Here you can find the three pre-conference initiatives we have crafted uniquely for this iteration of YMUNE! You can participate in multiple initiatives if you wish, but it is in no way required to participate in any in order to have a successful committee experience. Please see more information for each initiative below. All contests below are competitive in nature, and we only accept individual submissions.



Essay Contest

The YMUNE XIII Team is incredibly excited to announce the topic of our annual essay contest: “The Role of the UN today.” Recent times the world has seen far too many unprecedented crises, and world leaders carry the future of everyone in responding adequately and in a timely manner to the ever-changing global challenges. The UN is at the forefront of peacekeeping and international cooperation, but it is ultimately up to us, the future generations of future leaders, to continuously shape the role of the UN today. We ask delegates in this essay contest to reimagine the role of the UN, to explore the history of its involvement with responding to global challenges and its commitment to peace, justice, respect, human rights, tolerance, and solidarity. The deadline for the essay contest is March 8, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST. All submissions must be submitted before then to be considered eligible for awards, using the form linked below.

 
 

Art contest

We also designed this year’s Art Contest to provide as many opportunities as possible to delegates who wish to explore the intersection between the arts and diplomacy! This year's theme revolves around "Unity & Diversity," inviting participants to explore and express their perspectives on the complex interplay between unity and diversity in the global community. Artists are encouraged to submit original works that showcase the beauty and challenges of embracing diversity while fostering unity in an increasingly interconnected world. The contest is open to all registered delegates, and the deadline for submissions is March 8, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST. All submissions must be submitted before then to be considered eligible for awards, using the form linked below. Entries can encompass various mediums, including paintings, drawings, digital art, or mixed media. Submissions will be judged based on artistic merit, interpretation of the theme, and relevance to the conference's mission of promoting cultural awareness. Winners will be announced during the conference. Unleash your creativity, and let your artwork become a voice for unity amidst diversity!

 

Sustainability Project

Welcome to the YMUNE XIII Sustainability Project, where delegates are invited to be architects of change! In this initiative, participants are challenged to reimagine the United Nations' sustainability goals and distill them into a single, comprehensive document. The format of the submission is up to the delegate: it can be a video, presentation, document, image, and anything else that comes to mind! Delegates will delve into the complexities of global sustainability, considering environmental, economic, and social dimensions, and propose innovative solutions that transcend traditional boundaries. The objective is to encourage creative thinking and collaborative problem-solving to address pressing issues related to climate change, poverty, inequality, and more. Delegates are expected to submit their summarized sustainability goals by March 8, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST using the form linked below, showcasing their vision for a sustainable and equitable future. All submissions must be submitted before the deadline to be considered eligible for awards. The projects will be evaluated based on the clarity of their objectives, feasibility, and the depth of understanding of the interconnected challenges our world faces. Get ready to redefine global sustainability and make a lasting impact at Yale Model UN Europe XIII!