Notre Dame International Peace and Harmony Club: A Legacy of Diplomacy, Understanding, and Global Citizenship
Introduction
The Notre Dame International Peace and Harmony Club (NDIPHC) stands as a testament to over three decades of dedication to fostering international understanding, diplomatic excellence, and global citizenship among Bangladeshi students. From its humble beginnings in 1992 to its transformative rebranding in 2025, this organization has evolved from a college club into a movement that shapes the minds of future leaders and promotes peace in an increasingly interconnected world.
Act I: The Foundation of Understanding (1992-2004)
The Visionary Founder: Father Richard William Timm
The story of NDIPHC begins with Father Richard William Timm, a remarkable figure whose contributions extended far beyond his renowned work as a zoologist. Father Timm discovered over 250 new species of nematodes during his research spanning continents including South Asia, Africa, Europe, Antarctica, and the Americas, earning recognition as a leading figure in his field. However, his legacy transcends scientific achievement.
Beyond his scientific pursuits, Father Timm was deeply committed to humanitarian and educational causes. He was honored in the Peace and International Understanding category for his 35 years of dedicated work helping Bangladeshis strengthen their national life. Recognizing the need for a platform that would prepare students for an interconnected world, he founded the Notre Dame International Understanding and Relations Club (originally NPIHC, later NDIURC) with a vision of fostering dialogue, learning, and global awareness among students.
The Founding Moderator: Professor Waliul Islam
Professor Waliul Islam served as the founding moderator of the club from its establishment in 1992, pioneering a vision that would shape the club's identity for decades to come. As a distinguished member of the English Department at Notre Dame College, Professor Islam brought intellectual rigor and unwavering commitment to every initiative undertaken by NDIURC.
For nearly fifteen years, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to fostering international understanding and peace education among Notre Dame College students, transforming NDIURC from merely a club into a movement. Under his visionary leadership, the club organized groundbreaking programs that would set the foundation for future success.
Early Growth and Development
The Notre Dame International Understanding and Relations Club, established as the sixteenth club of Notre Dame College in 1993, started its journey with a clear mission: to help students build better communication and understanding not just within their own society, but also with people and institutions abroad.
By 1997, NDIURC had grown into one of the most dynamic clubs on campus, organizing international exchange programs, seminars, and educational tours. Its members continued to uphold the club's spirit of learning and global connection, marking a new era of progress and collaboration that would define the organization for years to come.
The 2004 Study Abroad Workshop: A Pioneering Initiative
In 2004, NDIURC organized a pioneering study abroad workshop in Martin Hall that demonstrated the club's forward-thinking approach to education. Led by then-moderator Waliul Islam and co-moderator Rita Josephine Rozario in collaboration with the American Club, this event attracted hundreds of Notre Dame College students and was graced by the presence of Father Benjamin Costa CSC, the Principal of Notre Dame College from 1998 to 2012.
This initiative was remarkable for preparing students for global opportunities years before study abroad became mainstream in Bangladesh's educational discourse, showcasing the club's commitment to expanding horizons and creating pathways for international engagement.
Act II: The Journey Through Time - The Build-Up (2016-2022)
The Era of Rita Josephine Rozario
Rita Josephine Rozario, Assistant Professor in the English Department, served nearly 20 years as Club Moderator of NDIURC, representing perhaps the most transformative period in the club's history. Under her leadership, NDIURC evolved from a college club into one of Bangladesh's premier student organizations dedicated to international relations and diplomacy.
Her tenure saw several groundbreaking achievements. The club published its first annual magazine "Jogajog," creating a platform for student voices and international perspectives. She forged strategic partnerships with prestigious international organizations including the American Center Dhaka and British Council, elevating the club's profile and providing students with unprecedented access to global resources and networks.
The Birth of NDCMUN
Mrs. Rozario's greatest achievement was establishing NDCMUN (Notre Dame College Model United Nations) in 2017. This conference quickly became Bangladesh's most affordable and accessible Model United Nations conference, attracting over 500 participants in its early years. NDCMUN provided students across Bangladesh with opportunities to engage in diplomatic simulation, develop critical thinking skills, and understand global governance—all at a price point that made it accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
She also developed SAGACITY, an interactive quiz competition with national and international participation that became a flagship event for the club. Through these initiatives, Mrs. Rozario advanced the club's mission of "Creating Global Citizens," leaving an indelible mark on NDIURC's trajectory.
The Intra-MUN Tradition Begins (2016-2018)
The club officially launched its Intra-College Model United Nations program in 2016, marking one of its earliest large-scale internal events. This initiative served as a training ground for Notre Dame students, preparing them for larger conferences while fostering diplomatic skills within the college community.
