SHUMUN Holds its 25th Model UN Conference
Patricia Salib
Staff Writer
On February 24 and 25, over 250 high school students from 14 high schools across New Jersey attended Seton Hall University’s annual Seton Hall University Model United Nations (SHUMUN) Conference. Every year, Seton Hall’s Model UN Team (SHUNA) hosts a conference for high schoolers called SHUMUN, and this year celebrated the conference’s 25th anniversary on campus. The conference has been a mainstay on campus for many years, serving as a forum which allows Seton Hall students to learn the ins and outs of running a large campus-wide conference, while providing high schoolers a platform to practice their debate and research skills over the course of one weekend. This year, over 40 Seton Hall students volunteered their weekend to support the conference.
The conference commenced with an Opening Ceremony, in which the Secretariat was introduced, and a keynote address was delivered by the School of Diplomacy’s own Dr. Brian Muzas. His words shared the essence of diplomacy and the importance of the UN, encapsulated in the powerful sentiment: “When people criticize the UN, I say it is better to have a forum where people are shouting at each other than shooting at each other.” Dr. Muzas’ message resonated deeply, setting the tone for a weekend of meaningful discourse and collaboration.
Throughout the weekend, participants engaged in a spectrum of activities, including six diverse committees. There were three General Assembly-style committees that follow a traditional debate structure akin to the real UN which involves resolving real-world issues. The committees were Disarmament and International Security (DISEC) 2015, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), and the UN Oceans Conference. There were also three Crisis-style committees, which are more creative and present challenging problems to delegates requiring quick thinking and collaboration skills. The three Crisis Committees this year were Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the Salem Witch Trials, and an Ad-Hoc Committee. Throughout the weekend, students delved into topics ranging from global security to environmental sustainability, human rights, and diplomacy. The committee sessions were not merely platforms for debate but arenas for the exchange of ideas, where participants navigated complex issues with thoughtfulness and respect. They also had a ton of fun!
Beyond the typical conference schedule, three special programs enriched this year’s experience. The Delegate Dance, held on the first evening, provided a low-stakes environment for students to unwind and make friendships across schools. The Professional Development and Q&A Forum offered a unique opportunity for students to gain insights into their future college careers. Dr. Martin Edwards of the School of Diplomacy and International Relations delivered an illuminating address, shedding light on the world of diplomacy. His words conveyed some of the virtues of servant leadership, a core value of Seton Hall. Following his speech, students engaged in an open dialogue, posing thoughtful questions, and receiving advice on all aspects of college life from student leaders on campus.
SHUMUN XXV also launched a philanthropic partnership with SEEDS – Access Changes Everything through the Candy Gram initiative. The initiative underscored SHUMUN’s commitment to giving back. SEEDS- Access Changes Everything, is a local nonprofit dedicated to providing educational opportunities to students from underserved communities. The conference raised over $600 for the organization as a gesture of solidarity and support that echoed the spirit of compassion and education central to SHUMUN’s mission.
Behind the scenes, SHUMUN XXV bore witness to months of diligent effort and unwavering dedication. Secretary-General Hamzah Khan, alongside Secretariat members, staffers, chairs, and crisis directors, worked tirelessly for ten months to make it all happen. COVID-19 threatened the conference, leaving it at risk of dying out. It was first brought back in-person for last year’s SHUMUN XXIV in 2023, but the conference faced many logistical hurdles due to the loss of institutional memory. The success of this year’s conference was profound. SHUMUN XXV is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the enduring legacy of diplomacy.
