The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) conference is a flagship event for the CAS MUN (Model United Nations) programme at The British School of Brussels (BSB), offering students an unparalleled opportunity to engage in a real-world simulation of the United Nations General Assembly. Held annually in The Hague, this prestigious week-long event draws over 3,000 students from across the globe, all united by a shared purpose: to debate, negotiate, and collaborate on some of the world’s most pressing issues. Representing different countries, participants are challenged to navigate complex global dilemmas while adhering to the formal protocols of international diplomacy.
For BSB students, THIMUN is more than just an academic exercise – it’s a transformative experience. Through active participation, they develop crucial skills such as advocacy, critical thinking, and diplomacy, all while deepening their understanding of how international organisations, like the UN, work to promote peace, human rights, and cooperation. The conference provides a unique platform for students to practice leadership, public speaking, and consensus-building, preparing them for future roles in a rapidly changing, interconnected world.
Involvement in THIMUN also reinforces the core values of the CAS programme, as students step out of the classroom and into an arena that promotes global citizenship, empathy, and collaboration. Many past participants have gone on to influential careers in law, government, business, and beyond, having cultivated their leadership potential through experiences like this. For our BSB delegates, THIMUN is a critical milestone in both their academic journey and their personal development as future leaders.
In preparation for the event being held in January 2025, a group of dedicated Year 12 students from BSB’s CAS MUN programme embarked on an exciting journey to The Hague to take part in the Mini MUN conference. The Mini MUN serves as a valuable stepping stone for students preparing for the prestigious THIMUN.
In the weeks leading up to the Mini MUN event, our CAS MUN group had been immersed in research, policy drafting, and strategic planning. Each student was assigned a country and specific global issues to represent, and they were tasked with crafting resolutions to present at the Mini MUN. This process, which began in early September, honed the students’ ability to think critically and collaborate with their peers. The aim was to get their resolutions debated, amended, and passed by their committees, providing them with real-life experience in negotiation and consensus-building.
The conference itself took place at Rijnlands Lyceum Wassenaar, just outside The Hague, and began bright and early. Upon arrival at 8:30 a.m., they were quickly immersed in the action. Committees were formed, and the students dived straight into lobbying and coalition-building as they sought support for their resolutions. Throughout the day, they presented their ideas, engaged in debates, and worked through amendments. The experience not only broadened their understanding of international relations but also tested their ability to think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced environment of formal debate.
By the end of the day, our students had successfully navigated the complexities of the MUN format and returned with a wealth of new experiences, many of them feeling even more motivated for the larger THIMUN event in January. It was a day filled with intense debate, collaboration, and invaluable lessons in diplomacy.
Bhargav, a first-time participant, expressed how the event pushed him out of his comfort zone: “The Mini MUN trip was an amazing experience that made me critically engage with complex issues alongside students from different backgrounds. I had never been to an event like this before, and it taught me how to debate formally and follow the procedures of such a conference. The pressure of thinking on the spot and responding strategically was both challenging and exciting.”
Reflecting on what he learned, Bhargav added: “One thing I want to improve for THIMUN is my ability to be more concise in my arguments and stay calm under pressure while finding ways to gain the upper hand during debates.”
Chloe, another participating student, found the diversity of perspectives refreshing and eye-opening: “I enjoyed meeting people from other schools, each bringing different experiences and points of view. Collaborating on resolutions with others was a great learning opportunity. I was surprised at how quickly we had to think on our feet—whether creating amendments, resolutions, or speeches.”
She also noted how important it was to maintain a respectful tone during debates, despite the fast pace. “What really stood out was the amount of respectful debate we engaged in,” Chloe added. “The professionalism required was a great lesson for me, especially in how to communicate clearly and diplomatically under pressure.”
Nour shared her enthusiasm for the experience and the diplomatic skills she gained: “I loved everything about the day—the debate, the civil discussions, the attire, and meeting new people. I felt more connected to current world events and appreciated seeing the perspectives of different countries, especially those I hadn’t considered before.”
She also noted the heated nature of some debates: “What surprised me was how willing people were to challenge each other’s views,” Nour added. “While I thought MUN would be more focused on diplomacy, the debates were surprisingly intense. However, it taught me to stand firm in my opinions and use my judgement wisely when voting.”
The Mini MUN conference was an excellent preparatory event for the larger THIMUN gathering in January 2025, where our students will have the opportunity to engage with a global network of young leaders. The experience at Mini MUN has given them the skills and confidence to take on this challenge, as well as valuable insights into the importance of diplomacy, collaboration, and critical thinking.
BSB is incredibly proud of its CAS MUN participants and their achievements at Mini MUN. We look forward to seeing them shine at THIMUN and continue developing into the global citizens of tomorrow.
Read more about BSB’s CAS programme here.