Step Up. Speak Out. Stand Apart.

Harvard Model Congress
Middle East Conference

Dates
9 - 11 January 2026

In-person at
Jeddah International School

Eligibility
Grades 6 - 12

THE PREMIER EVENT

About The
Conference

Harvard Model Congress Middle East is the world's premier government simulation. For three days, students will take on the roles of US Representatives, US Senators and UN Representatives and tackle some of the world's most pressing issues.

Through public speaking, negotiation, and compromise, delegates will challenge themselves to understand the nuances of politics and the intricacies of legislation.

A transformative experience that builds confidence and nurtures the leaders of tomorrow.

Conference
Details

All the essential information you need to register and participate in Harvard Model Congress Middle East 2026.

CONFERENCE DATES

9 - 11 January 2026

IN-PERSON AT

Jeddah International School

DURATION

3 Days

ELIGIBILITY

Grades 6 - 12

CONFERENCE FEE

SAR 1500 per student

RECOGNITION

Students receive a Certificate of Participation from HMCME

What is Harvard Model Congress?

A premier simulation conference that brings government to life.

Government activity run by Harvard Student Mentors

Focused on American government and international organizations. Delegates get a firsthand view of how policy change is made on a small-scale.

Emphasis on collaboration and education

Delegates are expected to collaborate with other students in writing and presenting bills. Support materials are available on the delegate portal.

Committee-based

Delegates are sorted into committees based on real-life bodies, such as committees of American Congress, where legislation is drafted.

Substantive and policy-based

Debate is organized around briefings and background guides. Committees are chaired by Harvard undergraduate students who guide debate and provide personalized support.

Key Takeaways

1

Leadership & confidence

Delegates learn to voice their perspectives with clarity, take initiative in discussions, and develop the confidence to lead peers in decision-making.

2

Understanding global institutions

By simulating the roles of representatives, students gain first-hand knowledge of how governments and global institutions function, negotiate, and collaborate.

3

Public speaking mastery

Through debates, speeches, and negotiations, delegates refine their communication skills, learning how to articulate ideas persuasively in English.

4

Diplomacy & consensus building

Students practice diplomacy by bridging diverse perspectives, negotiating compromises, and building consensus — skills vital for leadership in a globalized world.

Why choose HMCME

HMC Middle East sets itself apart through its commitment to challenging, inspiring, and teaching students. In creating an informed, intimate, and lively forum for debate, our staff exemplifies professionalism while conveying a contagious enthusiasm for each topic.

Our dedicated staff of Harvard students researches and writes briefings on each committee topic. Students use these materials and the guidance of our staffers to inspire debate, cooperation, and legislation throughout the three-day conference.

Conference Schedule

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3

9:00 - 10:00	Check-in
10:00 - 11:00	Opening Ceremonies
11:00 - 12:00	Icebreakers and Parliamentary Procedure Review (in Committees)
12:45 - 15:30	Committee Debate
15:30 - 16:00	College Q&A w/ Harvard Students

9:00 - 12:00	Committee Debate
12:00 - 12:45	Lunch Break
12:45 - 14:00	Committee Debate
14:00 - 14:15	Break
14:15 - 16:00	Full Congressional Session/International Summit

9:00 - 12:00	Committee Debate
12:00 - 12:45	Lunch Break
12:45 - 14:00	Committee Debate
14:00 - 14:15	Seminar
14:15 - 16:00	Closing Ceremony

Committees

United Nations Security Council

The UNSC is tasked with maintaining international peace and security. The council has the power to take decisive actions, including establishing economic sanctions, creating peacekeeping missions, and authorizing military action.

World Health Organization

A specialized agency of the United Nations, focused on public health. The WHO has been instrumental in gathering and synthesizing data about international health problems and tackling communicable diseases.

Senate Homeland Security

The head oversight committee in the U.S. Senate. It exercises oversight over the Department of Homeland Security and has jurisdiction over the functioning of the government, including the National Archives and federal civil service.

House Judiciary

Has jurisdiction over matters relating to the administration of justice in federal courts, administrative bodies, and law enforcement agencies, including bankruptcy, espionage, and civil liberties.

The World Bank

A financial institution associated with the United Nations with the official goal of reducing poverty through loans to the poorest countries and financial education programs.

Harvard Model Congress Team

Salma Boukouj PRESIDENT

Salma Boukouj is a junior at Harvard College studying Government and Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations. A proud Moroccan-American from Cambridge, MA, she is involved in Harvard Model Congress, the Harvard Society of Arab Students, and mentors through the Harvard Radcliffe Institute. Salma is passionate about advocacy, educational equity, and international affairs. Off campus, she enjoys quality time with friends, traveling, and discovering new music. Salma hopes to pursue a career in public service, law, or diplomacy.

Aya Faiz Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Aya Faiz is a junior studying Government and Economics at Harvard, proudly hailing from Boston, Massachusetts. Her primary interests revolve around business, international studies, and justice. Outside of academics, she engages in high-impact consulting with Harvard Consulting for Business and the Environment and is a senior director of the Harvard Foreign Policy Initiative. In her free time, she loves swimming, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

Adele Raillot Director of Programs

Adele Raillot is a sophomore at Harvard College from New Jersey studying Biology and Government. In the past, she has attended HMC Boston and Europe as a staffer. Outside of HMC, she's working in a lab and is involved with the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter and the Foreign Policy Initiative. In her free time, she crochets clothes and loves discovering new music! She's excited to serve as Director of Programs and is looking forward to meeting the faculty and delegates of HMCME 2026.

Ella Dotzler Business Manager

Ella Dotzler is a senior studying Government and History who is hoping to attend Law School after graduating! On campus, she is heavily involved on The Harvard Crimson Business Board as one of the Programs Managers and in Harvard Model Congress, where she serves as the Business Manager for two conferences. Outside of school, she enjoys ballet, tennis, and trying new foods around Boston!

Jahir Tineo Faculty Liaison

Jahir Tineo Castillo is a junior at Harvard College concentrating in Government and Economics. He is a proud Massachusetts resident who is passionate about law, advocacy, and civil rights. On campus, he is involved in Black Men’s Forum, Phillips Brook’s Housing Association, and Harvard Model Congress. When he is not in the classroom he is hanging out with friends, listening to music, and writing poetry. Additionally, he is passionate about cultural exchange and loves to chat about historical events.

Khalid Alzamil Vice President

Khalid Alzamil is a junior at Harvard University, studying Government and Economics with a strong interest in economic policy and political behavior. Originally from Saudi Arabia, he brings a global perspective to his academic and extracurricular pursuits, serving on the board of the Society of Arab Students and contributing to cultural initiatives like the Arab Conference at Harvard. Outside the classroom, he is passionate about travel, history, and design, creating art that celebrates Arab identity and community. His curiosity and dedication to cross-cultural understanding shape both his scholarship and leadership.

Ready to Join?

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with world-class mentors from Harvard and develop critical leadership skills.

Get in Touch

EMAIL team@learnwithleaders.com

WEBSITE www.learnwithleaders.com