YMUN brings together more than 2,000 delegates from over 40 countries.
WHAT IS YMUN?
Yale Model United Nations is a four-day international relations simulation for high school students, held on Yale University’s campus in New Haven. At YMUN, delegates from all over the world interact with one another through debate and diplomacy to solve complex challenges facing the world today. At YMUN, delegates will have the opportunity to take on roles of UN representatives, policymakers, and important figures at our virtual conference and learn about the inner workings of global politics and problem-solving. By engaging in topics concerning international and national security, political and economic development, human rights, sustainability, and more, delegates learn to navigate the intricacies of international negotiation and teamwork, adopt new perspectives, and develop comprehensive resolutions on pressing global issues.
This year, YMUN 50 will strive to provide delegates from around the world with an opportunity to participate in a dynamic, educational, and enriching opportunity to hone in and showcase their abilities. It is this passion, commitment, and care that make YMUN one of the premier global Model UN conferences.
“Alumni from my school cite YMUN as one of the high points of their entire high school experience. Thank you so much for your hard work!”
“As an advisor, I totally enjoyed having the possibility of witnessing the committee sessions on real time. This is my 1st time [being able] to see all my delegates in action, as well as the proceedings in other committees. It was so life-giving to listen to the voices of the young leaders expressing their thoughts on global issues.”
“As someone who loves bringing my delegates to YMUN every year, you created the next best thing. It’s also so cool how ‘extra-international’ YMUN could be in a virtual space.”
OUR MISSION
Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow
YMUN aims to empower students from high schools around the globe through deep and active engagement with complex global issues. At YMUN, delegates develop skills in diplomacy, cooperation, and critical thinking that motivate lifelong global citizenship. Delegates leave YMUN with the knowledge that they can make an impact and affect positive change in the world.
WHY CHOOSE YMUN?
Learn Today
With our comprehensive chair recruitment and preparation procedure, we strive to create a fun, educational, dynamic committee experience for all delegates regardless of skill level. Our chairs are Yale students who are dedicated and passionate educators ready to be proactive with delegates. YMUN is also proud to provide both in-conference training and online pre-conference training.
Lead Tomorrow
Due to our commitment to learning, we hope delegates leave our conference with a greater awareness of global issues, equipped with the tools and motivation to make a difference. Through our keynote speaker, partnership with a non-profit organization, and new out-of-committee learning initiatives, we strive to integrate impact, responsibility, and action into our conference events.
Engage with Yale
Unlike many other conferences, YMUN is hosted on Yale’s beautiful campus and allows delegates and advisors to experience what our university has to offer. Even if you are partcipating virtually, through Yale Day, the Global Exchange Program and our Showcase, delegates will meet Yale students and professors to not only learn about international relations, but also to gain insight into college life and beyond.
OUR SECRETARIAT
Secretary-General:
Megan Niu
Megan (she/her) has loved her time on the Secretariats of YMUN 48 and 49, and is honored to be the Secretary-General of YMUN 50! Originally from Scarsdale, NY, she is a junior in Benjamin Franklin College pursuing a double major in Cognitive Science and Global Affairs. Outside of YMUN, she is an Admissions Tour Guide and a linguistics Research Assistant at the Yale Phonetics Lab. In her free time, she enjoys learning languages, listening to podcasts, following tennis, and traveling. Megan is happy to help in any way that she can at secgen@ymun.org!
Director-General
of Operations:
Ayush Tibrewal
Ayush (he/him) is a sophomore in Silliman College and is looking forward to being your Director-General of Operations for YMUN 50! He is from Lexington, Kentucky and wants to major in Mathematics and Computer Science. Ayush is also a computer science tutor with Instacoach, and enjoys volunteering as the Vice President of Yale Mathcounts Outreach. He is an avid puzzle solver, so you might also find him struggling with a Norinori, Hashi, or Shikaku. Ayush would love to welcome you to YMUN 50 in January! Any questions, comments, or requests can be sent to dg.operations@ymun.org!
Director-General
of Committees:
Evelyn Jiang
Evelyn (she/her) is a sophomore in Silliman College from suburban Chicago, Illinois and is beyond excited to be serving as the Director General of Committees for YMUN 50. She is a history major pursuing a certificate in statistics and data science. Outside of YMUN, Evelyn works at the Yale Daily News as the Production and Design Editor and plays on the Yale Club Field Hockey team. She loves taking long walks around campus and writing reviews on Yelp and GoodReads. Feel free to reach out with any questions about YMUN or Yale at dg.committees@ymun.org! She can’t wait to meet all the delegates and advisors of YMUN 50!
Under-Secretary-General
of General Assemblies:
Lilia Chatalbasheva
Lily (she/her) is a sophomore in Jonathan Edwards College, from Sofia, Bulgaria (international!). She is pursuing a double major in Physics & Philosophy and Global Affairs with a certificate in French. As her second year in YMUN, she is extremely excited to be the Under-Secretary-General of General Assemblies! Outside of her classes, Lily is also working at Yale Wright Lab (nuclear, particle, and astrophysics research), does ballet, and is an active staff member for YRIS (Yale Review of International Studies). For fun, she likes to paint, read, philosophize, and follow Formula 1 or the occasional anime. She would love to talk to you about quite literally anything, so if you have any questions, YMUN-related or not, you can reach her at ga@ymun.org!
