VUB students stepping into the shoes of UN delegates – representing a country, debating, and drafting resolutions? Enter VUBMUN, founded in 2002. Last year, Nena and Zoélie were part of the delegation, and together with their team in New York they won the Outstanding Delegation Award. ‘It was a real honour – the outcome of a fascinating year-long training programme,’ they said. Definitely one to recommend. For those who enjoy the art of debate in an international setting: applications for the new academic year open in October.
Let's rewind to spring 2025: VUBMUN won the Outstanding Delegation Award in New York. Did you expect that?
Nena: "Not really. But of course, it wasn't our first delegation experience. At the end of last year, we had our baptism of fire at the VVN MUN, a conference with all Flemish universities, where we learned to debate as if we were in the Security Council. This was followed by a second conference in London, culminating in our participation in the NMUN in New York, arguably the largest and oldest model UN conference in the world, with more than 300 universities and over 5,000 students. VUB was represented by 10 delegates."
Zoélie: "Our delegation was spread across various committees, such as the UN Environmental Assembly (a simulation, ed.), where we had to defend North Korea's interests in food production and ecology. This was no easy task, especially since the country rarely speaks out about its climate policy. I think our inventiveness is what won us the award."
Which students are eligible for VUBMUN?
Nena: ‘Any VUB student, from first-year to ManaMa students, who is interested in international politics and wants to broaden their horizons. Prior knowledge is useful, but not a requirement. It doesn't matter what field you're studying. In return, you get a lot: an intensive year-long training programme and the opportunity to participate in a number of international MUN conferences.’
The VUB students who won the Outstanding Delegation Award in New York.
"Many people question the effectiveness of our democracy, but here you learn that it does work"
What do you gain as a student, what doors does such participation open?
Zoélie: "First and foremost, at VUBMUN you get to know new people, Belgian and international VUB students whom you might never have met otherwise. You also make many valuable international contacts abroad, often with a different culture, a different perspective on life, etc. Many people question the functioning of our democracy, but there you learn that it does work and that a compromise is usually preceded by a long thought process."
Nena: ‘And just as important: during the year, you learn to give speeches, defend your opinion, make compromises, write resolutions, work under pressure and with tight deadlines, etc. It's a truly incredible learning experience that you get so much out of.’
How do the preparations go?
Zoélie: "Once you've been selected, you receive training from fellow board member Lara two to three times a week; the training sessions become more intensive as a conference approaches. We receive support from Prof. Tony Joris, who founded VUBMUN, as well as from alumni who were previously members. "
Nena: ‘Initially, you learn how to give speeches and debate, and that can cover a wide range of topics. I remember that at the beginning of last year, for example, we debated the oil sheikhs in the Middle East.’
“VUBMUN is going to London this year and hopefully also to the big WorldMUN in Lima, Peru”
What is the goal for 2026: where will future conferences take place? Which countries will you represent?
Nena: ‘Which countries we will represent will only be announced at the last minute. Just like last year, we are organising two conferences of our own, but we are also going to London, where we can take ten extra students with us, and we hope to be able to go to the big WorldMUN in Lima, Peru, next year.’
Two conferences of your own, can you tell us a bit more about that?
Zoélie: "In the first semester, we simulate a Flemish Community Commission, and in the second, we organise a CampusMUN at the VUB, to which all students are invited to come and debate. Participants are given a current topic, assigned a country and work together to formulate creative policy solutions. It's an ideal way to get a taste of how VUBMUN works."
How do you apply to participate and how does the selection process work?
Nena: ‘It starts in October and consists of two rounds. In the written round, you are asked to describe yourself and your motivation, and you are also given some questions about international politics, where your thought process and reasoning are particularly important. In the second, oral round, these questions are explored further. Ultimately, ten candidates are selected.’
Do you yourselves have ambitions to work in diplomacy?
Zoélie: ‘Initially, I hope to make a small difference. Maybe after that?’
Nena: ‘Who knows, I am certainly passionate about international politics.’
This year, Zoélie, Lara and Nena are the board members.
VUBMUN stands for Vrije Universiteit Brussel Model United Nations and is Belgium's oldest MUN society, which trains students for Model United Nations (MUN) conferences. At MUN, students simulate the United Nations by representing the positions of different countries and debating global social issues in order to reach resolutions. Financially supported by deMENS.nu.
Bio
Zoélie Aurelia Myriam Prickartz Lewkowicz (22) is a master's student in social work at VUB. She was a member of VUBMUN last year. This year, she is a board member.
Nena Mgbokwere (21) is a first-year master's student in law at VUB. She was a member of VUBMUN last year. This year, she is a board member.
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