12 August: International Youth Day 2025

Every 12 August, the international community celebrates International Youth Day, an opportunity to highlight the important role young people play in building a sustainable and peaceful future. In 2025, the theme of this day is ‘Local action by young people for the Sustainable Development Goals and beyond,’ emphasizing that in order to move the world forward, we must start with local action.

The United Nations reminds us that young people are essential partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), bringing creativity, innovation and deep commitment to their communities. This day also has special significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, which reaffirms that when young people play a major role, societies prosper.

In this context, Model United Nations (MUN) events, and FerMUN in particular, offer a unique space where young people can express themselves, debate and develop essential skills. These simulations of the United Nations allow participants to explore major international issues and understand how global institutions work. They also develop their critical thinking, argumentation, negotiation and cooperation skills. This enables them to acquire communication, leadership and project management skills. Above all, it allows them to make their voices heard on global issues, thereby strengthening their civic engagement.

Our Fermun conference is a perfect illustration of this commitment. Every year, it brings together young people who are motivated to learn about international relations while exercising their influence in structured debates on a variety of issues, including artificial intelligence, human rights and sustainable development.

These conferences are a real incubator for young people, offering them a stimulating and educational environment where they can become agents of change, both locally and globally. They embody the powerful message of International Youth Day: that action by young people, starting at the local level, can transform the world.

With more than 1.2 billion young people on the planet, many of whom face considerable challenges such as unemployment, conflict or exclusion, strengthening these spaces for expression and training is more necessary than ever.

International Youth Day 2025 therefore invites all stakeholders, from governments to youth organisations and educators, to invest in these participatory and educational platforms to offer young people a future where their voices truly count.

Ruben Buchot 

MockMUN 2025: A day of life-size diplomacy

On Wednesday 11 June 2025, the Lycée international de Saint-Genis-Pouilly was transformed into a veritable UN microcosm. Students in impeccable suits, fiery speeches and rigorous debates: the MockMUN, a training conference for FerMUN reserved exclusively for delegates from the Lycée, offered an intense and formative simulation for young future diplomats.

The day began with an opening ceremony chaired by Manon Grivotet, Deputy General Secretary in charge of the Presidents. General Secretary Abdul-Salam Antwi opened the speeches with a reminder of the importance of this training event. Manon Wolniak, Deputy General Secretary in charge of delegates, encouraged everyone to get fully involved in the debates and reminded them of the important impact of this conference, its formative and emancipating side, just a few days away from the anticipated French exams for some.

Charlotte Brandon, Head of Interpreting, underlined the richness of multilingualism at FerMUN, highlighting the special role of Committee 3, the only trilingual committee. Speeches were also given by Ms Anquez, the lycée’s Deputy Headmistress, and Mr Launay, before the two chairmen of each committee presented their issues. Finally, an opening video produced by the press team was shown, officially launching the simulation day.

In Committee 1, devoted to the protection of journalists, there were lively exchanges on sensitive subjects such as a system for classifying journalists and the place of religions in media thinking. Tensions, alliances and diplomatic reversals animated the debates, demonstrating the complexity of the issue.

Committee 2 on the Environment was notable for its constructive atmosphere. Led by Sierra Leone, a resolution served as the basis for collective amendments. Delegates proposed innovative solutions, such as taxes on non-renewable energy or crop diversification, following the example of Côte d’Ivoire.

Within Committee 3, dedicated to the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, two visions of the world clashed: one inclusive, led by the Netherlands and co-signed by France and Brazil; the other conservative, represented in particular by Nigeria. The opposition between the two blocs led to intense debates, revealing the global divide around these issues.

Finally, Committee 4, on the militarisation of space, brought together five major powers for a technical but lively debate. Despite limited representation, the dynamism of the delegates enabled a balanced resolution to be adopted, rejecting militarisation while promoting scientific cooperation.

The closing ceremony, chaired this time by Manon Wolniak, was an opportunity to pay tribute to everyone’s work. Manon Grivotet thanked the chairmen for their commitment and dedication throughout the day, as well as during their training sessions. The other two chairmen of each committee in turn praised the commitment of the delegates and the decisions taken leading to constructive resolutions.

Livia Cauderan and Octave Nesme Jacolino, responsible for translation, expressed their gratitude to their teams. Ruben Buchot, Head of Press and Communications, thanked his journalists before launching the closing video.

Léna Seidenbinder and Adèle Philippon, in charge of the Admins and the Solidarity Fund, emphasised the importance of mutual logistical and financial support to the success of FerMUN. Finally, Mrs Baudry concluded the ceremony with a tribute to Mrs Ruez, MUN teacher, for whom this was her last lecture alongside the students.

