Why YMUN?

Last Updated: Aug 25, 2009

Now in its 36th year, YMUN continues to be the one of the largest and most prestigious conferences on the high school Model UN circuit. YMUN is not just about competition, however: what distinguishes YMUN from other conferences is its unique dedication to fostering a educational atmosphere in which delegates can really learn about international relations through Model UN, as well as its deep commitment to the idea of global citizenship.

WHY STUDENTS ATTEND YMUN: TOP 4 REASONS

1. DYNAMIC COMMITEES: Run by creative and dedicated Yale students, the diverse assortment of committees at YMUN provide an space for delegates to learn about international affairs and master the skills necessary in international diplomacy. This year, delegates at YMUN XXXVI will have the opportunity to participate in committees ranging from traditional General Assembly committees to regional bodies like the Arab League, from a Council of Generals to a committee using the European style of Model UN debate. Topics for debate this year include Cyber-Terrorism, Kosovo’s independence, the Afghan drug trade, and Turkey’s accession to the EU among many others. In order to engage delegates before the conference, committees will hold pre-conference forums, and we will offer new delegate training both on our website and during the conference. Please go ahead and check out our committee page to see more about what the YMUN XXXVI committees have to offer!
2. DEDICATED STAFF: YMUN boasts a staff of well over a hundred Yale undergraduates who as secretariat members, dais teams, and staffers are all dedicated to making YMUN the best conference possible. Our staff’s diversity is one of YMUN’s greatest assets; hailing from over 20 countries, countless courses of study and even different styles of Model UN, each brings his or her own unique perspective on international affairs to the conference. Our staff is also highly experienced; most have years of Model UN experience on both the high school and collegiate level, and many are also members of Yale’s own Model U.N. team, MUNTY, which is the top-ranked college team in the country.
3. AN UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND: While YMUN fosters a high level of debate during committee, we believe delegates should have a meaningful experience outside of committee as well, and we strive to create a balance between academics and fun throughout the weekend. Fun begins at the opening ceremonies, where students will have the chance to hear an eminent guest speaker and listen to one of Yale’s famous a capella groups perform live. At a special reception for international delegations, delegates get the opportunity to meet Yale professors and a panel of international Yale students, as well as other delegates from every sort of background. In addition to exciting activities and opportunities during Yale Day, students can enjoy our Delegate Dance on Saturday night at the Omni hotel, which features a live DJ.
4. YALE CAMPUS AND YALE DAY: Unlike other large Model UN conferences on the East Coast, YMUN is held entirely on Yale’s beautiful and historic campus, and all committees meet in Yale classrooms. During Yale Day, the Friday of the conference, delegates and advisors can experience a bit of everyday Yale life. They take a campus tour, attend a student panel, or they can sit in on Yale college lecture classes, taught by world class scholars who are often the leaders in their field.