NHSMUN 2025: A Faculty Advisor's perspective.

As the Faculty Advisor for a Model United Nations (MUN) club at a prestigious U.S. high school, I have had the privilege of guiding exceptional students to some of the world’s most prominent MUN conferences. Over the years, NHSMUN in New York was one such event that consistently stood out for its high academic rigor, excellent organization, and meaningful diplomacy-driven experiences. However, my recent visit to NHSMUN left me deeply disappointed and questioning its current standing in the MUN circuit.

NHSMUN was once the gold standard for MUN conferences. It was the place where talented students from across the globe engaged in substantive debates, collaborated on innovative solutions, and built lifelong connections. Unfortunately, this year’s experience painted a starkly different picture. Rather than fostering an environment of learning and collaboration, the conference seemed to have devolved into a stage for pretentious theatrics, where a select few participants flaunted an air of unwarranted superiority.

From the moment we arrived, it became apparent that NHSMUN had shifted its focus. The emphasis was no longer on cultivating genuine diplomacy or honing debate skills, but on catering to a group of participants who seemed more interested in broadcasting their assumed success rather than engaging with the issues at hand. Their arrogance overshadowed any semblance of the humility and teamwork that are foundational to the MUN ethos.

Adding to my dismay was the conference’s deliberate use of tactics like its infamous waitlist strategy. This approach has long been touted as a marker of NHSMUN’s ‘prestige,’ giving the impression that the conference is in high demand. In reality, it has become a superficial facade to maintain a dwindling reputation. Many schools, including some of the most respected names in the MUN community, are gradually withdrawing from NHSMUN. The once vibrant and diverse delegations are being replaced by fewer schools, leading to a noticeable decline in quality and diversity.

The lack of transparency and intentional gatekeeping have frustrated educators and students alike. The priority seems to lie in sustaining an illusion of exclusivity, rather than addressing the substantive issues that have led to a decline in participation and quality. This decline is further exacerbated by the absence of the United Nations’ endorsement, as NHSMUN is no longer hosted at the UN headquarters. This critical loss has diminished the authenticity and appeal of the conference.

Mismanagement has also become a glaring issue. This year’s logistical execution was chaotic at best, with poorly coordinated schedules, insufficient communication, and last-minute changes that left both students and advisors scrambling. Committee sessions often started late, and procedural inconsistencies frustrated delegates who had invested months in preparation. Such disorganization tarnishes the overall experience and reflects a lack of respect for participants’ time and effort.

Equally troubling is the emergence of an ‘award mafia’ dynamic. The criteria for awards appear increasingly opaque, with accusations circulating about favoritism and pre-determined outcomes. Delegations from certain schools seemed to have an undue advantage, regardless of their actual performance in committee. This unfairness undermines the integrity of the conference and demotivates hardworking students who deserve recognition based on merit. Instead of celebrating genuine excellence, NHSMUN’s awards now often feel like a political tool to placate influential schools or perpetuate the illusion of success.

It is painful to witness such a renowned conference lose its way. The allure of NHSMUN was once its ability to bring together bright young minds to engage in meaningful and transformative experiences. Now, it feels as though the focus has shifted to creating an echo chamber for a select few, undermining the collaborative and inclusive spirit that defines MUN.

As an educator, my primary concern is the development and enrichment of my students. This year, NHSMUN failed to provide the high-caliber experience that it once promised. It is my hope that the organizers reflect on these challenges and take meaningful steps to restore the conference to its former glory. The MUN community deserves better, and so do the students who invest their time, energy, and passion into these programs. NHSMUN must prioritize quality, transparency, and inclusivity over pretension and theatrics if it wishes to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive MUN landscape.