Harvard National MUN

Applications for our delegation to Harvard National 2026 are not yet open.

Background

The Harvard National MUN conference (HNMUN) is the most competitive conference Leiden MUN attends. HNMUN is nearly as old as the United Nations itself, and is considered to be the founder of the Model United Nations concept. It was with great excitement that Leiden MUN, in its 21st consecutive year, flew overseas to attend this highly competitive and intense conference in February 2025.

HNMUN is known for its size and high level of debate. Around 3500 students, from all over the world, attend this conference, resulting in committee sessions with up to 400 participants. Such large committees require rigorous attention and participation, which is why we expect dedication and motivation from our delegates throughout the entire Preparatory Track.

Despite that fact, the Leiden MUN Foundation welcomes a variety of applicants from a vast scope of academic and professional backgrounds. Every applicant possesses the potential to bring forth a unique talent and to contribute to our delegation by making it a more diverse and capable community.

What we look for is a strong sense of ambition and a willingness to learn.

Preparatory Track

Our Preparatory Track leading up to the conference means that whether you have no previous MUN experience or are an MUN veteran, you will be prepared to face HNMUN. Our Prep Track includes Skills Labs, where we train delegates in skills such as public speaking, negotiation tactics, research, and resolution writing each Tuesday night. Moreover, we have Mock Sessions every Wednesday evening, where you will represent a UN Member State and debate with your delegation on a given UN issue. Finally, our Prep Track includes the Personal Development Programme (PDP). Here, each delegate is individually mentored by an experienced and skilled Delegate Trainer. In addition to improving your MUN skills, our focus is also on developing skills as a young professional.

The programme we provide is of high quality and will demand perseverance. This does not mean that you need an MUN background in order to apply. We are looking for students that have the motivation and interest to engage in international relations and affairs.

Being a part of our Harvard delegation includes more than our Preparatory Track and trip to the conference. Before travelling to the United States, will visit several embassies in The Hague where you can engage with diplomats on the topics you will discuss at Harvard as part of our Professional Networking programme. Last year, we visited the embassies of the USA, Bangladesh and Taiwan’s Representative Office, and for this year, several embassy visits are planned.

Upon arrival in New York City, we will also visit New York prior to the start of the conference! Previously we have visited the UN Headquarters and the Dutch Permanent Mission to the UN, amongst others. You will also have time to bond with your delegation and explore the beautiful cities of both New York and Boston.

Leiden MUN in New York City

During our time in New York City, the Leiden MUN Foundation will tour the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Visiting the United Headquarters (UNHQ) allows our delegates to establish a realistic perspective of the internal mechanisms that shape the United Nations; it is an opportunity for delegates to truly understand the global order from the vantage point of the world’s most consequential leaders.

Our external sessions in New York City provide the perfect opportunity for our delegates to engage in networking activities with established diplomats and other officials. A further part of this component includes a seminar with representatives of the Dutch Foreign Ministry during which our delegates will have the opportunity to ask questions concerning the daily challenges that diplomats encounter. This experience provides ambitious students with a greater understanding of the political world and as a result, could present itself as the first stepping stone towards a career within international diplomacy.

We also recognise the importance of winding down and enjoying the scenery. Delegates will have the chance to explore the city on their own initiative amidst their spare time! Many of our delegates describe visiting New York City as an exhilarating experience that is made even more enjoyable in the company of a supportive team and group of friends.

Practicalities

IMPORTANT: Preparatory Track Schedule & Locations

All sessions take place at Leiden University’s Wijnhaven building in The Hague.

• November & December

  • 7:45pm-10pm for Skills Labs

  • 7-10pm for Mock Sessions

• January

  • 3:00-6:00pm for both Skills Labs and Mock Sessions

    NOTE: Students are required to be back in the Netherlands from the 13th of January onwards in order to attend in-person training sessions. We will deny applicants who are unable to make this commitment.

• February

  • 7:45pm-10pm for Skills Labs

  • 7-10pm for Mock Sessions

Testimony by Franz Baumann