Harvard World Model United Nations Abu Dhabi 2026
in collaboration with Learn with Leaders
Olympics of Model United Nations
Hosted by Virginia American School
Hosted by Virginia American School
Harvard World Model United Nations Abu Dhabi is a unique blend of high-level debate, cultural immersion, and social engagement, creating an environment where diverse perspectives are not only heard - but celebrated.
Through thought-provoking discussions, diplomatic collaboration, and hands-on experiences, participants explore real-world global issues and sharpen their skills in negotiation, public speaking, and leadership.
Recognized for its academic rigor and vibrant international community, WorldMUN is more than just a Model UN - it’s a life-changing experience that fosters empathy, understanding, and a commitment to global cooperation.
Substantive Excellence
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Encourage delegates to explore and understand pressing international issues through the lens of diplomacy and international cooperation.
Provide realistic simulations of UN bodies and multilateral organizations to help students understand the complexity of global governance.
Create an inclusive environment that celebrates cultural diversity and builds lasting friendships across borders.
Enhance participants’ abilities in negotiation, public speaking, collaboration, and critical thinking through committee sessions and delegate interactions.
Empower young leaders to return to their communities with a deeper sense of civic duty and a commitment to positive change.
Gain a deeper understanding of global issues, cultures, and international institutions.
Enhance negotiation, public speaking, and diplomacy skills through debates and resolutions.
Build leadership, teamwork, and collaboration skills in diverse, high-pressure settings.
Build a global network with peers across UAE, including future leaders and changemakers
Boost confidence, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving through immersive experiences.
DISEC will address the human cost of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where children and civilians are exploited under inhumane conditions. While cobalt is essential to the global tech economy, its extraction raises serious ethical and security concerns. Delegates will examine the international community’s role in enabling these practices and propose multilateral solutions to regulate supply chains, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure ethical resource governance.
ECOFIN will explore the effectiveness of IMF interventions in countries facing repeated financial crises. Through case studies of Pakistan, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire, delegates will assess whether IMF policies have fostered sustainable development or entrenched debt cycles. Using diverse economic metrics and methodologies, the committee will evaluate the long-term implications of IMF involvement and propose reforms to promote financial stability, equity, & accountability.
SOCHUM will examine how cultural norms, legal restrictions, and economic barriers limit access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) worldwide. With particular focus on marginalized populations, the committee will evaluate structural inequalities and propose inclusive policies that expand access to comprehensive SRHR education,services, and protections—especially in low-resource and conservative settings.
SPECPOL will address the global biodiversity crisis, with wildlife populations declining by nearly 70% since 1970. Delegates will assess the root causes of ecosystem collapse—such as habitat destruction, climate change, and overexploitation—and debate solutions that reflect their nations’ ecological and geopolitical interests. The committee will work to develop cooperative strategies for preserving global biodiversity and securing a sustainable future.
The Legal Committee will investigate how disparities in digital access and literacy widen global educational inequalities. Delegates will examine the legal responsibilities of governments and institutions in ensuring digital inclusion, especially for underserved communities. Topics include teacher training, student access, funding, and data privacy. The committee will develop rights-based frameworks to support equitable digital learning worldwide.
CSocD will explore how local, community-led approaches can drive effective poverty reduction. Drawing on models like the Harlem Children’s Zone, delegates will consider how systems-level interventions - coordinated across education, health, and economic support - can be adapted globally. The committee will assess the cultural, financial, and political challenges of implementing place-based strategies in diverse international contexts.
Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMUN) is the world’s most diverse collegiate Model United Nations conference, bringing together thousands of university students from over 110 countries each year. With a mission to foster authentic cross-cultural connections, WorldMUN travels to a different international city annually, inspiring delegates to engage in global dialogue, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
At the heart of WorldMUN is the WorldMUN Spirit—a guiding principle that encourages friendship, cooperation, and deeper understanding across borders. Past destinations have included Rome, Montreal, Panama City, Madrid, Paris, and Taipei, and the conference has featured keynote addresses by global leaders such as Pope Francis and King Felipe VI of Spain.
Led by a team of experienced student organizers from Harvard University, the conference combines academic excellence with immersive cultural experiences and impactful diplomacy. WorldMUN provides a platform for young leaders to explore international relations, debate pressing global issues, and build meaningful relationships that transcend geography.
In an ever-evolving global landscape, WorldMUN stands as a symbol of collaboration, cooperation, and hope for the next generation of changemakers
Virginia American School is a school with its vision set firmly on the future. In the year that H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced 2015 to be the “Year of Innovation”, Virginia American School opened its doors to the children of Abu Dhabi.
Virginia American School Through our commitment to the integration of the arts and music subjects with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we ensure that students become aware of the connectedness of the different disciplines that constitute a school’s curriculum.
Virginia American School encourages active parent and community participation in our daily activities. Opportunities to volunteer are numerous and vary based on parent interests, availability, and classroom needs. Parents are encouraged to join us as guest readers, library support, or presenters during classroom-centered activities. Research and experience tells us that when parents are involved at school, the performance of all the children at school improves.
Know more about us:
https://www.virginiaschool.ae/en/
