by Julia Dec
The UN General Assembly Hall at the UN Headquarters, New York City
This past Tuesday, eighty S5-S6 students from the European School Luxembourg II gathered for an intensive preparatory session, diving headfirst into the rigorous world of Model United Nations (MUN). This crucial meeting served not merely as a practice run, but a vital staging post for the cohort’s upcoming trip to the real MUN New York conference in March 2026, an immense global event bringing together over 3,000 students from all around the world.
The day was designed to sharpen the students’ skills and ensure they are ready to effectively represent our school on the international stage. It truly was a unique opportunity to internalize the procedures and pressures of a major UN conference before facing the sheer intimidating but grandiose scale of the March event.
The morning began with a focused series of presentations dedicated to mastering the formal MUN procedure and rules of debate. Understanding the mechanics, ranging from behavioral conduct to delivering points of information, is non-negotiable for success in the high-stakes environment of the official conference. Students diligently absorbed the protocols, recognizing that adhering to the presented form is key to having their voices heard.
Crucially, the delegates were assigned specific countries and instructed to argue the topic strictly from that nation’s perspective. This demanded research into foreign policy, national interests, and historical context. The focus then shifted to advocacy and substance: the students engaged in a mock speech on the topic of the importance of women’s representation in political leadership roles. This exercise was a litmus test for their public speaking and critical analysis abilities, forcing them to articulate complex policy positions with clarity and conviction.
The simulation culminated in the most dynamic phase: the formation of alliances. Students actively sought out peers whose assigned countries shared common interests, negotiating and compromising to build powerful relations, simulating the strategic cooperation that will be vital in New York.
By immersing themselves in this demanding rehearsal, the students are continuing to hone their diplomatic tools. We’re slowly forging a strong, cohesive team, ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with 3,000 global peers. We’ll keep you posted!