As part of their CAS Project, VIS students had the opportunity to plan and host a Model United Nations (MUN) Conference, transforming our school into a hub of diplomacy, discussion, and collaboration.
The conference simulated the formal procedures of the United Nations, with students representing assigned countries and engaging in thoughtful debate on a wide range of global issues, including political, social, and economic challenges. Delegates practiced public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking while gaining a deeper understanding of international relations.
In contrast to many MUN conferences worldwide that require participation fees, the primary goal of this student-led initiative was to make the event completely free of charge, ensuring equitable access for all students interested in learning more about MUN. Months of careful planning and preparation went into organising the conference, with students gaining valuable insight into event coordination, teamwork, and leadership, supported throughout by their CAS supervisor.
We were delighted to welcome over 70 delegates, including students from several Austrian schools. It was especially rewarding to see first-time delegates grow in confidence and actively participate, turning the conference into a meaningful and empowering learning experience.
The conference was further enriched by a guest talk from Amber Jamil, who shared her experiences working at the UN, particularly with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Her insights provided students with a real-world perspective on international diplomacy and careers within global institutions.
To recognise outstanding contributions, certificates and a gift card were awarded to delegates who demonstrated exceptional engagement and performance during committee sessions. We hope that every participant left inspired, informed, and as enthusiastic about MUN as we were throughout the planning process.