The 50th Yale Model United Nations, also known as YMUN 50, concluded with highschoolers worldwide gathering at Yale University in New Haven, New York, USA.

The YMUN 50 concluded successfully with the gains of many students worldwide through special programs and experiences.

Delegates presented resolutions based on their topics of the sub-committee that they were included in.

For example, delegates of the World Health Organization of the General Assembly proposed a resolution on drug abuse and addiction, which had been a severe global issue, through many committee sessions with cooperative presentations and discussions just like the UN conference.

Resolutions varied in their recognition or solutions, with some emphasizing on international networks.

Yale Model United Nations 50, hosted by Yale University for 50 years, welcomed highschool students worldwide with many different programs not only providing the experience of the UN conference as mock committee sessions.

Model United Nations is a mock conference of the real United Nations, providing students, especially high school students, with an opportunity to experience life and conference at the United Nations.

YMUN 50 was held from January 18th to 21st, 2024.

Before arriving in New Haven, where their conference will take place, students participating in YMUN decide on their committee.

Students choose their committees based on their interests since the topics that they have to discuss depend on each different committee.

Yale had offered students the choice of sub-committees under the major 5 big assemblies: General Assemblies, Economic and Social Councils, Regional Bodies, Specialized Agencies, and Crisis Committees.

Before the official event commenced, most of the students had researched on the provided topics of their committee and submitted their position paper to be eligible for award winning as well as students’ improvements on research.

The YMUN 50 had officially begun with the Opening Ceremony.

The Opening Ceremony welcomed delegates from all around the world and officially started the Yale Model United Nations 50.

Following the Opening Ceremony, delegates started the committee session to propose a resolution based on their topics in each sub-committee.

Delegates were led by the chairs, who were volunteers of Yale students.

Overall, Yale emphasized on “cooperation” among the delegates.

Over the four days of YMUN 50, delegates of every single sub-committees had resulted with certain resolutions through cooperation.

All sub-committees had different topics affecting the globe or being issued in the United Nations.

Despite occasional small debates among the delegates,, several resolutions had been proposed in each sub-committees, where delegates could improve their leadership with responsibilities.

Proposed resolutions were presented by the delegates in front of the committee members to get passed with building up experiences on public speaking.

Through the fair voting procedures, some resolutions get passed, which become the committee’s final resolutions on the specific topic being discussed during four days of YMUN 50.

In addition to simulating the UN conference, Yale provided the delegates other special experiences.

Delegates had the chance to experience “Yale Day” among four days of YMUN 50, before their committee session, to experience Yale University, one of the top universities in the US or the world.

Delegates participated in expert lectures, campus tours, and different competitions such as art and math under this special program.

Students chose events and programs that they would like to participate in and experience life of Yale students and different majors through Yale Day.

Yale additionally provided highschool students to make international friendships through the “Delegate Dance.”

Students made new international friends and enjoyed the party through dancing, singing, playing games, or watching movies between the tough schedule of the Yale Model United Nations 50.

After all the committee sessions and programs, the closing ceremony took place to end the short but intense journey of about four days at Yale as well as to reward some delegates who took the best part in leading the conference in each sub-committee.

Despite the extreme cold weather in New Haven, New York, USA, and many students facing physical sickness, delegates still managed to successfully end their Yale Model United Nation with great experiences or lessons.

Therefore, YMUN 50, the 50th Yale Model United Nations, came to a successful end.

Yuna Lee

Grade 9

Jones International Christian School