MockMUN 2025 gave all the teams an opportunity to prepare under real-life conditions and served as a reminder of what FerMUN stands for: a collective, multilingual, demanding and deeply human project.

Ruben BUCHOT

Translated by Livia Cauderan

How Do the United Nations Guarantee Freedom of the Press?

May 3rd is World Press Freedom Day, an ideal opportunity to reflect on the various actions undertaken to protect journalists.

“The press is the only bulwark against tyranny,” said George Washington. This famous quote underlines the importance of a free press, both economically and ideologically. Yet today, press freedom is in decline across the globe. According to Anne Bocandé, editorial director of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), “without economic independence, there is no free press.” More and more media outlets are being bought by investors who use their control to spread their ideologies. In addition to this issue of independence, journalist safety is increasingly at risk: in 2024, 122 journalists were killed in the line of duty. According to UNESCO, “86% of crimes against journalists remain unpunished,” and over 1,700 journalists have been killed in total. How is a free press even possible when countries like the United States have dropped to 57th place in RSF’s global press freedom index and are now considered “problematic”?

First, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has launched several awareness-raising initiatives. Chief among them is the establishment of World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd, 1991, following the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration. This day aims to inform the global public about the risks journalists face to keep the world informed. It also led to the creation of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, named after a Colombian journalist assassinated for exposing Pablo Escobar’s influence in politics. The prize annually honors an individual, organization, or institution that defends or promotes press freedom worldwide.

But what exactly is the Windhoek Declaration? Drafted in May 1991 by around sixty African journalists at the end of a seminar on developing an independent and pluralistic African press (organized by UNESCO and the United Nations), it is considered the foundation for all subsequent UNESCO texts and declarations regarding press freedom. The “Windhoek Process,” a global movement of awareness following the declaration, had several concrete outcomes:

  • The creation of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), a global alert network that reports violations of international standards and supports journalists in danger;
  • Support from the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), which helps private media outlets maintain financial independence.

The United Nations also adopted a Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. This plan is built on six pillars: raising awareness; defining strong international standards; implementing specialized national policies (which have already strengthened legislation in over 50 countries, according to UNESCO); monitoring and reporting; strengthening protection and legal aid mechanisms; and conducting research. The plan also led to the creation of the Coalition for the Safety of Journalists (CSJ), which fosters international cooperation to end impunity.

Finally, a partnership with the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights (University of Oxford) enabled the creation of global online training courses (MOOCs) on freedom of expression and journalist safety, aimed at members of the judiciary. The first course ran from May to June 2021. It helped legal professionals better understand the relevant legal frameworks and featured case studies, including on gender-based violence against women journalists. As a result of this MOOC, 23,000 judicial actors and civil society representatives from 150 countries have been trained on these fundamental issues.

In conclusion, UNESCO works closely with many state and private actors to defend freedom of expression and ensure the safety of journalists. The risks faced by journalists are global: for example, Juan Dayang was assassinated on May 13th in the Philippines, while Hilmi Al-Faqawi and Ahmed Mansour were killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on May 7th, 2025. Press freedom remains a vital and urgent battle for human rights.

Elio Do Vales Martins

FerMUN 2026: at the heart of the committee chair selection process

When the assembly is in the middle of a debate and a delegate suddenly calls out: “Motion to move to voting procedure!”, a general “Seconded!” rings out. At this point, all the committee chairmen exchange a look of panic and uncertainty. However, with a simple nod from Manon Grivotet, then General Secretary in charge of training, it was enough to reassure them. One of the participants takes a breath and announces in a firm voice: “So now we’re going to move on to the voting procedure.” At the final plenary session of the FerMUN 2025 resolution, fourteen apprenticeship presidents, who had successfully passed the first stage of the selection process, were given the opportunity to prove themselves to the assembly in the open debate and then in the closed debate, supported by the four confirmed full presidents.

Demanding training, total commitment

Being a committee chairman at FerMUN is no easy task. At the heart of the UN simulation, committee chairmen have a key role to play: overseeing debates, guaranteeing procedure and  maintaining a rhythm, while remaining attentive to delegates. For FerMUN 2026, the selection process was once again rigorous. Supervised by Manon Grivotet, the presidential candidates first went through an initial selection process. Then came the real-life situation: during the debate on the FerMUN 2025 resolution, these students were able to practice under live conditions, co-chairing an assembly full of MUN participants.

