Our Purpose
At Washington University in St. Louis, WUMUNS serves as a Gateway to Global Leadership. WUMUNS provides a space where structured debate meets innovative thinking. Organized entirely by undergraduate students through the WashU International Relations Council, WUMUNS brings together high school students from across the country for a weekend rooted in diplomacy, rigorous debate, and collaboration.
We believe leadership is cultivated through community. Through structured debate and immersive simulations, delegates sharpen their critical thinking, strengthen their teamwork skills, and learn to navigate complex global challenges with professionalism and integrity. WUMUNS fosters diplomacy grounded in preparation, collaboration, and negotiation.
Specialized Committees, Intentional Design
A defining feature of WUMUNS is our emphasis on specialized crisis committees with smaller, intentional committee sizes. We believe that impactful debate happens when every delegate has meaningful opportunities to speak, negotiate, and lead.
By limiting committee size, we create space for deeper collaboration, sustained engagement, and more immersive crisis arcs. Smaller committees allow for greater creativity, stronger interpersonal dynamics, and more hands-on leadership opportunities. This design reflects our commitment to quality over scale, ensuring that every delegate participates in a truly dynamic and innovative experience.
The gateway is open. The future is collaborative. Leadership begins here.
In St. Louis, For St. Louis
WUMUNS is proudly rooted in St. Louis and deeply aligned with Washington University’s commitment to serving the region. Each year, a significant portion of our delegates come from the St. Louis area, and we actively work to create greater access to Model United Nations for local students. For those of you coming from out of state, we strive to provide an experience rooted in St. Louis culture. Through financial aid initiatives and community partnerships, we strive to ensure that participation in structured diplomacy and competitive learning is accessible to a broad range of students.
We believe global leadership begins locally. By investing in St. Louis students and strengthening regional partnerships, WUMUNS ensures that the gateway truly opens both outward and inward.
Inclusive Dialogue & Expanding Access
Effective diplomacy depends on diverse perspectives and equitable participation. WUMUNS is committed to fostering a conference environment where delegates feel welcomed and empowered to contribute fully. We recognize that creating access is essential to building stronger debate.
Our approach to inclusion is grounded in professionalism and mutual respect. By cultivating structured spaces for dialogue and encouraging thoughtful engagement across differences, we ensure that diplomacy is practiced in a meaningful way.
