Leiden Model United Nations Foundation

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Leiden Model United Nations Foundation

Leiden Model United Nations is a student-led organization that takes part in UN-simulations across the world.

This year we’ll be sending delegations to Oxford and Harvard amongst others. Leiden MUN is a student-led, non-profit organisation located in The Hague/Leiden. The Leiden MUN programme is cherished for our extensive Preparatory Track, enabling our students to improve their debating, lobbying, and public speaking skills. For this reason, our delegates’ performances have been awarded at every conference we attend. This year, we'll be sending delegations to St Gallen, Harvard and Maastricht.

04/03/2026

« Initially, I was hesitant to apply as a delegate. I was not very familiar with university-level MUN, and seeing a friend of mine stressed over a document she had to submit one hour before a mock session was, in fact, scary. But looking back at everything I went through during the preparation track, I feel nothing but grateful for every step that brought me here.

You’d think the most rewarding part of this experience is the conference, and I did too. But, as I stepped back into the plane to leave the US, all I could think of was the preparation track. During the HNMUN conference, I slept an average of 4 hours during the HNMUN conference; I was all the time lobbying or preparing for the conference and, consequently, thinking about MUN day and night. At one point, you start dreaming about MUN (it did happen). But I felt that after countless hours writing a research binder, practising the GSL, and going to mock sessions every week for 3 months, I was finally prepared for a big conference like HNMUN, and recognising my own growth was the best part of the journey.

I believe there was a João before and a João after the prep track. I have considerably improved my public speaking skills and my ability to articulate my thoughts and learned considerably about diplomacy and international affairs. That was thanks to the help of the LeidenMUN board, other delegates, and especially my PDP. And now, speaking confidently and loudly is not just an aspiration but a concrete achievement. However, the improvement was not mine alone; witnessing my fellow delegates develop with such speed and confidence was inspiring. On the very last day of the preparation track, some delegates I met on the first day had also overcome their public speaking fears and improved immensely.

The prep track was indeed a long journey. Is it tiring? For sure. Does it require a lot of commitment? Absolutely. But it is worth every single second. Each step you take during the preparation is a step closer towards becoming not just a better delegate but also a better person. »

João Lovato

04/03/2026

«I speak a lot. At least, that’s what I’ve been told.
“Niccolò, you speak too much.” “Your tone is too loud.” “Why are you always so polemic?”

For a long time, those words were stuck in my head like flaws I needed to soften. But that’s not what the Prep Track taught me: sometimes growth is not about changing who you are, it’s about learning how to use what you already have. When life gives you lemons, you learn how to make lemonade.

What the Prep Track offered was not simply a set of rigid rules to follow during debate. It was a space where personal traits turned from weaknesses to weapons. I walked into that room thinking I was going to learn how to debate, but I quickly realised I was actually learning to understand myself. Stepping into the Prep Track means stepping out of your comfort zone, because the skills you discover are often the ones you never imagined having. And by doing it every week, what was once a challenge is now routine.

You don’t believe me yet? My first speech was hesitant and uncertain: I read from a sheet of paper, paced around the room, my hands slightly shaking, and cleared my throat mid-sentence. I was focused on the “right words”. My last speech was in Boston. I stood in front of delegates coming from every corner of the world, slapping a pair of hot-red tango shoes together as a symbol, looking straight in the people’s eyes, and raising my voice to defend the position of my country. Somewhere along those two moments, something changed. I stopped trying to sound like what I thought a delegate should be and started speaking as myself. Different rooms, same voice, just more fired up.

The Prep track is not only about diplomacy or public speaking. It taught me how to use my voice as something purposeful and how powerful it can be when you finally allow yourself to use it.»

Niccolò Cavallero

04/03/2026

I still remember the interview, the call that followed, and the very first skills lab, asking myself: what am I doing here?

Everyone seemed confident and ready. I wasn’t.

But week after week, mock after mock, something changed. It wasn’t just the prep track pushing me far beyond what I thought I was capable of. It was the accumulation of small moments: the speech that didn’t land… and then the one that did. The stress before mock sessions. The PDP sessions that forced me to do better. I didn’t become confident overnight. I saw myself grow gradually, alongside my peers. My ideas became clearer. I started trusting my voice.
I realized something: being ready is a myth.

You start. You struggle. You figure it out. You get better.

The 12 weeks of preparation were demanding, but the skills we developed go far beyond MUN. What you build there stays with you long after the final gavel.
And that is exactly why I recommend this experience to anyone who wants to become a strategist, a leader, and above all, a stronger version of themselves.
Take the risk. If it scares you, pursue it even more. Big dreams are scary, but they are worth it.
Because that is exactly where it all begins.

Alice van den Bogaert

25/02/2026

What will remain of this trip in 20 years?
It’s hard to predict, but we can guess. Leiden MUN Foundation sincerely hopes that this formative experience will mark each delegate.

By crossing our paths, they have grown and matured. Each has gained confidence in their abilities, but above all, each has asserted themselves as the person they are. Finding one’s voice is a never-ending journey, but we hope to have set them on the right path.

So we dare to guess what will remain of this trip. Beyond any certainty, the memories of these moments will last. We hope so.
To celebrate them and to record them in our history, here is an excerpt from our camera travelling between New York and Boston.

Our journey came to an end on February 19, 2026, when our plane left New York’s JFK airport and landed at Schiphol in Amsterdam.
But after all, this end will only be a new beginning for each of us.

The future of the Leiden MUN Foundation is turning to Menton, France, for a new prep track. Today is your last chance to join the Leiden MUN Foundation journey.

📸 Photo credits:

21/02/2026

“Dear Delegates of the Leiden MUN Foundation 2026,

It has been a true honor to accompany you over the past twelve weeks. Witnessing your growth and development throughout this preparation track has been immensely rewarding. With each skills lab and mock session, your progress was evident, and it was a genuine pleasure to see your hard work culminate in your performances at Harvard.

