ISZL Hosts First Model United Nations Conference: February 2026

In February 2026, ISZL hosted the school’s first Model United Nations (MUN) conference, bringing together students interested in diplomacy, debate, and global issues. The conference was planned and led by members of the ISZL MUN club, with support from faculty advisors, and created an opportunity for younger students to experience MUN for the first time in a supportive school setting.

A group of students and teachers stand together for a group photo at the end of the ISZL Model United Nations conference, posing in front of a presentation screen in a conference room.

In this reflection, an ISZL student shares what it was like to organise and participate in the conference, and how the experience highlighted collaboration, leadership, and student initiative within our community.

Written by Michalina, Grade 11 ISZL student

On 28 February, ISZL hosted its very first Model United Nations (MUN) conference, created by High School students and supervised by teachers Mr. Tillot, Ms. Matlhoko and Ms. Samuelson. The conference focused on the theme “Migration: Asylum Seekers and Refugees.” Although the original idea was first discussed over a year ago, it only became a reality at the end of 2025 through the dedication of the student organizing team.

Two staff members stand smiling together in a conference room during the ISZL Model United Nations conference, with students working at desks and a presentation screen visible in the background.

ISZL has had an active Model United Nations club for many years, where students engage in diplomatic debate, explore complex global issues, and learn how to discuss them in a respectful and constructive way. For many of us, MUN is more than just an after-school activity. It is a space where we grow as thinkers, speakers, and global citizens. Organizing our own conference felt like the perfect way to share that experience with the wider school community.

Five students stand around a table working on laptops together, leaning in to collaborate on a task in a bright school space.

At the beginning of the year, many students expressed interest in MUN, but not everyone had the opportunity to attend larger conferences such as IMZMUN or ASMMUN. Hosting a school-based conference allowed newer students to experience MUN in a supportive and accessible environment.

The conference was mainly organized by Grade 11 students, with valuable help from motivated Grade 9 and 10 students, who have been a part of the MUN club. Participation was open specifically to Grade 9 and 10 students who were new to MUN, encouraging them to begin their own journey in debate and diplomacy. Interestingly, many participants had not initially joined the MUN club, but became interested through the outreach and encouragement from the student team.

Three students sit at the front of the room during the ISZL Model United Nations conference, working on laptops with a gavel and microphone on the table in front of them.

Planning the conference took several months. During this time, the team organized logistics, selected the topic, and hosted four after-school preparation sessions to help delegates understand their assigned countries and feel confident in their roles.

On the day of the conference, the atmosphere was both focused and energetic. Delegates worked together in the general assembly, delivering speeches, debating solutions, and negotiating resolutions to address the complex issue of migration. It was an engaging hands-on experience that allowed students to practice diplomacy while collaborating to tackle real-world challenges.

Students seated at desks raise placards during a debate session at the ISZL Model United Nations conference, with laptops open and a presentation screen at the front of the room.

The conference chairs, students Michalina, Celeste, and Tisa, ensured that the rules of procedure were followed and that the event ran smoothly, while also helping lead the preparation sessions beforehand.

We thank the whole Model United Nations club and everyone that helped bring the day to life. The day would not have been possible without all of the immensely valuable student collaboration, organization and dedication. Till next time!