Introduction
The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) started small, as a local MUN conference in The Hague in 1968. More than half a century later, THIMUN has become a global leader in the MUN community. We organize four yearly MUN conferences as well as other regular MUN-related events throughout the world, and more are coming. We provide support for countless other MUN conferences on all continents save Antarctica, and maintain a prestigeous affiliation programme. We enjoy Roster Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and lobby for the sake of the MUN programme.
THIMUN and the United Nations
In 1995 the THIMUN Foundation was accredited as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information. In 2003 the THIMUN Foundation was granted Roster Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Representatives of THIMUN have attended meetings in New York.
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, who visited THIMUN in 2002, stated:
” The fact that THIMUN exists to uphold the values of the United Nations among the young is particularly important, since it is from the young that we should draw our energy and inspiration as we strive to make the United Nations effective and responsive to the needs of the people worldwide.“
Our Mission
The mission of the THIMUN Foundation is to promote and foster collaborative solution-oriented discussion to important global issues by instilling a life-long passion in youth to take an engaging role in the future and become more responsible global citizens.
Attendants of THIMUN conferences aim to seek, through discussion, negotiation and debate, solutions to the various problems of the world: e.g. questions of human rights, protection of the environment, economic development, disarmament, the problems of youth and of refugees, as well as the more critical issues of war and peace. The young delegates, in seeking solutions to these problems, can learn to break away from narrow, national self-interest and develop true international cooperation.
The research and preparation required, the adoption of views and attutudes other than their own, the involvement and interaction with so many other young people from around the world, all combine to give the young people a deep insight into the world’s problems, to make them aware of the causes of conflict between nations and to lead them to a better understanding of interests and motivation of others.
Thus the THIMUN Foundation, through its conferences and educational programs, attempts to fulfill the aims and goals set by the founders of the United Nations in the Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations:
“…to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours”
