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