khan was happy that students as young as 17 years old are trying to make a change and are playing a part in making resolutions for the UN.



"To gain success in life, one has to think in terms of the present, instead of thinking about the past and crying over spilt milk," said the former ambassador, encouraging the young delegates to look forward for a better Pakistan. He also asked the participants to avoid complaining about everything. "Be a doer and achieve better for your country."

Swiss consul-general Emil Wyss also spoke at the event about the commercial importance of Karachi. "Every brand wants to open their outlets in Karachi because the city is big in every way," he said. Motivating the students to work for their country, he said that young students should work towards building better relationships and create a positive image of their country in the world.

IBA registrar Ahmed Zaheer agreed when he said that, "To maintain peace in any country one has to maintain peace with the neighbouring country." Applauding the students on the success of the conference, he said that the quality and size of the conference is increasing and becoming better with each passing year.

Later, the guests gave out awards on honourable mentions and best delegates. The best delegation award was shared between Karachi Grammar School and The City School PAF Chapter. Nixor College came in second.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2016.