KES delegates head to the hague international model united nation
A seven-strong KES delegation was recently invited to take part in The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) following a superb season of UK MUN participantion.
THIMUN 2026 was the 58th annual gathering of the event. Over 3,000 students from over 100 countries travelled to take part. This year KES represented Samoa, a hitherto little known, South Pacific Island. The team learned fast: climate change, heritage, coastal management, proverbs, language, gay rights, and governance all became areas of expertise. Each member joined a particular committee, everyone worked hard to lobby for allies, to write and deliver speeches to large conference halls to pass and amend resolutions to work how to make change happen.
Superficially an intricate role play exercise, but one where the script and the learning are real, our pupils developed the art of persuasion, empathy and a lived understanding of the need for international, rules based behaviour and the challenges inherent in negotiation and decision making.
They also had fun making long lasting connections and friendships.
Trip leaders - T. Davies and S. Vernon.
What did our Pupil delegates make of the experience?
“The Hague International Model United Nations trip this year was my first school trip abroad and I couldn't be happier with it. Meeting students from over 100 countries and spending a week debating global issues relating to the conferences overarching theme - culture and heritage - truly broadened my global view. As I am undertaking a Comparative Literature and German degree next year, this opportunity introduced me to German speakers from around the world (who I will definitely be staying in contact with) and a network of likeminded people with entirely different experiences of life - a network which has given me a far richer understanding of the world than before.
I couldn't recommend going to THIMUN more!"
Rayman R.
“My experience at The Hague was one of the most memorable of my life, debating, forming friendships and creating speeches. From speaking in front of hundreds of people to getting dinner at an American steak house with my peers, it was really a once in a lifetime opportunity, and one I'm sure will help shape my career."
Eca N.
"The Hague International MUN was easily the most professional MUN any of us had ever attended. I particularly enjoyed meeting students from across the world,with some having come from as far as China and Argentina. Given that the conference was so high-level, I learned how to properly format a resolution, as well as deploying lots of new speaking and diplomacy skills, which I will take with me into future conferences and events."
Juliette GH.
