By Madeline Sidgwick, Senior News Editor
This weekend, Royal Holloway’s London International Model United Nations Delegation heads to conference.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Head Delegates Amélie Williams and Hugo Courtney to discuss the weekend ahead, as well as the benefits of LIMUN and being a Head Delegate.
I first asked the pair what the LIMUN conference actually looks like in practice…
The conference is a simulation of the various United Nations committees. The weekend requires “grounded” information and resolutions “based entirely on fact”. The members of the delegation are given a variety of committees and countries to represent at the conference each year, and the weekend concludes with awards for the best performers.
“We are hoping to win some awards (…) and most importantly want people to do it again next year”. Students have been representing Royal Holloway at LIMUN since 2018. Hugo described the weekend as “a lovely group outing” alongside academic rigor and diplomacy.
What are the challenges that accompany being head delegates?
Amelie expressed how “being both the good cop and the bad cop” can be hard at times when training the delegation for conference. “Everyone is such good friends (…) it is really a collective effort” to ensure that everyone is prepared for the weekend.
“Being diplomatic and behaving properly is the priority” both in the training sessions, and at conference said Hugo.
What is your best advice for future applicants and Head Delegates?
Amélie: “Do not be discouraged from applying if you have no previous experience, neither of us did Model UN before uni”
“Show your uniqueness in your application and always be willing to learn”
Hugo: “We are always looking for originality in the applications” so showing what you can bring to the delegation that others may not is needed. “Also, please fill the word count”, this shows that you have really thought about the application.
Both Hugo and Amélie are in their final year of their undergraduate study, so I asked what has it been like to balance so many priorities? “It can be difficult, but you know what you are applying for, so you make sure to plan ahead”. Both expressed that “the positives and the relationships made outweigh any stress or negatives of the job”.
Thank you to Amélie and Hugo for taking the time to speak with me and for sharing your insights. I hope to see Royal Holloway LIMUN delegations succeed for years to come.
The Orbital wishes the 2026 delegation the very best of luck at this years’ conference!
Image credits: Kayra N Kaya