MUN, Multilateralism, and Mobilising for the Future
18th of March, 2024
09h00 - 17h15 EDT
New York, Hilton Midtown & Online
In partnership with The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), MUNers Across Borders (MAB) brings you the MUN Summit 2024, a landmark event aiming to bring together young individuals and global civil society actors from diverse regions across the world! Our goal is to centre youth voices and their participation in global and international forums to promote multi-level international cooperation and a sustainable future as envisioned by the United Nations.
Following the adoption of General Assembly resolution 77/336 on 1 September 2023, which took note of the role of Model United Nations in engaging youth with multilateralism and international cooperation, our Summit will celebrate ‘MUN, Multilateralism, and Mobilising for the Future’ in an effort to encourage Model United Nations to contribute to the achievement of the UN youth agenda and to create opportunities, more broadly, to participate in the UN agenda in meaningful and effective ways.
Location: New York Hilton Midtown,1335 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
The Summit will take place on the Concourse (Floor -1), please take the stairs to the left of the Main Lobby
Agenda of the Day
All times are in EDT (GMT-4) New York Time, Note clocks go from EST to EDT on Sunday the 10th of March
Registrations Open from 08:30am until 09:00am, and are on Floor -1 (Concourse) of the New York Hilton Midtown.
| 09:00 – 09:10 | Welcome Words – Inaugurating a new platform for global youth |
| 09:10 – 09:45 | High-Level Opening Ceremony |
| 09:45 – 10:00 | Interactive Ice-breaking Session |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | State of Play and Success Stories between Model UN and the United Nations |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee Break (Individual) |
| 11:30 – 12:15 | Model United Nations – The Gaps that Remain and Visions for the Future |
| 12:15 – 13:30 | Workshop on Best Practices in Model United Nations |
| 13:30 – 14:30 | Lunch (Individual) |
| 14:30 – 15:40 | Working with Youth as Global Citizens – The role of the Summit of the Future |
| 15:40 – 16:40 | Workshop on Better Ways to Empower Youth Voices in the International System |
| 16:40 – 17:05 | Closing Ceremony – Next Steps in ensuring progress between the UN and civil society |
| 17:05 – 17:15 | Closing Words – Securing Model UN’s legacy within the international system |
| 17:30 – 19:30 | Networking Drinks – Model UN and Careers |
09:00 - 09:10
Welcome Words – Inaugurating a new platform for global youth
The Model UN Summit is the first in-person event from MUNers Across Borders and the World Federation of UN Associations. Situated in a pivotal year after Resolution 77/336 recognising Model UN at the UN Level, we are looking forward to engaging with participants, policymakers, youth activists, MUNers, and more! These welcome words will be a short introduction to the Summit, why it is important that this year the Summit is organised, and how participants can enjoy the rest of the day!
09:10 - 09:45
High-Level Opening Ceremony
This opening ceremony will be a poingant way to open the Summit with some salient words on the United Nations’s activities through the new Office for Youth Affairs, and also where Member States see cooperation between the UN, Model UN, and youth! We are glad to be showing the UN Secretary General’s Message to Model UN, as well as have joining us the ASG for Youth Affairs of the UN and Ambassador Brian Wallace.
09:45 - 10:00
Interactive Ice-Breaking Session (In-Person Group)
We’re looking forward to engaging you all in this icebreaking session run by the MUNers Across Borders Team! Make sure to join the Slido Link below! For in-Person participants of the Summit only, for those online, the same interactive ice-breaking will be done on Airmeet.
10:00 - 11:00
State of Play and Success Stories between Model UN and the United Nations
Our panel will seek to explore what the past 81 years of Model United Nations have achieved, and what the current state of play is between the UN and Model UN in the context of the recent resolution 77/336. Since 1943, thousands of conferences and millions of people have taken part in MUN, and in this panel we take a step back and recognise and discuss what that has meant for global politics. In particular, we also seek to answer the questions:
- Why has Model UN succeeded in being such a long-running and global project?
- What have been some of the key successes that Model UN has brought to the international system since 1943, whether directly or indirectly?
- What does the Model UN Resolution of the 1st of September 2023 mean for the UN and Model UN’s evolution with the UN?
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee Break (Individual)
At the New York Hilton Midtown there are numerous coffee machines and a restaurant availability for snacks and coffee during the break. Additionally, a few coffee shops near the venue include:
- Blue Bottle Coffee – 1345 6th Ave, New York, NY 10105
- Pret A Manger – 1350 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019
- Starbucks – 1301 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019
- Cafe 53 – 126 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
The Coffee Break will last for 30 minutes, so please make sure to be back in the Hilton New York Suite by 11:25 to begin the next sessions
11:30 - 12:15
Model United Nations - The Gaps that Remain and Visions for the Future
The session “Model United Nations – The Gaps that Remain and Visions for the Future” aims to delve into the areas where Model UN can further evolve to bridge existing gaps and explore the aspirations for its future. With the landscape of global affairs continually evolving, this discussion is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of Model UN initiatives worldwide and also exploring how the United Nations and the MUN Community can work closer together over the years to come.
- In what ways can Model UN better engage with youth from diverse backgrounds and regions?
- How can Model UN adapt to reflect and respond to emerging global challenges?
- How can Model United Nations programs foster greater collaboration and networking among participants beyond the duration of the Summit?
- How should Model United Nations programs collaborate with real-world diplomatic institutions or experts to enhance the educational and experiential value for participants?
- What mechanisms can be put in place to encourage follow-up actions or initiatives stemming from resolutions passed during Model United Nations simulations?
