Become a delegate!

Are you ready to combine Oxford, Harvard, New York & the United Nations in one year?

  • Have you always been interested in the United Nations, its ideals, practices and shortcomings?
  • Would you like to discuss world affairs with students from different backgrounds and nationalities?
  • Do you want to develop your debating, negotiating and lobbying skills?
  • Do you want to be part of a diverse group united by talent and motivation?
  • Are you looking for a challenge?


Then you should apply for the United Netherlands Delegation!

Update: The selection procedure for the United Netherlands Delegation 2011-2012 has closed. The application procedure for the Delegation 2012-2013 will start in April 2012. 

Being part of the United Netherlands delegation means being trained for half a year in the theory and practice of multilateral diplomacy in various ways. With a group of around 30 bright and inspired students living in the Netherlands you will learn how to convince others, speak in public, and lobby effectively. You will receive lectures in international relations from renowned speakers, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies and you will receive an intensive training week in New York. Finally you will bring theory into practice by participating in Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN): the oldest, largest, and, arguably, most respected Model United Nations conference in the world. Together with the other delegates of United Netherlands, you will do your utmost best to serve the country you will be representing at HNMUN during four intensive conference days in Boston.

Overview

Participation in the United Netherlands delegation consists of several parts. In the first place, you will attend the preparatory track in the Netherlands, which offers a unique introduction to the practice of international diplomacy and which prepares you for the Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) in particular. In addition to lectures, you will receive a thorough training in public speaking, debating and lobbying.

We will also organize several briefings and master classes. Last years, for example, we visited the British & American embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and received master classes from former Prime Minister Wim Kok, Job Cohen, Bert Koenders and Marjet van Zuijlen, (former) members of parliament as well as Dutch Ambassador van Kesteren amongst many others. You will also attend a training day in problem solving and negotiating in October and participate at the Oxford International Model United Nations conference in November.
 
Then, in the beginning of February, we shall go to the United States for 2.5 weeks. In the first week, the New York Training Week, you will receive your final intensive training week and attend some briefings at amongst others the United Nations Headquarters. After the training week, you will get a few days off to relax. By that time, you will be completely ready for the Harvard National Model United Nations; the last part and absolute highlight of the United Netherlands program. The preparatory track will by this time have prepared you to debate, negotiate, and lobby for four intensive days. Here you will have the opportunity to show that you are among the world's finest future diplomats.
 
The preparatory track, OxIMUN, the New York Training Week, and HNMUN together form the unique course United Nations and Multilateral Diplomacy: Theory and Practice (UNMD). The course is equivalent to a BA3 course and 10 EC. You will also receive a grade and certificate for the course.
 
Of course, we expect something back. To make the preparatory track and the United Netherlands participation to HNMUN a success, we need delegates that are committed, participate actively, and are willing to work hard for the project. So, you will need to invest time and effort. We expect from you that you invest twelve to fifteen hours per week in the preparatory track (traveling costs and social activities excluded). This implies that in addition to the weekly six-hour meetings on Friday, you will have to read and prepare for at least six to nine hours per week. Amongst others, you will have to write short weekly assignments as well as research and position papers. Since practical skills are very important in this course and you cannot practice them by yourself, you are required to attend every meeting (see Program outline for details). Furthermore, as you can imagine, we cannot invite a top-notch international lawyer or visit Foreign Affairs with some delegates missing and others not knowing exactly what it is all about. And, of course, the whole experience is much more rewarding to you if you participate actively and invest sufficient time.
 
During the whole track, you will receive intensive training, coaching and feedback from two Head Delegates, who carry the responsibility for the delegation. They are highly experienced students who have committed themselves full-time for half a year to ensure you get the most out of this experience.
 
Results

Over the last few years, we have managed to develop a strong and balanced preparatory track and to attract the finest students. Whereas in the first year we went to Harvard National Model UN, United Netherlands received no awards, in the second year we already received two. The third year we came home with eight individual prizes and became the first European delegation in years to win the award for "Best International Delegation". In 2007, United Netherlands received not only the award for "Best International Delegation," but also the award for "Best Large Delegation!" In 2008 at Harvard National Model United Nations, the United Netherlands delegation won the award for "Outstanding Delegation". Next year, 2009, the United Netherlands delegation represented the USA and won the "Best International Delegation" Award. This same award was once again won in 2010 representing the Russian Federation. The delegation of 2010-2011 continued this winning streak, by winning 13 individual awards at HNMUN 2011.