Each of you brought distinct qualities, perspectives, and strengths that shaped this delegation into what it has become. You have represented the Foundation with dedication, integrity, and spirit.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Martina Morandell, Annabelle Lamotte, and Niccolò Cavallero for earning awards within their respective committees. Your achievements are well deserved. That said, the entire delegation is a source of great pride to the Board.

We wish you every success in your future endeavors and hope that your experience with the Leiden MUN Foundation has helped you grow in confidence and find your voice.

With warm regards,
Board ###IV”

18/02/2026

We are excited to announce the speakers for our panel In Diplomacy: Contemporary Conflict.

Featuring a diverse lineup of diplomats, academics, and researchers, we are pleased to invite:
- Will Kennaway: Head of Foreign and Security Policy at the Embassy of the United Kingdom
- Dr. Andrea Stefanus: Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
- Karen van Loon: Research Fellow at Clingendael’s Security and Defence Programme
- Julia Carver: Postdoctoral researcher with The Hague Program on International Cyber Security at Leiden University ISGA
- Arindrajit Basu: PhD Candidate at Leiden University’s Faculty of Global Governance and Affairs
Join the Foundation to question specialists, broaden your perspective, and engage with one of the most pressing issues in international affairs today.

Sign up via the link in our bio to come and hear their enlightening insights!

📍 Wijnhaven, Room 2.02
🗓️ February 25th
🕖 Doors close at 18:00

13/02/2026

Are you interested in how the field of diplomacy addresses and evolves to address contemporary conflict and global security?

This is your opportunity!

Join the Leiden MUN Foundation for an inspiring and insightful panel bringing together experts from diverse fields to discuss the key challenges and stakes of modern warfare.

This is your chance to question specialists, broaden your perspective, and engage with one of the most pressing issues in international affairs today.

Come and hear their enlightening insights!

📍 Wijnhaven, Room 2.02
🗓️ February 25th
🕖 Doors close at 18:00

10/02/2026

Become a Leiden MUN Delegate for MEDMUN 2026, .menton !
Join us in Menton, in France from 9 to 13 April 2026, for an unforgettable experience in diplomacy and international relations.

Our intensive prep track will refine your MUN skills, including diplomatic strategy, negotiation, research, and impactful public speaking. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to participate in exclusive visits to The Hague’s embassies.

*You must be a student of Leiden University or Leiden University College.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Preparatory Track: 3 March 2026 - 9 April 2026
Conference and trip dates: 9 April - 13 April 2026
Application Deadline: 23 February 2026, 23:59.
Participation fee: €515 (The price includes transport and accommodation in Menton, training, a delegate dinner in Menton and the conference delegate fee.)

TO APPLY:
If you are enthusiastic about joining our delegation, please submit your CV and a 500-word motivation letter to [email protected] by the application deadline.

*Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances, so please ensure your application reaches us on time. Furthermore, both your CV and motivation letter are required for your application to be considered.

For any questions or additional information, feel free to contact us via direct message or email at [email protected]

02/02/2026

Are you passionate about Greenland and global affairs?
Do you want to learn how to debate, or improve your skills? This is your opportunity!

Join us on the 12th of February at 18:30 for this inspiring event in collaboration with .

This is your chance to challenge yourself, practice your public speaking skills, and delve into this burning topic.
Sign up with your dual through the link in our bio!

*Please note that this debate will be held in delegations of two.

📍Wijnhaven, room 3.46 🗓️February 12th
🕖18.30-20.30

25/01/2026

Become a Delegate Trainer and join the Board of the Leiden MUN Foundation!

Why should you apply?
* Hone your leadership, public speaking, and mentoring skills in an impactful role.
* Participate in exciting networking events and grow your professional skills.
* Meet and work with inspiring, like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm for MUN and personal growth.
* Unlock the opportunity to advance to Head Delegate Trainer and carry on the legacy of the foundation.

Requirements:
1. Prior experience in Model United Nations;
2. Ability to lead educational trainings/sessions;
3. Strong organizational skills for effective planning and coordination.

Responsibilities: *
* Conduct Skills Labs to help delegates understand the intricacies of MUN;
* Chair and organize Mock Debate Sessions to enhance practical MUN skills;
* Mentor students as part of our Personal Development Program (PDP);
* Cultivate professional skills within a diverse and dynamic Board.

*Attendance at weekly board meetings and delegate sessions is mandatory. Additionally, you will be required to complete weekly tasks such as session planning, PDP sessions, and other board activities.

TO APPLY:
If you meet these criteria and are entusiastic about joining our team, please submit your CV and a 500-word motivation letter to [email protected] by 5th February 2025, 23:59.
For any questions or additional information, feel free to contact us via direct message or email.

31/12/2025

We are pleased to welcome our new delegation for 2026. With our ongoing prep track, our delegates are ready to engage with the challenges ahead and make the most of this experience! Here is the list of delegates in alphabetical order:

1. Alice v.d. Bogaert
2. Annabelle Lamotte
3. Antonina Basarab
4. Brechtje Bloem
5. Candice Garbay
6. Cleilia De Calonne
7. Edmunds Adamsons
8. Eliška Ganzarova
9. Emanuel Rimikis
10. Joao Lovata
11. Jules Wicherink
12. Manon Grondin
13. Martina Morandell
14. Martina Ramoneda
15. Maya Egorov
16. Milena Kahl
17. Niccolo Cavallero
18. Pietro Pilotti
19. Tom-Andre Windsor
20. Zoe Mas Bisiaux

Adres

Kaiserstraat 25
Leiden

Website

http://www.leidenmun.com/

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