Nine Pakistan students emerged victorious in their respective committees winning distinguished awards in Turkiye’s largest public speaking competition – the Istanbul University Model United Nations – held from July 8 to 11, 2024, according to a statement issued by Pakistan Consulate General Istanbul.

The statement said that the Consul General hosted a group of 13 students who participated in the speaking event held at Istanbul University.

It was a composite team of 13 students selected from Bay View Academy, Nixor O’Levels, Karachi Grammar School and The Cedar School, the statement added.

The competition, established in 1453, is one of the largest public speaking moots in Europe. "Boasting 57 disciplines, 10,000 students from over 143 different countries, the university has had many notable alumni, including former Turkish President Mr. Abdullah Gul, and former Turkish Foreign minister Mr. Taran Gunes. The competition hosted over 750 students from more than 17 countries in addition to students from Turkey. The team from Pakistan consisted of some of the youngest students at the conference, competing against college and university level students," the press release said.

"The competition consisted of four days of intense debate across 10 debate committees. The Consul General of Pakistan in Istanbul, H.E. Mr. Nauman Aslam, hosted the Pakistan team and their trainer at the Pakistan Consulate and congratulated the team on their achievement."

Pakistan's consul general emphasised the need for positive cultural and educational exchanges between Pakistan and Turkiye to assist in projecting Pakistan’s soft image abroad.

He also stressed the deepening of linkages between educational institutions of both countries and stated that the Pakistan Mission in Turkiye is always ready to assist students in any way it can.