What is a Model United Nations (MUN)?
A Model United Nations (MUN) is a conference that authentically simulates negotiations of specific committees and organs of the United Nations. Additionally, the purpose of a Model United Nations is to raise awareness about imminent global issues and to provide a platform to foster lively debates among participants.
Therefore, a MUN is not only an event where one can meet with lots of different young people but it is also a serious role play. There, the participants find themselves in the position of a delegate of a foreign country and have to negotiate and discuss for saving the national interests of his/her country.
Such a simulation conference takes lots of effort in preparing - not only by the organizers but also by the participants. It is the responsibility of the participant to represent the national interests of a foreign country on the level of international negotiations as taking place at the UN.
The sessions of the committees will be conducted by Chairs and Co-Chairs. All delegates have to obey certain Rules of Procedure, which are a simplified version of those used in the real UN conferences.
There are many MUNs held all over the world.
What is the Vienna International Model United Nations (VIMUN)?
The Vienna International Model United Nations (VIMUN) is the main conference of the United Nations Youth and Student Association of Austria - Academic Forum for Foreign Affairs (UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA).
Due to the fact that committee sessions are being held directly at UN conference facilities in Vienna VIMUN participants are experiencing the atmosphere of the United Nations at first hand making the conference even more special.
Experiences gained at VIMUN range from the enhancing of ones diplomatic skills to getting more insights into imminent global issues. As a consequence participants of Model United Nations very often follow careers as high-ranked diplomats, leaders in business, law and government later on in their lives.
VIMUN is open to students and young people from 18 to 35 years of age from all nations worldwide.
Participants give their best in the debates during the day, the social program in the evenings will give lots of opportunities to make new friends, explore Vienna or to simply have fun.
If participants want to explore more of the beautiful City of Vienna they by themselves add one or two days of stay in Vienna ...
The History of VIMUN
The conference has a long and vibrant history. Once planned in 1995 as a one-time event VIMUN has advanced to become the only International Model United Nations in Austria and one of the most important International Model United Nations worldwide. During the last years, VIMUN has expanded and prospered by having hosted about 4000 students.
Review VIMUN 2009 Review VIMUN 2008
Review VIMUN 2007 Review VIMUN 2006 Review VIMUN 2005 Review VIMUN 2004
Review VIMUN 2003 Review VIMUN 2002 Pictures VIMUN 2001 Pictures VIMUN 2000
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VIMUN 2010
VIMUN 2010 will consolidate past experiences with future perspectives giving participants the opportunity to close the circle of peaceful co-existence, prosperity, cultural understanding and sound environment. All these aspects will be incorporated in this year’s committees making this VIMUN unique among other Model United Nations.
The Organizer
The United Nations Youth and Student Association of Austria - Academic Forum for Foreign Affairs (UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA) is a Non-Governmental Organization in Vienna and administered by a corporate Board of Members.
The VIMUN Secretariat is the chief organizing body of the conference and is headed by the Secretary General. As a result the Secretariat is responsible for administrative work, academic content, conference registration, delegate services and all other aspects of the VIMUN conference. All communication with delegates before and during the conference will be handled by the Secretariat. All comments, questions and concerns regarding the VIMUN are welcomed.