The tradition continued to grow, with the 2017 Intra MUN held on August 19, 2017, showcasing the club's commitment to providing consistent opportunities for student development. The 2018 edition celebrated diplomacy, dialogue, and leadership as Notre Dame students engaged in thought-provoking debates and discussions on global issues, capturing the spirit of teamwork, intellect, and excellence.
Cultural and Educational Initiatives
Beyond Model UN conferences, NDIURC diversified its programming to include cultural and educational events. The 2018 Vintage Exhibition explored history through stamps, currency, and art, demonstrating the club's commitment to understanding the past as a foundation for building the future.
The unveiling ceremony of "Jogajog," the club's annual magazine, became a celebrated tradition, providing a platform for student writing, research, and creative expression on international affairs and cultural understanding.
The Full-Scale NDCMUN Launch (2018-2019)
The 2018 edition of NDCMUN, held on August 18, 2018, marked a milestone as the conference expanded beyond Notre Dame College to welcome participants from across Bangladesh. The event demonstrated the club's growing reputation and its ability to organize complex, multi-day diplomatic simulations.
By 2019, NDCMUN had become "the event that needs no introduction," with its fourth edition drawing hundreds of participants and establishing itself as a symbol of diplomatic excellence in Bangladesh's student MUN circuit.
Resilience During the Pandemic (2020-2021)
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced educational institutions to close, NDIURC demonstrated remarkable adaptability. The club launched Sagacity 2.0 as a virtual event in 2021, creating a platform for intellectuals to showcase their talents while confined to their homes. The event featured seven segments designed to unveil the brilliance of students both at home and abroad.
To utilize the pandemic period productively, the club organized educational and inspirational webinar series including "Tale of an Entrepreneur (TOAE)" and "The Hourglass Talk (THT)," which featured successful figures from various fields sharing their journeys and insights with students.
Competitive Success and Expanding Reach (2020-2022)
NDIURC delegations began achieving remarkable success at external conferences. At the Rajshahi University Model United Nations 2020, the Notre Dame delegation returned with an accumulative seven awards, demonstrating the quality of training and preparation provided by the club.
In June 2022, the club proudly celebrated when Ishmam Bin Farhad secured first place in the "Algerian History" quiz organized by the Algerian Embassy of Bangladesh, showcasing the breadth of knowledge and competitive excellence fostered by NDIURC.
The Post-Pandemic Revival (2022)
After the challenges of the pandemic, NDCMUN 2022 marked a triumphant return to in-person events. Held on March 3, 2022, at the Notre Dame College campus, the conference overflowed with excitement, joy, and spirited diplomacy. Day 1 concluded successfully, leaving participants inspired and demonstrating that the club's spirit had not only survived the pandemic but emerged stronger.
The 5th edition of the Notre Dame College Intra Model United Nations was held on December 9, 2022, continuing the tradition of providing internal training and diplomatic simulation opportunities for Notre Dame students.
Act III: The Climax - The Call for Change (2023-2024)
Expansion and Innovation (2023)
The year 2023 represented a period of unprecedented growth and diversification for NDIURC. The 6th edition of the Intra MUN was held on December 9, 2023, maintaining the annual tradition while introducing new committees and topics.
The club launched QUORUM 1.0, a brand new intra-college quiz competition, demonstrating its commitment to expanding beyond Model UN into other forms of intellectual engagement. This diversification allowed the club to appeal to a broader range of student interests while maintaining its core mission.
After two successful editions, Sagacity returned with its third installment (Sagacity 3.0), offering greater challenges and dynamic rounds that tested participants' knowledge across multiple domains.
External Delegation Success
NDIURC delegations participated in numerous external conferences throughout 2023, including Udayan Model United Nations 2023 and Oxford International School Model United Nations 2023. At these conferences, Notre Dame students showcased their excellent diplomatic talent and achieved phenomenal success across different committees, bringing honor to both the club and the college.
NDCMUN's Continued Growth
The 6th edition of NDCMUN in 2023 further solidified the conference's reputation as one of Bangladesh's premier student-led diplomatic simulations. The conference continued to offer affordable access to quality MUN experience, staying true to Mrs. Rozario's vision while expanding its reach and impact.
The Momentum Continues (2024)
The year 2024 saw NDIURC maintaining its momentum with the 7th edition of the Intra MUN, which commenced with the same commitment to fostering diplomacy, critical thinking, and leadership among students that had characterized the event since its inception.
Notre Dame College celebrated its 32nd Foundation Day with great pride and enthusiasm, marking over three decades of excellence in education and holistic development—a celebration in which NDIURC played a prominent role as one of the college's flagship organizations.
The fourth edition of Sagacity (Sagacity 4.0) returned "bigger, bolder, and brighter than ever," ready to challenge minds, spark curiosity, and celebrate brilliance in every participant, demonstrating the event's growing popularity and impact.
