LIMUN: A Prestigious Event, but a High-Pressure Environment. Perspectives from Staff and Chairs
written by Giulia Mingrino, Journalist, LIMUN 2025
Behind the grandeur of the London International Model United Nations (LIMUN), the largest university-level MUN conference in Europe, lies an intricate network of dedicated individuals working tirelessly to ensure its success. Thousands of delegates from around the world arrive in formal attire at the historic Central Hall Westminster, greeted by a spectacle of flags, stirring anthems, and inspiring speeches from high-ranking conference officials, including the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, and heads of various departments. The scale of the event is staggering: 1,200 delegates, 28 committees, 74 chairs, and 150 staff members all working together to create a truly international platform for debate. Founded by University of London students, LIMUN is not just a conference, it is a testament to the ambitions of young visionaries determined to foster cultural exchange, critical thought, and global leadership in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
The Silent Workforce: Supporting Staff Who Need Support
Behind the scenes, staff members rush through the corridors and streets, often running on minimal sleep and little to no food, sacrificing comfort to ensure the smooth operation of this monumental event. Organizing a conference of this scale is a formidable task, and it is even more impressive that it is managed entirely by university students. Yet, the pressure is immense. Competitiveness among young professionals is at an all-time high, and LIMUN exemplifies the extent to which today’s youth push themselves to achieve success. However, while LIMUN fosters personal and intellectual growth, it also serves as a stark reminder of the pressures young people face in their pursuit of excellence.
As the first day of the conference unfolds, organizers are already exhausted from late-night preparations, finalizing speeches, setting up venues, and briefing their teams. Their ability to multitask and think on their feet is commendable, but the relentless pace can sometimes overshadow the joy of the experience. The stress of coordinating logistics, resolving last-minute issues, and maintaining order among hundreds of attendees creates an atmosphere of controlled chaos.
LIMUN is not just an academic exercise; it is a reflection of broader societal trends. When 17-year-olds trade weekend parties for high-level geopolitical discussions over coffee breaks, one cannot help but reflect on how youth culture has evolved. While ambition and diligence are admirable, there is a risk that young people are forced to mature too quickly, missing out on the carefree aspects of their formative years. Nonetheless, their drive and commitment to success hold the potential to shape a future generation of intelligent, capable, and forward-thinking leaders.
Chairs: The Guiding Force Behind the Debates
Chairs play a crucial role in shaping the Model United Nations experience. They bring passion, expertise, and structure to debates, ensuring that delegates engage in meaningful discussions. Ozan A. Koyas, Director for the ASEAN Committee, reflects on his first experience chairing at a regional conference, noting that while delegates often view chairs as authority figures, they, too, feel the pressures of the role. He acknowledges that chairing can be just as demanding as delegating, particularly in prestigious conferences like LIMUN. However, he asserts that chairing ultimately offers a more rewarding experience, as it requires deeper subject knowledge and enables chairs to mentor delegates throughout the process.
The ASEAN Committee, like many others at LIMUN, aims to promote diplomatic coordination among participants, reinforcing the importance of negotiation and collaboration, skills essential for future global leaders. Clothilde, Deputy Director of the ASEAN Committee, eagerly anticipates working with her colleagues, noting the varying chairing styles that bring balance to the committee. With experience chairing large committees of over 80 delegates, she appreciates the diversity of perspectives that MUN fosters.
Jae, Chair of the Historical Negotiation Committee, shares his excitement about chairing for the first time at a regional conference. The role of anyone participating in MUN extends beyond prepared debates, they should bring critical political analysis into the discussion. Referencing the recent decision by the United States on February 21, 2024, to refrain from sponsoring a UN resolution condemning Russia as the aggressor in the Russia-Ukraine War, Jae argues that while this decision may lack broad support, it is ideologically consistent and highlights the complexities of international diplomacy. This being a major geopolitical issue currently, his reflections emphasize that young people’s perspectives on global politics should not be overlooked, as they provide insight into the potential future of international relations.
Conclusion: A Defining Experience for Future Leaders
LIMUN is more than just a conference, it is an environment where students grow intellectually, develop resilience, and engage in diplomacy at a high level. While the pressures on staff and chairs are significant, the experience they gain is invaluable, equipping them with skills that extend far beyond the conference halls. Whether through the meticulous coordination of logistics, the facilitation of high-level debates, or the long hours spent ensuring smooth operations, each participant contributes to a dynamic and enriching event.
As LIMUN continues to bring together the brightest young minds from across the globe, it stands as a testament to the determination, ambition, and intellectual curiosity of today’s youth. Though the road to success is demanding, the lessons learned at LIMUN will undoubtedly shape the leaders of tomorrow, proving that diplomacy, dedication, and collaboration remain at the heart of global progress.
