The Yeshiva University National Model United Nations (YUNMUN) is a student-run simulation of the workings of the real United Nations that gives students an opportunity to experience and learn about the complex landscape of international diplomacy. Playing the roles of delegates to actual United Nations member nations, participants represent a variety of positions, often ones with which they may not agree. In advocating for a given country, students must conduct thorough research of that country's interests and policies across a wide range of issues and concerns, adding both to their knowledge of world affairs and to their appreciation of and facility with research, preparation, communication and critical evaluation.

YUNMUN XXXVI - Letter from the Director

Dear Delegate,

Welcome to the 36h Yeshiva University Model United Nations, YUNMUN XXXVI!

When I was in high school and later as a student at YU, I always looked forward to February—Model UN month! Participating in YUNMUN was one of the highlights of my academic journey. The excitement, energy, and enthusiasm that fill the air during this incredible event must be experienced firsthand to be truly understood. We are committed to ensuring that your YUNMUN experience is just as remarkable and unforgettable.

Take full advantage of this unique and exhilarating adventure! Embrace the camaraderie of your peers, the thrill of competition, and the satisfaction of pushing yourself beyond what you thought possible to achieve your goals. Over the years, YUNMUN has grown in size and scope, yet it has never lost the personal touch and connection that make YU events so special. Rooted in core Torah values, YUNMUN reflects our shared purpose of striving to make the world a better place.

YUNMUN is not just an event; it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, broaden your horizons, deepen your understanding of global issues, and, of course, have an incredible time.

Our excitement for this year’s conference is boundless, and we know that YUNMUN XXXVI will be the most outstanding yet. We can’t wait to share this transformative experience with you at the 36th Yeshiva University Model United Nations!

Let’s work together to make YUNMUN 36 the best one yet.

Looking forward to greeting you!

B’hatzlacha rabba,

Moshe “Ziggy” Zharnest
Director of Undergraduate Admissions

YUNMUN XXXVI - Letter from the Secretary-General

Dear Delegates,

On behalf of the Secretariat and the Office of Admissions, I am very excited to officially welcome you to YUNMUN XXXVI! In just a few short months, hundreds of students from across the country, and world, will gather together for the culmination of what will be an amazing experience. As someone who was a delegate myself, I understand the vast amount of work and effort that goes into preparing for the conference. The hours of writing position papers, discussing procedure, and learning how to become a better public speaker, all come together in the three-day conference. I look forward to seeing all that you accomplish through your preparatory work and in the conference. 

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Hannah Goldenberg and I hail from Woodmere, NY. I went to HAFTR and Central for high school, studied in MMY for one year post-graduation, and then made my way over to Stern for my undergraduate experience. I am currently in my last year in Stern studying Psychology, and I am pre-law with hopes to attend law school in the near future bez’h. This will be my seventh year involved in YUNMUN. I began as a freshman in high school and I never stopped. 

It is now more crucial than ever that there is a Jewish University in the heart of New York City, where students can practice their Judaism and hold onto their Zionistic beliefs without being criticized and demoralized. Yeshiva University has offered me incredible opportunities even prior to stepping onto campus, and YUNMUN is a perfect example of that. Hundreds of students from various religious and educational backgrounds all come together to collaborate on real world problems. You are all the future of klal yisrael and the world at large, and this conference allows each individual to shine in their own respective ways.

As a delegate, YUINMUN gave me an incredible opportunity to speak publicly and be educated about real topics. While I joined the Model Congress and Debate teams in high school as well, I did so only later in high school at a time when they were completely remote. YUNMUN offered me something that those experiences could not provide: collaboration and research skills. The very habits and skills you gain at the conference and in the months leading up to it in preparation are extremely beneficial to you as a student and as a leader in your own respective worlds. One may be scared to get up and speak in their committee, but this is the way to build confidence and skill. Researching topics alone may seem daunting, but it is these activities that will instill in you self-confidence to feel competent and accomplished in your own lives.

When picking a staff for this conference, one thing is very important: to be a good role model. Your chairs specifically are returning staff members, many of whom also did YUNMUN in high school. They have all been where you are now. They represent what Yeshiva University is cultivating: the Jewish leaders of tomorrow. Do not hesitate to build connections with your chair, assistant chair, and administration assistant ; they can help you with advice for gap years, college, and even careers. To this day I credit my chair from senior year for instilling in me an excitement and a yearning to attend Yeshiva University. 

I am very excited for this year's YUNMUN conference, and I am truly humbled to be this year's Secretary General. Had someone told me seven years ago as a freshman in high school that I would be here, I would not have believed them. I look forward to seeing the incredible conference that you all create. Please do not hesitate to reach out, my email is hgolden1@mail.yu.edu. 

Sincerely,
Hannah Goldenberg
YUNMUN XXXVI – Secretary General