20th Edition of the VVN Interuniversity Model United Nations (MUN)

04 December 2025 to 06 December 2025
Brussels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The VVN Model United Nations is being organised with the support of UNU-CRIS.

Opening Ceremony – Thursday, 4 December 2025, 17h30

The opening ceremony of the twentieth edition of the VVN Inter-University Model United Nations will take place on Thursday 4 December 2025 at the Flemish Parliament in Brussels. The evening will bring together students, academics, diplomats and experts for a formal launch of the conference, featuring welcome addresses, reflections on the MUN’s twenty-year history, and introductory insights into this year’s case on the Arctic Region. The programme will set the tone for a weekend of negotiation, debate and diplomatic exchange, and offers participants the opportunity to meet speakers and fellow delegates ahead of the sessions.

Programme:

 17h30

Networking Coffee & Cake

18h30

Welcoming words, Peter Wollaert, Chair UN Association  Belgium Flanders  20 year VVN MUN, prof. Jan Wouters KU Leuven

Group picture with all students, professors, assistants and speakers

Flanders and multilateral initiatives, Julie Bynens, Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Affairs (tbc)

Introduction to the case, Prof. David Criekemans, University of Antwerp

Keynote on the case, Ambassador Susanne Shine of Denmark to Belgium, Luxembourg and Vatican State

High-Level Panel Debate on the case

  • Ambassador Susanne Shine of Denmark to Belgium, Luxembourg and Vatican State
  • David Criekemans, University of Antwerp
  • Frank Mattheis, Research Fellow at UN University-CRIS Bruges
  • Moderator: Karen Van Look, Research Fellow at Clingendael

Q&A with students

How to be an Effective Negotiator?, Ambassador Johan Verbeke

Closing remarks

 20h40

Networking reception

Registration is now open via this link!

 

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20th Edition of the VVN Interuniversity MUN

The Model United Nations (MUN) organised by the United Nations Association Belgium Flanders (VVN) brings together students from four universities: the University of Antwerp (UA), Ghent University (UGent), KU Leuven, and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). Together, they simulate the workings of the United Nations and international diplomacy.

Over the course of three days, students take on the role of diplomats. They represent a country, defend national positions, and debate a current international issue.

The VVN MUN is a simulation of the UN Security Council and brings together a total of 48 students (twelve per university), supervised by their professors and assistants. Participants stay in a youth hostel in Brussels for the duration of the weekend.

Theme 2025: “The Arctic Region” 

The dossier for this edition was written by Professor David Criekemans (University of Antwerp) and explores the geopolitical and ecological challenges in the Arctic region.

The conference will take place from 4 to 7 December 2025 in Brussels and will conclude on Sunday afternoon with the awarding of certificates to all participating students.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

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