A trainer committed to the chairs

For Manon Grivotet, this mentoring role is all part of the FerMUN journey. She confides: “It’s very important for me to accompany them in their training, because I’ve been extremely lucky to have received advice and knowledge from our former DSG Chair Jasmine. I hope to share my knowledge and to be at their side throughout the preparation and at the conference. I’m sure they will also bring me a fresh perspective on the role of chair, and I look forward to forging strong links with them!”

A team of experienced presidents to guide newcomers

This year, four student presidents have been appointed: Leya Petitjean, Lena Quéguiner, Filip Drozd and Jasmine Eugene, whose experience and rigor serve as a benchmark. Alongside them, the fourteen apprentices form a promising group of students who have already experienced the responsibilities of a committee: Blaise Arenales-Schwartz , Maya Baines , Eulalie Bohler , Elisa Bourguignon , Charlotte Dauchez , Grégoire Oury , Laurent Kogej , Clara Nguyen , Mathilda Rey , Hanae Schwebel , Nicky Taylor , Typhaine Tchognia Djamen Gnikeu Yoke , Harriet Onyango and Aimie Quéguiner.

These apprentice presidents will still have to prove themselves over the coming months, notably at MockMUN, where they will be entrusted with the chairmanship of committees. A final selection will be made at the end of the school year, prior to the FerMUN 2026 conference. For them, the objective is clear: to embody the neutrality, benevolence and mastery for which FerMUN chairs are renowned. More than a role, a responsibility.

Discovering an essential actor of the Model UN ecosystem: a deepdive into the role of chairs

 

Ferney-Voltaire Model United Nations (FerMUN) is a vast and rich ecosystem , where each role is unique and contributes to the diplomatic experience in different ways . One of the most complex roles which can be taken on by the young students is the role of a chair . In this article , we will discover everything that there is to know about this fascinating position, with insights from FerMUN 2025 chairs!

FerMUN’s goal is to bring together young students from all over the world to participate in diplomatic simulations that resemble the real United Nations as much as possible. All UN conferences are structured by several assemblies or committees . Each assembly or committee is presided by one or several individuals, typically referred to as chairs. At the heart of the debate, the chairs carry considerable responsibilities which determine the outcome of the debates, and therefore the conference as a whole.

“In my opinion, a chair is simultaneously implicated in the debate and also the organisation. Indeed, a chair has to know how to manage a debate well: speaking, points and motions, lobbying, amendments, the list goes on.  But at the same time the chair has to be invested and implicated in the organisation of the conference, by writing a research report linked to an issue that will be debated later on by the delegates” – Rayan, a chair in terminale 

Long before debates commence, chairs begin their hard work by preparing the issues that will be debated . They meticulously research the topic assigned to them and formulate two questions that the delegates will debate on. Once the questions are formulated, each chair consolidates their research and acquired knowledge by writing an in-depth research report . This report is an essential resource used by the delegates to understand the issue and begin forming their delegation’s position for the debate. It is an indispensable step of preparing the conference, the base that the debates are built on. 

“Chairs are here to make sure that the debate moves forwards in a respectful environment in order to have the most successful exchange possible between the delegates.” -Mina, a chair in terminale

Once the conference has started, the chairs take on a new, difficult responsibility: managing dozens of delegates as well as the admins, translators and interpreters in their committee for three days . Chairs have to keep their eye on the clock to make sure that there will be enough time for icebreakers, lobbying, amendments, speeches and votes. Time management isn’t their only responsibility: they have to help their delegates in the right direction so that they can come up with innovative and interesting solutions to the issue at hand, all while collaborating with other delegates and having constructive debates as differences arise. 

Maintaining order is of course a priority of a chair , but a chair also has to remain friendly and polite towards everyone – no matter their role- and be reassuring if there are any issues .A good team is formed with a strong bond and trust between the members.” -Rania, chair in première.

All good chairs will agree that an encoraging and polite attitude is essential for a chair to have in order to have a successful conference. Indeed, a chair has to make sure to be friendly and sociable with their delegates, co-chairs, admins , translators and interpreters, as well as the other members of the board and FerMUN directors. By building connections and positive relationships with everyone, the chairs ensure that the conference unfolds smoothly in a calm environment , where each individual can make the most of a spectacular conference !

Marta Prokopchuk

Solidarity

The local market in Ferney-Voltaire was buzzing with activity, as a number of FerMUN students gathered under the famous Voltaire statue to organise a cake sale to raise funds for The Solidarity Fund.

But what is The Solidarity Fund, and what is it actually for? First of all, it is worth remembering that the MUN Solidarity Fund is the total of all proceeds generated by the association through fundraising events such as bag packing and cake sales. This fund is then used for purely solidarity purposes; to help families in difficulty to finance all or part of their students’ participation in our January conference, or to buy plane tickets for participants from foreign schools in need, so that they can travel to Geneva. 

