Model United Nations (MUN) is a comprehensive educational activity that can be described as an "intellectual triathlon." It cultivates fundamental academic skills such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening while fostering practical abilities such as quick thinking, negotiation, and collaboration. Furthermore, by role-playing as diplomats addressing global issues, students gain a sophisticated understanding of international affairs and the workings of the UN and the relevant international organizations.

When we participated in the Harvard MUN (HMUN), we were genuinely struck by how people from different countries and backgrounds could debate on completely equal footing. At the same time, a question stayed with us: how confidently can Japanese middle and high school students speak up on a stage like this?

Although Model UN conferences are held in Japan, access to information and opportunities is still limited to certain circles, and the barrier to entry often feels high. In many Japanese school environments, students also have limited chances to actively use English in real discussions. We wanted to change this reality and create a more open and accessible space where students in Japan can engage in discussions and use English with confidence.

 At a time when participation and opportunities are becoming increasingly concentrated within the same circles, it carries real significance for our school, a public high school with an international department, to host this conference. By opening our doors to middle/high school students, and creating a new gateway into Model United Nations, we believe we can help build a more open and inclusive community for discussion.