The first delegation of Leiden University College Model United Nations
As LUC develops, its range of committees grows, offering the opportunity to every single student of the college to develop outside of the academic life, inside of extra-curricular activities. Already within the first year the list of committees grew tremendously but it is never too late to add one more. It is therefore that in October, Leiden University College Model United Nations (LUCMUN) was established. LUC’s very own Model United Nations (MUN) society offers students the possibility to participate in MUN conferences and at the same time to develop their debating and diplomacy skills, their understanding of the United Nations, other international bodies and the world of international politics. Additionally, these international conferences are the perfect opportunity to meet students from all over the world.
LUC MUN delegation representing the USA at the LIMUN 2012
After many weeks of preparations, the first ever delegation of LUCMUN left for London on the 9th of February to participate in London International MUN 2012 (LIMUN). This is Europe’s biggest MUN conference, with 1250 students representing many different nations in over twenty-five committees and debating the global challenges the international community faces. Apart from being the first to represent LUC at such a conference, we also had the honor of representing the United States of America. Yet another challenge for our first-time delegates.
During the conference, it became clear that all those hours of hard work had not been in vain. Entering the different committees where our delegates were allocated, we saw them actively lobbying, speeching as if there was no tomorrow, leading the debate and defending the USA’s policy. The delegates had to discuss difficult issues relating to corruption, humanitarian aid, Sudan, national sovereignty and food crisis in the horn of Africa, but they were nevertheless able to work on resolutions and ensure appropriate solutions for their topics. Two of our delegates even received official recognition for their achievements in their respective committees. Laura Brouwer was awarded an Honorable Mention and Caspar Plomp won the Best Delegate award of his committee.
Without a doubt, the first ever delegation of LUCMUN was a success and we are extremely proud of our delegates. It is a promising start of our society and we hope this will be the first of many great delegations to come.
On behalf of the Board of LUCMUN 2011-2012,
Eline Severijnen
President