The conference represents a unique opportunity for curious young minds to exchange ideas, debate global issues and cultivate a passion for learning. It is important to FerMUN that students from all backgrounds are able to participate and the event was organised with this in mind.

The bake sale, which had been meticulously prepared for weeks by Suzanne and Alexandre, our solidarity fund managers, offered a wide variety of tempting desserts. Consumers were free to set their own prices by donating the amount of their choice. The people of Ferney-Voltaire were incredibly generous and supportive of our cause. Many expressed their admiration for the high school students’ commitment, with some passers-by even stopping for the sole purpose of donating.

At the close of the event, the organisers were delighted to note that they had far exceeded their initial fundraising target. Thanks to the generosity of the people of Ferney-Voltaire, FerMUN students succeeded in bringing to life their vision of an inclusive annual conference, with students of all backgrounds coming together to learn from each other and build a better future.

Suzanne BRUNEL and Capucine ALEXANDRE

The Diplomatic rupture between Teheran and Riyadh: Heading towards a Saudi-Iranian war?

As some issues discussed during FerMUN 2016, like those tackled within the NATO conference, concerns terrorism directly and considering recent news, it seems important – even necessary- to try to understand the Saudi-Iranian conflict and its possible consequences on terrorism.

The Saudi-Iranian conflict is considered as one of the world’s most intense. Tensions are not only between the two different religious sects: Sunnite and Shia.There is a very critical political context which must be taken in account. Saudi Arabia is, since 1945, a major ally to the first World Power, that-is-to-say, to the United States of America (USA). In 1979, the Iranian’s pro-American government collapsed. After defeating the shah, Khomeini raised to power, and set up an Islamic government. The tensions within the Saudi-Iranian conflict has worsened the situation between Iraq and Iran, during which Saudi Arabia has gained self-assurance. By financing Iraq, and creating the Gulf Cooperation Council to counteract Iran, Saudi Arabia has become Iran’s main opponent. The tensions reached the breaking point in 1988 with the interruption of all diplomatic relations at the end of the Iraqi-Iranian war. This situation stayed the same until 1991. Like all the main powers, possessing a certain supremacy over their respective regions, the conflict also found itself at the centre of political interests common to other states. Saudi Arabia and Iran, wanting official recognition from Palestine, were put in an uncomfortable situation. The alliance with the United States of America has been brought forward to critique the Saudi enemy many times by Iranians. The tensions are very frequent, without break. The most recent one is of a religious order.

The execution of about forty Sunnite jihadists linked to Al Qaida and Shiite leader, Nimr Baqer al-Nimr, revived these tensions. To understand the reactions which followed, the figure of the Shiite dignitary must be examined. Nimr Baqer al-Nimr, representative of the Shiite minority in the wahhabite kingdom, led his community’s revolt in 2011. While openly criticizing the Saudi country, he was rapidly suspected by Riyadh of being an Iranian spy. An arrest warrant was issued against him and in 2014, he was sentenced to death for conspiring against his king and terrorism. Following this event, many NGOs reacted, accusing the judgment of being unfair. They mentioned that the condemned did not call for a violent uprising. At first, this execution could be seen as a solution to the dilemma between the necessity to contest the Sunnite radical movement and the key to controlling the Iranian expansion without giving the Sunnite jihadists the advantage. On later inspection, this execution seems to be part of the anti-Iranian politic. The reactions were numerous. The Saudi embassy, located at Teheran, was besieged for many hours; Shiite mobs rioted in not only Iran, but also in Turkey, Iraq and Pakistan, with “death to the Saudi American soldiers” as their slogan.

We have been spectators, since the 2nd January, of a crises between Riyadh and Teheran, two powerful countries are already at war by proxy in Yemen and Syria. The execution has indeed made the risks of things sparking off greater and has had a direct consequence: the rupture of the diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. But what does that really change? The fact is, this time, the consequences do not materialise just within a specific territory: everybody is affected and the aftershocks reach every country. The Sunnite coalition led by Saudi Arabia bombarded Yemen. In addition, on one side, is the Iran’s tightening on the negotiations with Syria, and on the other, Saudi Arabia supporting the Salafists. The existence of these oppositions aids the Islamic state.

Given the repercussions of this act on the fight against terrorism, Moscow and Washington together, have called for calm. It seems from now on necessary to favour communication between those two great powers as to avoid an Iranian-Saudi war.

Louis La Fay

Appoline Amoureux