Overview

Model United Nations (MUN) asks young people to take on the role of world leaders. It simulates the diplomacy of the many forums of international relations.

It aims to build an understanding of global challenges amongst young people that crosses borders of background, culture and nationality. Using both the knowledge and the relationships they form through MUN, it is hoped that that the next generation of world leaders and thinkers will be able to work co-operatively to find solutions to future global problems that are compatible with the aims and principles of the United Nations.

Taking on the role of an ambassador to the UN, participants experience the complexities of international policy formation at first hand. Each delegate represents the viewpoint of a single Member State of the United Nations or non-governmental organisation (NGO), researching that country's or NGO's policy and advocating these views to other delegates.

The debate is controlled using conventions and rules based on those used at genuine international summits. The objective is to reach consensus and pass a statement of the international community's response to a particular area of concern. These formal statements - called resolutions - contain collective action that will be taken to address the issue.

Knowledge of global politics is not only important to students of international relations, but also to future leaders and thinkers in academia, business, law, medicine, science and wider civil society.

MUN aims to develop transferable skills essential to all fields of study and employment including: strong leadership, initiative and expertise in public speaking; negotiation, mediation and consensus building; and the ability to form relationships rapidly with people of alternative backgrounds and viewpoints.

Venues

The conference is hosted by leading London universities. LIMUN 2012 will be jointly hosted by the Institute of Education (IOE) and Imperial College London.

Schedule

LIMUN runs from Friday 10 February to Sunday 12 February 2012.

An up-to-date schedule will appear here soon and be distributed to Head Delegates closer to the conference.

You can now download the conference schedule using the following link.

Guests & Speakers

Our 2011 Guest Speaker

Each year, LIMUN welcomes a number of speakers to address the conference and its committees.

The Opening Ceremony will feature a keynote address from a senior figure in the world of international affairs.

This year, our Keynote Speaker will be Dr Jung Chang, best-selling author of Wild Swans - Three Daughters of China and Mao: The Unknown Story. Both books have been translated into more than 30 languages and together sold some 15 million copies.

Each committee is also advised by an expert practitioner with policy and field experience in the relevant areas. They include senior figures from government, UN agencies, humanitarian NGOs, campaign organizations, think-tanks, universities and the news media.

Click here for a full list of speakers from LIMUN 2010.

Committees & Agenda

From international security to international development, from climate change to social change, LIMUN's agenda provides for every interest and speciality.

LIMUN's committees are divided according to level of experience, with committees for beginners, intermediate and advanced delegates.

Those new to MUN may join our beginners committees, where Committee Directors will concentrate on introducing MUN, teaching new skills and developing confidence.

MUN veterans may wish to join our crisis committees or simulation of the International Court of Justice, which will test your skills and experience in a slightly different setting to a regular MUN committee.

More information about LIMUN 2012's committees and agenda can be found here.

Social Events

You can register for the social events using this link.
Both socials are being sold at a flat rate of £30.
Under 18 are allowed.