WFUNA International MUN: Come to Rome, Meet Real Diplomats, and Learn How the UN Really Works (Registration Deadline May 30)

This article was provided by Erik Leiden, Undersecretary-General of Communications and Public Information for the WFUNA International Model United Nations Conference, as well as a Best Delegate Media Associate and Diplomacy Fellow.

Looking for a new, unique, and realistic Model United Nations experience this summer?

The WFUNA International Model United Nations Conference (WIMUN) will hold its inaugural session this summer from June 30 to July 4. WIMUN will be the first international conference to use UN4MUN procedure. Developed by the United Nations Department of Public Information, UN4MUN procedure means that delegates will get an accurate simulation of the principles, practices, and procedure of the United Nations.

Delegates will truly feel like UN diplomats, as the entire conference takes place at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the beautiful city of Rome, Italy. Delegates will have access to UN facilities and will engage with staff from all three Rome-based UN agencies: the FAO, the World Food Programme, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The conference is also partnered with the President and the Foreign Minister of Italy.

WIMUN will invite hundreds of delegates from around the world to enjoy a 5-day live simulation of UN committees, covering topics ranging from world food security to illicit arms trafficking. Organized by the World Federation of United Nations Associations, along with the Italian Society for International Organizations, and cosponsored by several UN bodies and European government agencies, delegates will get to see and hear about what real work is like in international organizations, as well as collaboratively experiencing the policy making process of the United Nations on some of the most pressing global issues happening today.

Hillary Saviello from the London School of Economics will be serving as the Secretary General for WIMUN. She is confident that WIMUN will be an incredible experience for all those involved, both through the collective experience of the Secretariat and the passion that she knows delegates will bring to the event. In her own words:

“I can contribute to WIMUN 2014 given my experience as both a delegate and Secretariat member. I have experienced what it takes to develop all aspects of a conference first-hand, having founded my undergraduate university’s conference and built it up as Secretary-General. The empowerment I felt through participation in Model United Nations lead to the realization that instead of feeling helpless to make a difference towards the problems of the global era, I could be part of incremental solutions towards solving such challenges, like global terrorism and climate change.”

For Hillary, an Italian-American, being Secretary-General of a Model United Nations conference held in Italy is something special:

“It is particularly meaningful for me to take up this leadership position in Rome as an Italian-American. My father’s parent’s came to the United States from Italy seeking greater opportunity and their hard work has been such an inspiration. My family have always emphasized the importance of education and I owe much of where I am today to their support and example.”

Registration ends on May 30. If you’re interested in being a part of the inaugural session of WIMUN, visiting Rome and the FAO, and building lifelong relationships and experiences, check out WIMUN. We hope to see you there!