Board XXXV
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." This quote by Nelson Mandela is the ideal synthesis for everything that the Leiden Model United Nations Foundation stands for. My MUN journey started over 3 years ago. Every speech was a learning opportunity, every moderated caucus, a trove of teachings. As I join the Board XXXV as President, I am honoured and humbled to teach others, the lifetime of lessons MUN has taught me.
~ Sixte Foucque, President
" I am deeply honoured to assume the role of vice-president of the 35th board of the Leiden MUN Foundation
For me, MUN represents a quintessential part of my upbringing, and this amazing experience has played a role in almost every aspect of my life thus far. Aside from the obvious skills, knowledge and mentality obtained from years of both being a delegate and a teacher in many years prior, 1 hold in the highest of regards the social potential of this incredible activity. MUN for me has allowed me to both meet a myriad of amazing, different people, but also rediscover aspects of myself I had thought to be long forgotten. I am also certain that the prestige and historical standing of this distinguished Foundation will permit me to inspire future delegates with as many of my past experiences, for them to create their own paths within the world of MUN.
It is MUN's incredible ability to change any person for the better, something I have witnessed time and time again, which is why I look forward to sharing my experience with other aspiring delegates and continuing the history of the Foundation."
~ Piotr Leligdowicz, Vice president
"I am deeply honorred to be a member of Board XXXV.
I feel particularly excited and deeply responsible. This preparatory track is the final stage of my work as a Head Delegate Trainer.
Looking back, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Leiden MUN Foundation for my personal and professional growth here. I am grateful to my mentors, my colleagues, and all the delegates for this amazing experience, for the journey we've taken together.
MUN is always more than a mere simulation. It is a space for practicing diplomacy, negotiation, compromise, and trust-building - the skills that future international relations professionals need most.
During the preparation for MEDMUN we will work on those skills. As a head delegate trainer, I will work to ensure that delegates gain a deep academic experience and hone their public speaking, negotiation, and lobbying skills.
I am strongly committed to the Foundation's mission of personal development and will do everything I can to inspire and motivate delegates, help them truly find their voice, and become the better version of themselves."
Julia Pozdnukhova, Head Delegate Trainer
"Mun was a revelation during my first conference at HNMUN 2025. It quickly became inconceivable to me to end my journey as a mere participant, I wanted to step behind the scenes and help shape the experience for others. It is with great honor that I am part of the 35th board of the Leiden MUN Foundation.
Passing on the knowledge first imparted to me by the Foundation feels like a crowning achievement. I look forward to further developing as a PA and mentor, and I hope to guide new delegates through an experience that has been so fundamental to my own journey."
Galaad Larzilliere, Promotions & Acquisitions Officer
“ MUN has been eye opening for me; a whole experience parallel to university that transforms your professional abilities. My studies would never feel quite as complete without the foundation, as I firmly believe MUN is a central stepping stone to any International Relations student's career. As my friends know well, 1 am always eager to recommend it to anyone I meet. After having participated in IEUMUN 2024 and HNMUN 2025 as a delegate, l am honored to be on the board for MEDMUN 2026. Now as treasurer, I can contribute positively for a more affordable, fairer and responsible foundation. I can sincerely say that I have found my voice in the community, by sharing with likeminded individuals a common passion for self improvement, diligence and determination, all under the umbrella of International Relations."
~ David Auberger, Treasurer
"Ever since | joined the Foundation in my first year of university, I have not only discovered the art of Model UN, but I have also discovered myself: | learned what I am truly capable of, and where my skills lie. Thanks to the Foundation, I managed to truly find my voice. Throughout the two preparatory tracks I completed, I gained valuable experience that helped me grow into the person l am today, whether it brought me great memories or important lessons to learn from.
As such, I decided to join the board to not only teach the skills and knowledge to my fullest extent, but also to pass on my passion for Model UN and debating. It is my duty as a delegate trainer to help prospective delegates find their voice as I found my own!"
~Celia Hiver, Delegate Trainer
“ Seeing someone discover their voice and their strength is something that fulfils me deeply and wholeheartedly. Not too long ago, I was sitting exactly where our delegates are now — a little nervous, a lot excited, and honestly not quite sure what I was getting myself into. Being a delegate with this foundation is what changed that. It gave me room to grow, a community that pushed me, and the confidence to find my own voice.
That experience is a big part of why joining Board XXXV felt so meaningful to me. I still remember what it felt like to be in those sessions - the nerves before speaking, the pride after — and I want to bring all of that into the way I train. With patience, with openness, and with genuine belief in every single delegate.
My goal is not just to help delegates perform better, but to help them feel more confident, more capable, and more like themselves by the end of it. That, to me, is what this is all about."
~Milena Kahl, Delegate Trainer
“ I am deeply honoured and pleased to join the Leiden MUN Foundation as a Delegate Trainer for Board XXXV, where I aim to support upcoming participants in developing the skills needed to thrive in the Model United Nations conferences. Throughout this time, MUN has become more than just an academic activity for me, it has been a space where I have developed my voice, built lasting connections, and deepened my understanding of global issues and diplomacy.
In my role as Delegate Trainer, I aim to provide practical guidance on public speaking, structuring arguments, and understanding committee dynamics. At the same time, I hope to contribute to a supportive and inclusive atmosphere in which participants feel encouraged to engage, ask questions, and develop their own path.
While I'm grateful to be part of the Board XXXV, I look forward to contributing to the Leiden MUN community and supporting upcoming delegates throughout their MUN experience!"
~Pietro Pilotti, Delegate Trainer
Previous Boards
Board XXXIII | HNMUN’26
President: Ethan Schwartz
Vice President: Sixte Foucque
Treasurer: David Auberger
Promotions and Acquisitions Officer: Galaad Larzillière
Head Delegate Trainer: Julia Pozdnukhova
Delegate Trainer: Celia Hiver
Delegate Trainer: Piotr Leligdowicz
Board XXXII | SIMUN’25
President: Susanna Koppe
Vice President: Thomas van Loon
Treasurer: Lucas O’Connell
Promotions and Acquisitions Officer: Jaclin Duja
Head Delegate Trainer: Bart Huisinga
Delegate Trainer: Noa-Lynn Gilliaert
Delegate Trainer: Ethan Schwartz
Delegate Trainer: Juan Escudero
Board XXXIII | IEUMUN’25
President: Thomas van Loon
Vice President: Ethan Schwartz
Treasurer: David Auberger
Promotions and Acquisitions Officer: Jaclin Duja
Head Delegate Trainer: Juan Escudero
Delegate Trainer: Julia Pozdnukhova
Delegate Trainer: Sixte Foucque