12:15 - 13:30
Workshop on Best Practices in Model United Nations
Our workshops are a fantastic way to collaborate with young leaders and activists on how Model United Nations can achieve purpose and change in the international world. We will be dividing up each participant into one of 6 groups, and rotating around each group and facilitator!
This session will be split with online facilitators and in-person facilitators to allow all participants to engage!
| Topic | Description | |
| 1 | Access to MUN | Navigating the differences in access between different regions (global south/north), challenges, impact, improvements, and suggestions |
| 2 | MUN Cooperation with IOs and Governments | How can we mobilize MUN societies to work with IOs/NGOs for social & global impact? Exs of existing initiatives, what more could be done? |
| 3 | Diversity & Inclusion in MUN | As a topic that is central to most societies/spaces, MUN is no exception. What are some ways we can promote more inclusive MUN conferences and celebrate diversity in a diplomatic setting? |
| 4 | Sharing Resources and Building Skills for Delegates | Building onto the work of NGOs that aim to enhance MUN skills and experiences globally, how do we grow and expand their reach, enhance delegates’ research and prep journeys, and establish centralized/decentralized resource sharing channels for all. |
| 5 | Organising Conferences | Targeted towards beginner-level MUN societies looking to organize their first MUN conference. Inside tips, experiences shared by former organizers, and lessons learned. |
| 6 | Partnerships between MUNs | Discovering inter-MUN partnerships and channels through which all societies can stand out and simultaneously uplift one another. |
13:30 - 14:30
Lunch Break (Individual)
As the same as the Coffee Break, the Hilton Midtown offers a range of food options within the hotel, and we can encourage a few other local venues to eat at!
- Dig Inn, 856 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
- Adel’s Famous Halal Food, 1221 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
- Halal Guys, 6th Avenue &, W 53rd St, New York, 10019
- Urban Hawker Food Court, 135 W 50th St, New York, NY 10020
- Urbanspace W 52nd, 152 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
14:30 - 15:40
Working with Youth as Global Citizens - The role of the Summit of the Future
The session “Working with Youth as Global Citizens – The role of the Summit of the Future” aims to explore the significance of engaging youth in global governance exercises like Summit for the Future and how they can be empowered to make changes and differences in their local, national, and international contexts. With a focus on empowering youth from diverse backgrounds and regions, this discussion seeks to identify strategies for fostering their active involvement in global affairs.
- How can global governance exercises like the Summit for the Future effectively leverage the diversity of youth perspectives to address complex global challenges?
- What specific initiatives or platforms can be implemented to ensure equitable access and participation for youth from marginalised communities in global decision-making processes?
- In what ways can the Model UN community collaborate with youth-led organisations and initiatives to amplify the voices and contributions of young people in shaping the agenda and outcomes of the United Nations Summit for the Future discussions?
15:40 - 16:40
Workshop on Better Ways to Empower Youth Voices in the International System
In this workshop we will be hosting a broader discussion on better ways to empower youth voices in the international system, from digital activism, to youth in policy, and more! As last time, we will be hosting 6 groups, and rotating groups to allow all to discuss at leasta majority of the topics! This will also be a virtual as well as in-person workshop, with participants splitting again into 6 groups with facilitators online and in-person.
Topic | Description | |
1 | Digital Advocacy and Activism | Explore digital tools for advocacy, learn strategies to amplify voices, and harness the power of online platforms for social change, How can social media be used for effective advocacy? How can we improve cross-border digital activism? |
2 | Youth-led Policy Initiatives | What are some youth efforts that had an impact on local governments or policies? How could we include tomorrow’s leaders in today’s policies and decision-making forums? Is the youth fully equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to take on these challenges? |
3 | Education Reform in Academic Institutions | Should MUN and similar extracurricular activities become a staple part of academia? Are academic studies up-to-date/relevant to the current global issues? How can youth cooperate with local governments/institutions for academic reform? |
4 | Arts and Culture for Empowerment | Explore the intersection of arts, culture, and activism, discovering how creative expression can empower communities and drive social change. How does art serve as a tool for empowerment? How can cultural traditions be leveraged for international social justice? |
5 | Media Literacy and Responsible Journalism | How can we equip youth with critical thinking skills to navigate media landscapes, discern credible sources, and promote ethical journalism practices. What are the challenges of media manipulation and misinformation? How can individuals advocate for media literacy in their communities? |
6 | Building Youth Communities & Networks | How can we foster connections among youth, cultivate leadership skills, and create supportive networks for collaboration and collective action? How can youth communities address local challenges? What strategies promote inclusivity and diversity within youth networks? |
16:40 - 17:05
Closing Ceremony - Next Steps in ensuring progress between the UN and civil society
The Closing Ceremony aims to reflect on the progress made between the UN and civil society and explore future steps to strengthen collaboration. As the Model UN Summit concludes, this session provides an opportunity to outline concrete actions for advancing mutual goals.
17:05 - 17:15
Closing Words - Securing Model UN’s legacy within the international system
The session “Closing Words – Securing Model UN’s legacy within the international system” offers a platform to reflect on the enduring impact of Model UN and its significance within the broader international system. It serves as a culmination of discussions held throughout the summit, emphasising the importance of sustaining and advancing the legacy of Model UN.
17:30 - 19:30
Networking Drinks - Model UN and Careers
Join us for an evening of networking drinks focused on the intersection of Model UN and career opportunities. Engage with professionals and experts from various fields who have leveraged their Model UN experiences into successful careers. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or seasoned diplomat, this event offers valuable networking opportunities and insights into the diverse career paths available through Model UN involvement.
The event will be a relaxed opportunity to talk about how and why Model UN is also important for one’s professional life, with a distinguished group of MUNers who have proven that it works!
Note – Participants will get 2 free drink tokens, and after that it will be a cash only bar.
