Hands On: MUN-ISH 2025
HalcyonMUN’s delegates in attendance at MUNISH 25’.
Each year, the Model United Nations International School of The Hague (MUNISH) conference brings together students from around the world to debate global issues, develop leadership skills, and foster international understanding.
For Halcyon, MUNISH has become one of the most anticipated events of the school year an opportunity not only to engage in meaningful diplomacy, but also to strengthen our own community. This year, grades 9, 10 and 11 returned with enthusiasm and stories of personal and collective growth. The conference offered challenging debates, inspiring opening ceremonies, and moments of collaboration that stretched far beyond individual committees. It also provided the chance for Halcyon students to reconnect with partner schools, form new friendships, and reflect on the responsibility young people hold in shaping global conversations.
Below is a reflection from the Secretary-General of HalcyonMUN BOD, Oliver:
“The MUNISH conference was a phenomenal and collaborative experience. Personally, I am now in my third year of being a part of halcyonmun, of which is also my second year as part of the Board of Dirctors for HalcyonMUN. Though I have fortunately had the opportunity to take part in this trip twice before, this year has stood out in terms of how it has brought us together as a cohort, an mun club, a bod team, as well as a school with grades 9 and 10.
MUNISH every year allows our school to connect with those outside of our community, learning about different perspectives and experiences from throughout the globe. These connections, with schools such as the international school of the hague, the international school of amsterdam, amongst others, contribute to a wider community of schools that surpasses the boundaries of nationality and culture, uplifting our own school on an international scale.”
As the student reflected, one of the defining strengths of MUNISH is its ability to create connections across cultures. For Halcyon students, interacting with peers from schools such as the International School of The Hague and the International School of Amsterdam offers a chance to broaden those perspectives and deepen their understanding of global issues through real dialogue. These connections often extend beyond committee rooms into shared social events, collaborative research, and long-lasting friendships.
The passion and momentum from MUNISH continue to inspire our community. As the student comment emphasizes, HalcyonMUN is excited to welcome students to our own conference in March 2026 a chance to continue the cycle of global dialogue, learning, and collaboration right here at Halcyon.
MUNISH 25’.
A Delegate in the Making: Dean’s First Taste of MUN
Dean Cumerlato is 12 years old and attended HLISMUN XII independant of any academic institution. For Dean, it was his first opportunity to see what a Model United Nations conference looked like. Being “too young” for his schools MUN club, we welcomed him to HLISMUN and offered him the opportunity to see what it would be like to take part in debates, represent a country, and lobby with fellow delegations. Our Media Team also reached out to Dean following his time with us, to hear what he had to say after reflecting on the conference and his experience as a first time MUNer.
I really enjoyed my time at HLISMUN especially as someone who is very interested in geopolitics. Before I arrived at HLISMUN I expected it to be not as professional as the UN and not so similar to it, both in topics of debate and the way the general assembly functioned. Once I arrived though, I was impressed by its professionalism and how similar to the UN it was. I felt very excited walking into the conference for the first time because I couldn’t wait to see how the general assembly functioned and what would happen. I also felt slightly nervous about possibly needing to debate in the conference but the organisers of the event were very flexible since it was my first time ever at MUN, so in the end I didn’t need to speak. In addition to this, I felt nervous about how I would be able to put my personal beliefs aside and speak for the country I was representing, Vietnam. This was one of my favourite parts of HLISMUN though since I learnt that sometimes when debating it is important to put your own opinions aside and speak for whatever side you are representing.
My ultimate favourite part was seeing how delegates from countries such as Russia and Iran made their arguments. I really enjoyed this part because I got to see how such radical arguments can seem extremely compelling when the right evidence is used and when there is a sense of professionalism. I was especially excited when I was able to see each vote individually from every single country that there was since I could tell how delegates voted in relation to their country’s opinion in the real world. To other first-time delegates at MUN my advice is to not worry about making amendments, resolutions, or even going up to speak but instead just observing and listening to everything so you can get a sense of the way things work, what arguments should be like, and how to make resolutions. In conclusion, I really enjoyed my experience at HLISMUN.
As an organization, ensuring our conferences give all young peoeple from a range of different backgrounds an equal opportunity to participate and learn about diplomacy is at our forefront, and stories like Dean’s highlight our ongoing committment to ensuring this promise is upheld for years to come.