The Organization

The International Model United Nations Association (IMUNA) is dedicated to educating young people about global issues through simulation. IMUNA hosts three annual Model United Nations simulations in the United States. In addition to sponsoring conferences, IMUNA's volunteer staff publishes research papers, curricula guides, and educational material. IMUNA supports the next generation of globally-minded leaders by facilitating cross-cultural debate and exchange programs. IMUNA equips students with the academic and social skills necessary to solve some of the world’s most pressing international issues.

As the organizational infrastructure that supports and staffs the three conferences, IMUNA provides institutional memory to ensure the continued substantive and logistical quality of the delegate experience. IMUNA is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of 21 senior leaders: seven members-at-large (typically, former conference executives or educational innovators), a comptroller, a faculty liaison, and 12 ex-officio members (the current and previous year's Secretaries- and Directors-General of each conference).

The History

IMUNA belongs to a long tradition of international education through simulation. Model United Nations at the college level traces its beginnings to a national Model League of Nations. In 1974, the sponsors of the collegiate National Model United Nations conference decided to develop a program for high school students that would be held annually following the collegiate conference. The first National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) conference was held in the spring of 1975 and was an immediate success. In the late 1970s, the increased workload led NHSMUN to form its own parent organization. IMUNA was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1979. Today we hold consultative NGO status at the United Nations. We strive to partner with international and regional organizations that promote education and international dialogue, as well as collegiate and university educational institutions.

The Conferences

IMUNA promotes a peaceful global citizenry though global issues education. While IMUNA supports various education endeavors and publishes resources that are useful for both students and educators, three world-class Model UN simulations are the heart of our organization.

National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN)

Founded: 1975
Location: United Nations International Headquarters and the Hilton New York in New York City, New York
Annual Dates: Early to mid-March
Approximate Size: 3000 delegates

The National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) was founded in 1975 and has continued uninterrupted for nearly 40 years. The conference takes place at the United Nations and the Hilton New York. Delegates participate in debate at both the UN Headquarters and the Hilton New York. The working language is English, but international students are encouraged to attend; we are proud to host representatives from approximately 20-25 countries each year. NHSMUN offers one of the world's premier education simulations. It spans a period of four days. Our staff often arranges for schools to meet the UN embassy representatives from their country, and students vote in the UN General Assembly Hall. Our faculty speakers program sponsors workshops that feature educational theorists and international relations experts.

Regional High School Model United Nations (RHSMUN)

Founded: 1998
Location: San Fransisco, CA; formely Salt Lake City, UT
Annual Dates: First week in December
Approximate Size: 600-800 delegates

The Regional High School Model United Nations (RHSMUN) was founded in 1998, and in 2010 moved from its long time home in Salt Lake City, UT, to San Fransisco, CA. The conference promotes education through simulation in the western United States and regularly attracts students from Utah, California, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, and several other states as well as Canada and Mexico. RHSMUN is proud to host one of the most dynamic Model UN simulations in the West. Thanks to the conference size, delegates receive hands-on education from conference staff and committee directors. The individualized experience is highly enriching and students enjoy crisis committees and expert substantive debate. The all-volunteer staff consists of university students from the US and Canada.

Southern United States Model United Nations (SUSMUN)

Founded: 2009
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Annual Dates: Mid-November
Approximate Size: 500-600 delegates

The Southern United States Model United Nations (SUSMUN) was founded in 2009. The conference takes place at Emory University and our staff is assisted by Emory students and faculty -- an enriching partnership between the two organizations. The purpose of the SUSMUN conference is to educate new and advanced students in matters of international relations. SUSMUN caters to the experience level of delegates. This is managed by three components: a tier system for delegate expertise level; a series of hands-on workshops; and a service learning project. New, beginner, novice, and veteran tiers allow delegates to work with other delegates of comparable skill. These are well complemented by the workshops, which are deisgned to introduce new students to the basic concepts of Model UN and to provide expert skills training for those more advanced students.

IMUNA Board of Directors 2013-2014

Chairman: Jerry Guo
Vice Chairman: Taylor Parkin
Comptroller: Michael Kratsios
Faculty Liaison: Jim Hodges, Brighton High School
Member-at-Large: Jennifer Tschetter
Member-at-Large: Max Ross
Member-at-Large: Parth Brahmbhatt
Member-at-Large: Andrew Chan Wolinsky
Member-at-Large: Francie Berger
NHSMUN 2014 Secretary-General: CJ Stravrakos
NHSMUN 2014 Director-General: Ryan Youra
NHSMUN 2013 Secretary-General: Hannah Olliff
NHSMUN 2013 Director-General: Bonnie Pham
RHSMUN 2013 Secretary-General: Devon Tivona
RHSMUN 2013 Director-General: Erica Li
RHSMUN 2012 Secretary-General: Steven Sorensen
RHSMUN 2012 Director-General: Jillian Petrie
SUSMUN 2013 Secretary-General: Kandasi Griffiths
SUSMUN 2013 Director-General: Emily Padget
SUSMUN 2012 Secretary-General: Megan Doyle
SUSMUN 2012 Director-General: Kate Massey

Project Managers

Technical Projects Manager: Andrew Willden