Goodbyes Are Never Easy, But Survivors of the LIMUN Conference Leave With an Invaluable Experience

written by Giulia Mingrino, Journalist, LIMUN 2025 

As the LIMUN conference came to an end, delegates reflected on their journey, acknowledging the stress of participating in such a large-scale event while cherishing the unforgettable memories they made. 

One delegate from the COP committee expressed relief at making it through the final day, calling it the “last push.” They admitted feeling exhausted after putting in so much effort but were proud to look back at all they had accomplished. It was also remarkable to see how LIMUN was the very first MUN conference for many participants, a challenging yet rewarding introduction to the world of diplomacy. 

The delegate of India from UNESCO shared how their first conference experience at LIMUN gave them newfound confidence. They admired the expertise of other delegates in their committee, hoping to learn from them and apply those skills in future debates. However, they also admitted that the conference was “scary” at first, and they wished they had spoken more. Despite this, they appreciated how kind and understanding everyone was. 

A COP delegate, also new to MUN, confessed that they had felt anxious before debates, worried about being judged and unsure if their contributions were “enough.” However, they ultimately found comfort in the structure provided by their chairs, appreciating the order and stability they brought to the committee. 

Meanwhile, the delegate of Mexico in UNESCO reflected on the challenge of debating in a committee with nearly 40 delegates, viewing it as an opportunity to observe different debating strategies. A key lesson they took away was the importance of letting certain voices, those advocating for the greater good, take the lead in discussions. With so many competing opinions, sometimes the best way to achieve progress is to allow dedicated advocates to drive the conversation forward.

Chairs, too, had their own memorable experiences. A Crisis committee chair shared their love for the unpredictable nature of their committee, wishing that sessions could have lasted longer to explore more unexpected twists. 

Great Conferences Come With Great Responsibility 

While LIMUN offers valuable lessons and experiences, the high-pressure environment inevitably brings some drama. Delegates noted that gossip was circulating across committees, with some chairs facing criticism in the infamous gossip box and delegates turning their backs on one another during unmoderated caucuses. 

The intensity of competition took a toll on some participants, leading a few to drop out. One undeniable critique of MUN culture is the impact it can have on mental health. While competition drives excellence, it can sometimes overshadow the spirit of collaboration and learning. Striking a balance is essential to ensuring that MUN remains both challenging and enjoyable, a space for personal and professional growth rather than stress and burnout. 

Pride: The Defining Emotion of LIMUN 2025 

Despite the challenges, one emotion stood out above all others: pride. Every single person who took part in LIMUN had reason to feel accomplished, regardless of whether they won an award. 

For some, this experience was deeply personal. A COP delegate shared that their main motivation for participating was their mother. As the first in their family to study abroad and pursue higher education, their presence at LIMUN symbolized a journey of resilience and opportunity. 

Chairs expressed their own pride, not just in themselves, but in their fellow committee leaders and delegates. A Crisis chair praised their assistant crisis directors and backroom staff, calling them “amazing.” They also took pride in leading LIMUN’s first-ever futuristic crisis, which made history as the conference’s biggest crisis thread to date. 

Behind the scenes, staff members spoke about how fulfilling their role was. One staffer described working at LIMUN as “incredibly rewarding” and said  they would gladly do it again. They highlighted how well-organized the conference was, saying one of the secretariats called it one of the “smoothest MUNs” they had ever attended, a testament to both the dedication of the secretariat and support staff. 

Faculty advisors, wearing their distinctive white lanyards, also shared their perspectives. One faculty advisor from Indonesia, attending their first-ever MUN, was deeply impressed by the scale of an event run entirely by students. They also praised LIMUN’s diversity, emphasizing how it allowed students to immerse themselves in a culturally rich environment. 

Representing the Djarum Foundation, this faculty advisor oversaw a delegation of ten Indonesian students, scholarship recipients who had undergone intensive training to participate in international MUNs. For most, this was their first-ever MUN. For all, it was their first time leaving Southeast Asia. Many did not speak English as their first language. Yet, they held their own on the international stage. Their faculty advisor was “tremendously proud” of them. 

This touching story is a reminder of how LIMUN creates opportunities for those who may otherwise lack access to such experiences. It brings together people from all backgrounds, providing a space for growth and the pursuit of ambitions. Future diplomats will emerge from places of humility and perseverance, making their success all the more inspiring. 

A LIMUN Goodbye 

The closing ceremony was filled with emotions, cheers for award winners, heartfelt speeches, and even a few tears. After days of rigorous debate, delegates left with a sense of achievement, new friendships, and experiences that will stay with them for years to come. 

One particular remark from a USG (Under-Secretary-General) during the ceremony stood out: “You can never escape MUN.” The phrase, while playfully ominous, held a deeper truth. LIMUN 2025 was not just a conference, it was an experience that left an indelible mark on its participants. 

And after witnessing the passion, dedication, and camaraderie that defined this year’s LIMUN, one thing is certain: afterall, why would anyone want to escape it?