As many as 19 students from various undergraduate and graduate programmes at the VUB took part in this year's London International Model United Nations (LIMUN). This is a diplomatic competition along the lines of the United Nations. The entire delegation is members of VUBMUN, an association that prepares students for careers as diplomats by letting them participate in such competitions. 2023 was a great success, as the students from VUBMUN picked up no less than four awards and an honourable mention.
Claudia Tiefel of VUBMUN: "Our organisation selected 19 exceptional delegates for the diplomacy competition, and after two weeks of extensive training, we accompanied them to LIMUN, one of Europe's most prestigious conferences."
The VUB students enthusiastically participated in various committees, including the League of Nations, UNHRC, UN Women, IMF, NATO and WHO. During this conference, delegates delved into the views of different countries and a wide range of topics. Claudia, who herself is a master's student in European and International Governance: "As a result, they gain invaluable experience in international diplomacy and cooperation."
After many hours of training, nightly sessions and tireless work, the VUB team achieved fine successes. As many as three Best Delegate Awards were won: Sam Singh (Management) and Ioan-Gabriel Cretu (Social Sciences) represented Gabon at the United Nations Security Council. Alexander Van de Sande (International and European Law) - represented Saudi Arabia in Economic and Social Council. And Dalia van Damme (International and European Law) represented Japan in the United Nations Human Rights Council. A Most Improved Delegate Award was Mieke Löhrer (European and International Governance)who represented Italy Italy in the Sixth Committee (Legal). Finally, Hannes Matthys (Business Economics) who represented Namibia in the World Health Organisation received an honourable mention.
Claudia Tiefel: "We participate and do training as one team. We believe that this collaboration is at the root of success, even before LIMUN starts, to be challenged and push boundaries."
The full VUBMUN team: Mieke Löhrer, Ioan Cretu, Louis Vandecauter, Duc Pham, Estrella Bibiloni, Galen Schmidt, Nicolas Khaldi, Sam Singh, Dalia van Damme, Tako Davladze, Helena Verspagen, Manouk Driessens, Noa Lameire, Fatima Yaqoob, Hannes Matthys, Alexander Van de Sande, Gennaro Scherillo, Daniele Pisano, Arthur Vanbossuyt (as delegates) and Benedikt Hötzel and Claudia Tiefel (as faculty advisors).