I’m truly honored to be here at NHSMUN. As I look out across the room — you’re the reason I remain optimistic about our future. Your willingness to do the hard work of diplomacy gives me hope. One day, you will be the Presidents, the Prime Ministers, the UN Secretaries-General. You will have the responsibility to lead — and the decisions you make will have the power to change the world.

Joseph R. BidenPresident of the United States

I get a lot of energy from being in this room with you and answering your questions. Frankly, I can learn a lot more from you than I can from most adults. And I think that’s a realization that every UN diplomat has had at one point in their career. Now, the question you just asked is the best question. I wish that all of the UN Permanent Representatives would ask that question.

SRSG Virginia GambaSpecial Representative of the Secretary-General

Many years ago, I, myself, was a Model UN delegate. In fact, my high school came to NHSMUN each year. To this day, I give credit to my faculty advisor, who has since become a dear friend, for getting me involved with Model UN, as it directly inspired me to pursue a career in foreign service.

Ambassador Jonathan R. CohenUS Mission to the United Nations

Networking, negotiation, compromise…this is the stuff that makes the world go around. You might not realize it until years from now, but the skills you’re learning here…they might be more important than anything you’ll ever study in a classroom.

Ambassador Susan RiceFormer US Ambassador to the UN; Former U.S. National Security Advisor