Model United Nations

“The future belongs to those who understand that global challenges demand global solutions.”
— Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General

Katelyn Dougherty

History | MUN

Email: doughertyk@isc.cw

Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of the lobbying, resolution writing, public speaking and debate that takes place in the United Nations.
Students represent the views of various nations and work together to agree on solutions to many of the pressing issues that the world community faces. The course is interactive and students should have an interest in public speaking and current events.
Students who perform well in class have an opportunity to attend The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN), the largest MUN conference in the world, as well as the Panama Model United Nations conference (PANAMUN) in Panama City, Panama.
We are beginning the process of selecting students to represent the International School of Curaçao at PANAMUN 2026.
The 34th annual Panama Model United Nations (PANAMUN) will take place October 21–23, 2026, on the campus of the International School of Panama.
PANAMUN is the largest and oldest Model United Nations conference in Central America and is the only local conference affiliated with THIMUN. The conference brings together students to debate international issues while emphasizing diplomacy, collaboration, diversity, and a commitment to improving the global community.
Students will serve as delegates representing an assigned country in a UN committee. Throughout the conference, they will debate global issues, deliver speeches, negotiate with other delegates, develop resolutions, and work toward collaborative solutions. It is a challenging experience, but also a great opportunity for students to develop their confidence, research, communication, and leadership skills.
Students in Grades 9 and 10 who are interested in attending PANAMUN are invited to complete the attached PANAMUN Student Application Essay.
The essay asks students to explain why they would like to attend, what they would bring to the delegation, how they would prepare for the conference, and how they would represent ISC. Essays should be 400–600 words and completed independently.
Please keep in mind that this is an application process, and submitting an essay does not guarantee a place on the PANAMUN delegation. Selection will consider the application as well as the student's participation, preparation, responsibility, behavior, and demonstrated commitment to MUN.
Because the purpose of the essay is to hear directly from the student, applications should reflect the student's own ideas and writing. AI detection tools may be utilized during the review process. If there are concerns regarding the authenticity of an application, the student may be asked to discuss their essay with me. AI should not be used to generate, rewrite, or substantially complete the application.
Students are encouraged to apply even if they do not consider themselves strong public speakers. Successful MUN delegates are not simply the students who speak the most. Preparation, collaboration, diplomacy, maturity, and a willingness to participate are equally important.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 2
How to Apply: Students should email their completed application essay directly to me by the deadline.
If you have any questions about PANAMUN or the application process, please feel free to reach out.
I am looking forward to seeing which students are ready to take on the challenge and represent ISC at PANAMUN!