Disappointment at NHSMUN 2025: A Delegate’s Perspective

As a passionate Model United Nations delegate, I have always cherished the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking debates, craft meaningful resolutions, and connect with like-minded peers from around the world. NHSMUN 2025 was an event I eagerly anticipated. However, my experience this year was far from what I had hoped for. This article serves as a sincere reflection on the issues faced by delegates, with the hope of inspiring constructive changes for the future.

Lack of Preparedness Among Chairs

The most glaring issue throughout the conference was the lack of preparedness exhibited by the chairs. As committee leaders, chairs are expected to guide debates with authority and ensure adherence to the Rules of Procedure. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Repeated deviations from the established rules led to confusion among delegates. For instance, procedural motions were mishandled, and critical points of order were dismissed without explanation. In one notable instance, the chair misinterpreted voting procedures, which disrupted the flow of debate and undermined the legitimacy of the committee’s outcomes. This lack of professionalism not only hindered the quality of discussions but also left many delegates, including myself, feeling frustrated and unheard.

Mistakes in Assignments and Delayed Communication

Another significant issue was the mismanagement of country assignments. Several delegates reported receiving incorrect or duplicate assignments, which caused unnecessary stress in the lead-up to the conference. To make matters worse, attempts to resolve these issues were met with delayed responses from the NHSMUN-IMUNA staff. My own emails seeking clarification went unanswered for weeks, leaving me uncertain about my committee and position until just days before the event. Such administrative inefficiencies are unacceptable for a conference of this scale and reputation.

Broken Promises: No Access to UN Premises

One of the main draws of NHSMUN is the promise of hosting sessions at the United Nations headquarters, providing delegates with a unique and inspiring experience. However, this year, delegates were informed at the last minute that access to the UN premises would not be possible. While logistical challenges can arise, the lack of transparency and advance notice was disappointing. Delegates had paid significant fees with the expectation of engaging in debates at the UN, only to find themselves confined to alternative venues that lacked the prestige and atmosphere of the promised location. This breach of commitment left many feeling deceived.

Decline in Participation: A Troubling Trend

Another observation this year was the noticeably smaller number of participating schools compared to previous years. This decline in attendance raises concerns about the future of NHSMUN. With several other major MUN conferences held in New York, delegates and schools now have more options to choose from, which may be contributing to a shift away from NHSMUN. The reduced participation could be a reflection of growing dissatisfaction with the conference’s organization and delivery, suggesting that NHSMUN may be losing its standing as a premier event in the MUN circuit.

The Need for Accountability and Improvement

NHSMUN has long been regarded as a premier MUN conference, and it is disheartening to see its standards fall short this year. As delegates, we invest time, effort, and resources to participate in these events, and we deserve a level of professionalism and organization that reflects the ideals of the United Nations itself.

Moving forward, I urge the NHSMUN-IMUNA team to:

• Provide comprehensive training for chairs to ensure they are well-prepared and capable of leading committees effectively.

• Streamline the assignment process and improve communication channels to address delegate concerns promptly.

• Honor commitments made during registration or, at the very least, communicate any changes transparently and in advance.

A Call for Change

Despite the challenges faced, I remain hopeful that NHSMUN can reclaim its status as a world-class conference. By addressing these shortcomings and prioritizing the delegate experience, the organizers can restore trust and ensure that future participants leave with the inspiration and skills that MUN is meant to impart. Until then, it is imperative that voices like ours continue to hold conferences accountable, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the global MUN community.