This past weekend, students traveled to Boston to participate in the annual Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) Conference, one of the most prestigious Model UN conferences around the world. Over several days, delegates engaged in rigorous debate, diplomatic negotiation, and fast-paced problem-solving alongside thousands of students from across the globe.
HMUN brings together high school students from over 60 countries to simulate real United Nations committees, allowing participants to step into the roles of international diplomats. Delegates represent assigned countries and work within committees to address pressing global issues such as artificial intelligence use, climate change, human rights, economic development, and more. For many students, the conference was both intellectually challenging and personally rewarding.
Throughout the weekend, delegates spent hours in committee sessions delivering speeches, proposing solutions, and negotiating with peers. Motions were debated, resolutions were drafted collaboratively, and alliances were constantly shifting. The atmosphere inside committee rooms reflected the seriousness of real-world diplomacy, while still fostering an environment of learning and growth.
HHS Junior Taylor Ferrante, co-captain of the school’s Model UN club, shared her experience from this past weekend, explaining, “HMUN has been such a great experience. It has taught me useful presentation and debate skills that I would not have gained in my classes. I also find it so interesting to meet people from all over the world and learn about different cultures.”
In addition, a 3-year member of the club, Maddie Everett, also shared her thoughts, “HMUN is a great experience and really opened my eyes to culture. With people visiting from over 60 countries, there is always something new to learn from my peers, and it is a unique experience that I would not be able to be a part of without Model UN.”
Students highlighted the intensity and excitement of participation in high-level debate, along with the lessons and skills Model UN has taught them. These perspectives underscore how HMUN pushes students to think critically while working together toward compromise. Model UN delegates demonstrate initiative and leadership through their debate and passion.
Beyond committee sessions, HMUN also provided opportunities for students to explore the Harvard campus and the city of Boston while connecting with peers from different countries and cultures. Many delegates described the experience as eye-opening, as they were exposed to new perspectives and approaches to global issues. The conference encouraged students not only to speak confidently but also to listen thoughtfully, an essential skill in diplomacy.
Participating in HMUN required extensive preparation, including research, position papers, and practice debates before the conference. Students noted that the effort paid off, as the experience strengthened their public speaking and presentation abilities, confidence, and understanding of internal relations. For all delegates, regardless of prior experience, the weekend served as a reminder of the power of dialogue and cooperation.
As delegates returned home, many expressed excitement to apply the skills they gained to future conferences and leadership opportunities. HMUN proved to be more than just a competition; it was an immersive experience that challenged students to become informed, articulate, and globally-minded leaders.