Act IV: The New Dawn - Falling Action (2025)
Leadership for a New Era: Md. Azizur Rahman
Md. Azizur Rahman, Lecturer in the Mathematics Department at Notre Dame College, represents the dynamic new generation of leadership steering NDIPHC into its most ambitious chapter yet. Appointed as Club Moderator one year before the historic rebranding from NDIURC to NDIPHC, Azizur Rahman Sir has been instrumental in shepherding the club through this transformative transition.
Under his moderatorship, the newly renamed NDIPHC has successfully executed NDCMUN 2025 and NDC Intra MUN 2025, providing over 100 Notre Damians with crucial diplomatic training and experience. His innovative approach, including workshops on various topics, has energized the club by engaging hundreds of students while respecting established traditions. His commitment to student development and interaction positions NDIPHC for continued growth and excellence throughout Bangladesh.
The Visionary Principal: Dr. Father Hemanto Pius Rozario, CSC
Under the inspired leadership of Dr. Father Hemanto Pius Rozario, CSC, Principal of Notre Dame College since 2012, NDIPHC has experienced a transformative evolution that redefined the club's mission and amplified its impact on Bangladesh's educational landscape. Father Hemanto's visionary stewardship drove the strategic rebranding from NDIURC to NDIPHC, reflecting his forward-thinking approach to global citizenship.
Recognizing that today's world demands active promotion of peaceful coexistence and harmonious dialogue, Father Hemanto supported the club's evolution beyond mere international understanding toward active peace-building. His unwavering support enabled the club to establish NDCMUN in 2017, forge partnerships with international organizations, and maintain its distinction as Bangladesh's first college-level International Relations Club. Dr. Father Rozario's legacy has transformed NDIPHC from a student club into a movement that shapes future leaders committed to peace and harmony.
The Historic Rebranding: "Echoes of Peace in a World of Changes"
On August 7, 2025, in keeping with the spirit of change and progress, the Notre Dame International Understanding and Relations Club (NDIURC) proudly transformed into the Notre Dame International Peace and Harmony Club (NDIPHC). This rebranding marked more than a simple name change—it represented a renewed commitment to fostering peace, harmony, unity, and global understanding while carrying forward the club's long-standing legacy of diplomacy and dialogue.
The new name reflects the club's evolved mission: to create a vibrant and inclusive platform for dialogue, cultural exchange, and initiatives that promote harmony in an interconnected world. In an era marked by increasing global tensions, climate crises, and social divisions, NDIPHC positions itself as a beacon of hope, training young leaders to be agents of peace and understanding.
Early Initiatives as NDIPHC (2025)
The newly rebranded NDIPHC immediately demonstrated its commitment to its expanded mission. On September 9, 2025, the club's Moderator, President, General Secretary, and Vice President attended the Inter-religious Dialogue and Harmony Conference organized by the CBCB (Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh), showcasing the club's dedication to interfaith understanding and cooperation.
The 8th edition of the Notre Dame College Intra Model United Nations 2025 continued the beloved tradition while incorporating the new emphasis on peace and harmony into its committee topics and objectives.
NDCMUN 2025 launched with renewed energy and purpose, maintaining its position as Bangladesh's most accessible and high-quality Model United Nations conference while explicitly incorporating themes of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and harmonious international cooperation.
A Legacy of Global Citizenship
From its founding in 1992 by Father Richard William Timm to its 2025 rebranding as NDIPHC, this organization has consistently stood at the forefront of student-led international engagement in Bangladesh. Through the dedicated leadership of moderators like Professor Waliul Islam, Rita Josephine Rozario, and Md. Azizur Rahman, and with the unwavering support of college principals including Dr. Father Hemanto Pius Rozario, the club has evolved from a small college organization into a nationally recognized institution.
NDIPHC's legacy includes establishing Bangladesh's first college-level International Relations Club, creating the country's most affordable Model United Nations conference, launching successful quiz competitions and cultural events, forging partnerships with international organizations, and most importantly, training thousands of students in the arts of diplomacy, critical thinking, and global citizenship.
As NDIPHC welcomes Batch 27 to its ranks, the club stands poised to continue its mission of creating global citizens who will serve as ambassadors of peace and harmony in an ever-changing world. The journey from NDIURC to NDIPHC represents not an end, but a new beginning—one that honors the past while embracing the future with hope, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to fostering understanding across all boundaries.
The story of NDIPHC is, ultimately, a story about the power of education, the importance of global perspective, and the belief that young people, given the right opportunities and guidance, can become the architects of a more peaceful and harmonious world. Through decades of conferences, competitions, workshops, and dialogues, NDIPHC has proven that this belief is not merely aspirational—it is achievable, one student at a time.
