Making the most of MUN

The 2026 MUN Conference at SIS was once again a hive of activity. Weeks of research and policy formulation by students came together to create two days of lively and informed debate as students played out their roles as delegates and organisers.

Every year, the conference reveals our students' global awareness and engagement with issues; this year, Disarmament and International Security, the UN Environment Programme, and the role of Democracy all featured. The presence of other visiting schools brings a new dimension to the tone of debate and dynamic of interactions among delegates and adds to the value of the event, as students find their confidence and powers of persuasion.

Evidence of the value of MUN was pinpointed by two comments made on social media after the event.

SIS student Maia Johnsen commented: 

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to discuss diplomacy, democracy and international affairs with Ambassador Alday—Ambassador of Mexico to Sweden, Latvia and Lithuania—and Dr. Seema Shah—Head of International IDEA’s Democracy Assessment Unit—this weekend at the SISMUN 2026 conference.

Discussing issues such as the winners and losers of protectionist policy, voter turnout trends globally and the challenges and opportunities for strong democracies, gave all of us a more nuanced understanding of the responses to changing political landscapes.

And demonstrating that the hard work the students put in was truly recognised, the Mexican Ambassador himself commented:

What an inspiring weekend at Stockholm International School, sharing moments with the bright young minds representing member states of the United Nations!

As the Ambassador of Mexico to Sweden, it fills me with immense pride and emotion to witness the spark in the eyes of these new generations, building a future full of innovation and collaboration.

MUN is truly a life-changing model, and being a witness to the passion of young people is the most powerful reminder of why we do what we do. It's in these interactions that the seeds of a better world are sown, uniting cultures and brilliant minds.

Such words are a tribute to our students' dedication, and a reminder of the continuing role MUN plays in fostering the global outlook embodied in student life at SIS. Little wonder Model UN continues to be one of our most popular enrichment programmes.