Last weekend, delegates flooded the picturesque streets of Cambridge for the 22nd edition of Cambridge University International Model UN (CUIMUN, pronounced “coy-MUN”).
CUIMUN saw many of Cambridge’s colleges turned into committee rooms and social venues, hosting over 500 delegates and almost 50 chairs across 12 committees. Indeed, parts of Cambridge were so full of caffeine-fueled, placard carrying delegates that one local resident exclaimed, “This place is too crowded. Too many cool kids!”.
Of course, with so many delegates, competition for awards was fierce. But after a weekend of intense debate, lobbying and partying, the following delegations emerged on top, for 2016 at least:
Best Large Delegation: UNA York
Best Small Delegation: LSE SU UN LSE
UNA York outside King’s College Cambridge
LSE SU UN Society at the closing ceremony
The theme for this year’s conference was gender equality. And while delegates may consider MUN conferences enlightened forums of discussion, Secretary General Camille Bigot delivered a powerful message at the opening ceremony, demonstrating that sexism pervades all of society, even MUN:
“If you look at the UN Women’s committee you will find mostly women and that is unfortunate because gender issues should be discussed by everyone. And if you look at the historical crisis you will see mostly men, being driven by masculine assassination attempts!”
Nonetheless, CUIMUN was a hit with delegates, who threw themselves into the committee sessions and socials with equal amounts of energy.
A UNGA delegate delivers a speech to committee
Sometimes a good set of notes makes a great speech
Passions run high in one committee
The chairs of WHO
Taking in the debate
Sec-Gen, Camille Bigot, joins the ICJ
The chairs of European Council were noted for their passion
The chairs of DISEC were noted for their . . . professionalism
But the delegates on the other hand…
Delegates hard at work during committee
Although, some delegates still managed to have a bit of fun
Intense lobbying in the African Union
The chair’s of AU won the prize for Best Dressed on Sunday
It turns out a four cabinet crisis is rather large
Assassination attempt caught on camera
Delegates representing Gryffindor
Yes, even chairs enjoyed Friday’s social
No caption required.
MUN-based puns always get a great response
Saturday’s formal dinner
Post-dinner club night at Lola Lo’s provided a much-needed chance to relax
Some delegates were more excited than others
Thank you to the CUIMUN press team for supply the photos!
