Welcome to YMUN XLVII! 

Dear delegates, faculty advisors, parents, and future diplomats,

It is my honor to invite you to the 47th iteration of Yale Model United Nations, taking place on Yale’s campus from January 21st to January 24th, 2021. It is with utmost excitement that I am serving as Secretary General of a conference that embodies traditions of education and excellence. I look forward to working alongside my accomplished and outstanding Secretariat to plan a conference that shows each delegate and advisor the best of what Yale has to offer. On Yale’s historic campus in New Haven, Connecticut, nearly 2000 high school students will discuss pressing global issues in the same classrooms that have inspired presidents, prime ministers, and policymakers from around the world.

This year, the conference will aspire to promote, teach, and inspire leadership. The theme and motif of leadership this year will allow students to learn from some of Yale’s most accomplished professors and student leaders in their fields, providing students with the opportunity to more deeply understand how leadership manifests itself. By learning both within and outside the committee sessions, it is my greatest hope that delegates leave YMUN with the knowledge and empowerment that will bring them one step closer to becoming a confident and strong future leader. YMUN XLVII promises to challenge delegates to engage and think critically. Committee chairs will push their delegates to step outside of their comfort zones, and to work more collaboratively and more efficiently to solve some of the world’s most prominent international issues. Tackling these problems will require nothing short of the most unwavering persistence and achievement. 

Last year, delegates from over 115 schools, 20 countries, and all six inhabited continents convened to represent countries and their leaders in four days of collaborative and compelling debate. Resolutions were passed, addressing a range of conflicts from economic development in Sub-saharan Africa to the Colonization of Mars. Outside committee, through extensive programming during Yale Day, delegates watched thought-provoking lectures taught by Yale professors, participated in interactive workshops and panels, and toured Yale’s beautiful campus. Most importantly, they met their fellow future world leaders through thoughtful conversations on the way to committee, through scheduled activities, and through many shared working papers on the path to a resolution.

It is my hope that all those who attend YMUN 47 will cherish the memories made for long after my gavel marks the end of the closing ceremony. With new out-of-committee and year-long educational experiences, a streamlined application and registration platform, and a dedicated Secretariat and Staff, YMUN XLVII strives to be the most fulfilling and ambitious yet.

On behalf of our team, once again, welcome to YMUN XLVII.

Sincerely,

Claire Calkins

Secretary-General

Yale Model United Nations 2021

Claire Calkins, Secretary-General of YMUN XLVII