On Sunday, December 8, fourteen students from the Model United Nations (MUN) elective represented IMS at the annual MillMUN Conference hosted by Millbrook School. This year’s conference brought together students from Millbrook, Dutchess Day School, and IMS, spanning grades seventh through twelth, to engage in stimulating and collaborative debates across three dynamic committees.  

In preparation for the conference, our students dedicated themselves to researching global issues and crafting well-informed position papers that reflected their assigned countries’ viewpoints. These efforts were showcased across three committees: Global Education in UNESCO, Water Sanitation with the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Zombie Apocalypse Crisis Committee.  

UNESCO Global Education Committee:

This committee addressed the intersection of water sanitation and global education, focusing on overcoming barriers such as inequality and climate change to ensure inclusive and equitable education worldwide. Collaboration flourished early in the session, leading to innovative solutions such as a teacher exchange program to foster global perspectives in education. However, escalating disagreements ultimately led to conflict, with war breaking out among delegations. Despite the challenges, our delegates displayed resilience and ingenuity throughout the discussions. 

WHO Water Sanitation Committee:

This committee explored global challenges in providing clean water and sanitation, highlighting their critical role in public health and sustainable development. Delegates worked tirelessly to propose solutions, including strengthening water infrastructure, launching educational campaigns, and addressing resource management. Tensions arose as Vietnam refused to sign a peace treaty, prompting decisive actions from other delegations. Ultimately, the committee succeeded in achieving significant resolutions while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. 

Zombie Apocalypse Crisis Committee  

This fictional yet thought-provoking committee challenged participants to address a global viral outbreak causing zombie-like behavior. Delegates initially united to fund research for a cure, but as the crisis escalated, containment efforts faltered, and global chaos ensued. Japan and France succumbed to the outbreak, nuclear warfare was deployed, and Nigeria collaborated with the zombies to initiate a bid for world domination. The committee offered a thrilling and imaginative platform for creative problem-solving.

The IMS Model UN facilitators, Ms. Sammi D’Angelo and Ms. Caitlin Vaughn, are incredibly proud of every student’s dedication, creativity, and professionalism during the conference. Special recognition goes to Peyton Elie, who earned Best Position Paper for representing Nigeria in the Crisis Committee, and to Hanna Domene-Ruiz and Pia Lanzagorta, who were awarded Best Delegate for their representation of the Philippines in the WHO Committee.  

The MillMUN 2024 Conference was a day of intellectual challenge, spirited debate, and meaningful collaboration. Our students exemplified the core values of Model UN—curiosity, diplomacy, and teamwork—and we look forward to seeing them continue to thrive in future conferences!

Written by Ms. Sammi D’Angelo