LEBMUN’24: Celebrating 20 Years of Global Engagement and Challenging the Status Quo

The American Community School Beirut proudly hosted the opening ceremony of
the 20th annual Model United Nations Conference LEBMUN on Friday, February 23rd, 2024.
The three day conference was attended by student diplomats from over 12 schools around
Lebanon, marking a significant milestone. Coinciding with LEBMUN’s 20th-anniversary
celebration, it marks two decades of diplomatic discourse and global engagement.

In light of this commemorative year, LEBMUN reflects not only on its growth but
also on the invaluable contributions it has made to the world of Model United Nations.
Twenty years ago, the idea of LEBMUN took root within the confines of the American
Community School Beirut. Over time, the conference has expanded beyond its initial
boundaries, transitioning from the American University of Beirut to its current location at
UN-ESCWA, the UN House in Beirut.

This year, the opening ceremony featured a keynote address by Zeina Khodr, a
senior correspondent at Al Jazeera news. Throughout her career, Khodr has worked for
quite a number of media organizations, covering a wide range of politics in the halls of
power, natural disasters, insurgencies, and full blown war. Khodr is internationally
renowned for her extensive coverage of conflicts across the Middle East spanning over 25
years. Reporting from numerous countries in the region, she has consistently been at the
forefront, providing in-depth insights from some of the most volatile areas in the world.

During ACS MUN, young, innovative thinkers in grades 6-12 had the opportunity to
tackle topics such as artificial intelligence in warfare, promoting a deeper understanding
of global issues and inspiring progressive diplomacy. In the current geopolitical climate,
LEBMUN ‘24’s theme, “Challenging the Status Quo,” encourages critical thinking among
delegates. As the world undergoes dynamic shifts, the theme prompts participants to
break away from conventional wisdom and explore fresh perspectives. Delegates explore
this through engaging in topics such as investigating income inequality and its
implications on society or the question of navigating the ethical dilemma of artificial
intelligence.

This year also marks the third year of the outreach program: ACS LEBMUN’s
partnership with local public schools in Beirut. The initiation of bringing underprivileged
students to our campus, nurturing their understanding of MUN, and ultimately fostering
their participation in many MUN conferences has been transformative. Allowing these
students to participate as LEBMUN delegates alongside students from all over the world
has provided a unique and enriching experience, enabling discussions on a variety of
topics. This year we hope to have over 25 participants fully funded at our conference.

Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of the actual United Nations. It
operates similarly to the United Nations General Assembly held in New York, complete
with corresponding officers and committees. Within this simulation, delegates engage in
debates on pertinent global issues, crafting resolutions in an atmosphere characterized by
open-mindedness, critical debate, and diplomatic conduct.

LEBMUN today stands as a testament to the remarkable growth achieved despite
various challenges, steadfastly advancing the mission that embodies the spirit of
diplomacy, collaboration, and excellence that has always defined LEBMUN. Now fortified
with the lessons of professionalism, adaptability, and the importance of community,
LEBMUN has, and will remain, at the forefront of Model UN simulations in the region for
this year and the years ahead.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL BEIRUT

Founded in 1905, ACS is an accredited, not-for-profit, independent and secular American
College Preparatory School serving a multicultural international student body. ACS
provides internationally-enriched, standard-based curricula, preparing students for the
International Baccalaureate, the Lebanese Baccalaureate, and the American College
Preparatory Diplomas.

ABOUT THE MODEL UNITED NATIONS CLUB AT ACS

The prestigious MUN club at ACS is an extracurricular activity which shapes and adds
depth to a student’s character. The program helps students develop their leadership skills
through research and debate. In the program, students take on the roles of foreign
diplomats and participate in a simulated session of a UN assembly tackling current
international issues.

ACS students take part in a number of renowned international conferences where they
consistently exhibit their skills and receive distinctive awards that verify their exceptional
abilities. Some of the international conferences in which ACS students have participated
include: the St. Andrews International MUN in Dublin; Qatar MUN at Georgetown University
in Doha; the UNA-USA MUN Conference in New York; and the Harvard MUN.