After eleven months of planning over 3000 delegates arrived at ILMUNC XXXI to compete in one of the largest MUN conferences in the Unites States. The conference hosted by The University of Pennsylvania International Affairs Association took place January 19 through February 1st.
In addition to General Assemblies, Economic and Social Councils, and Specialized Agencies, this years conference featured innovative Crisis Simulation Committees. From Ad-Hoc (India’s Cabinet of Ministers) to NFL Team Owners to a Apple/ Google joint crisis the Crisis Committees went beyond traditional United Nations Simulations.
The Crisis Committees included a midnight crisis on Friday night. The Ad-Hoc Committee delegates spent Friday night debating about India’s economy, troop movements, and cyber security. The night featured Chinese soldiers crossing into India. The committee debated for hours into the night on how best to proceed with negotiating with China. Finally at 3:45 a.m. on Saturday morning the Adhoc committee passed a directive to resolve the conflict.
Ad-Hoc Committee of the Secretary-General
The committee topics were not the only thing that was diverse at ILMUNC XXXI. Riley Darrel Steele, the Secretary General of ILMUNC XXXI explained that what he felt was most unique about ILMUNC is that,“Our staff is so diverse and I hope that our delegates can take away that no matter what you your background is, you can learn about other people.”
Riley Steele Secretary-General of ILMUNC XXXI
Riley started in Model UN his junior year of High School as the Chief of Staff for a 300 student conference in Puerto Rico. Celeste Suris-Rosselli , Riley’s High School Model UN Advisor in Puerto Rico said, “Anyone who meets Riley knows he is an excellent individual. He has the warmest heart and he gives all of himself to everything that he does.” The dedication of Riley and the entire staff of ILMUNC definitely showed throughout the weekend.
Here are some photos from throughout the weekend:
NFL Team Owners Committee
Delegates in the Ad-Hoc Committee of the Secretary-General
Staff from the Knights’ Templar Committee
Delegates debating about Draft Resolutions
For more pictures of the delegates and secretariat in action, check out the album here.
The Delegation Awards:
Best Large Delegation: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Outstanding Large Delegation: Langley High School
Best Small Delegation: West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North
Outstanding Small Delegation: West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South