Under-Secretary-General of social/Economic Councils:
Peilin Lu
Peilin (she/her) is a sophomore in Pierson College from Syracuse, New York, and Beijing, China. She is pursuing a major in Ethics, Politics, and Economics with a certificate in Advanced German. Outside of YMUN, Peilin researches hate crime prevention as the Center Head of the Yale Policy Institute Equal Justice Center, serves as the Co-Political Chair of the Chinese American Students Association, and plays clarinet in the Concert Band. In her spare time, she enjoys bullet journaling, hosting Taylor Swift karaoke parties with her friends, watching Qing Dynasty dramas, and converting cat people with pictures of her dogs, Hector and Feifei. Please feel free to reach out to her at ecosoc@ymun.org!
Under-Secretary-General of Regional Bodies:
Quinn Ennis
Quinn Ennis (he/him) is a rising sophomore at Yale University double majoring in intensive math and intensive physics and getting certificates in climate solutions and Chinese. In addition to his work on the YMUN secretariat, Quinn works in a green energy lab, working on indium phosphide nanowires for light capture and conversion. Quinn also climbs competitively with the Yale Climbing Team, and spends his breaks exploring the wilderness across the country. This summer, Quinn studied Chinese in Beijing on a fellowship and spent time climbing in Japan and Vietnam. He can be reached at rb@ymun.org!
UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL
OF Specialized Committees:
Benjamin Sanchez Pla
Ben (he/him) is a sophomore in Pauli Murray College and is looking forward to being your Undersecretary General of Specialized Committees in YMUN 50! He is from Miami, Florida, and is pursuing a major in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations, along with a certificate in Human Rights. This is his first year in YMUN but is excited to continue previous MUN conference organizing work that he did in high school. Outside of school, Ben is a member of the Chi Psi Fraternity as Social Chair, a Pauli Murray College Events Aide, and a board member of There's Hope in North Korea. Outside of Murray, he can be found at thrift stores, museums, art galleries, and listening to Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers (no he did not get Eras Tour tickets). If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at specialized@ymun.org!
UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL
OF Crisis Committees:
Karsten Rynearson
Karsten (he/him) is a sophomore in Saybrook College and is beyond excited to be back leading the best organ of YMUN, Crisis. When not planning the most exciting crisis updates of any collegiate Model UN conference in all of history, Karsten spends his time reading a wild amount of critical theory as a Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Political Science double major and watching David Lynch or Pedro Almodóvar movies in the Saybrook movie room. He’s also a member of the Yale Dramatic Association, a Community Health Educator, and plays on the nationally-ranked Yale quizbowl team. To discuss the neoliberal ideological underpinnings of Emily in Paris, the reasons why Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler and Beloved by Toni Morrison are the most important books ever written, YMUN, or Yale in general, please email him at crisis@ymun.org.
Under-Secretary-General
of External Affairs:
Ava Chae
Ava Chae (she/her) is a sophomore in Ezra Stiles College from Kansas and is a prospective Economics major. When she is not working on her YMUN duties as the Under-Secretary-General of External Affairs, she is playing the violin in the Davenport Pops Orchestra or volunteering for the Yale Hunger and Homelessness Action Project. In her spare time, she likes to solve escape rooms, have karaoke nights with friends, and watch action movies. She is ready for an amazing YMUN conference and can be reached at external@ymun.org.
Under-Secretary-General
of Domestic Delegations:
Jennifer Centa
Jennifer Centa (she/her/hers) is a sophomore from Simpsonville, SC in Jonathan Edwards College, and is a prospective Statistics & Data Science major. In addition to working as the Under-Secretary-General of Domestic Delegations, Jennifer is involved in the Yale International Relations Leadership Institute, the Japanese-American Student Union, and Matriculate College Advising. She is so excited to meet everyone, and can be reached by email at domestic@ymun.org!
under-secretary-general Of International Delegations:
Lee-Ann Kao
Lee-Ann Kao (she/hers) is a sophomore from Zionsville, IN, in Branford College and majoring in Statistics & Data Science and Global Affairs. Outside of her work as YMUN’s Under-Secretary General of Delegations, Lee-Ann is involved with Yale’s Taiwanese American Society, Dramat, Foreign Policy Initiative, and YMUNT. She is also passionate about anything related to the visual arts. She can’t wait to meet all of the delegates and advisors this year, and welcomes any questions, comments, or concerns at international@ymun.org!
YMUN 50 DIRECTOR OF SECURITY: JOSH LEFFLER
Josh Leffler is a junior in Grace Hopper College. He is from Chapel Hill, North Carolina and is looking to potentially major in Global Affairs or Ethics, Politics, and Economics with a certificate in Data Science. Outside of YMUN, Josh is also a member of the Yale Debate Association and a volunteer tutor with the Yale Education Tutoring Initiative. In his free time, you might find him curled up with a book, out for a walk, or spending time with his friends. Josh is so excited to welcome you to YMUN 50 in January!
UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL
OF Conference and events:
Mary Ghebremeskal
Mary Ghebremeskal is a sophomore in Morse College, hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota (it’s a mnemonic) and excited to be this year’s Under-Secretary General of conference and events alongside Ben Hernandez. Mary hopes to pursue a major either political science or Ethnicity, Race and Migration studies. Outside of YMUN, Mary works as a researcher in Yale Policy Institute, desk head Sub-saharan African for Yale Review of International Relations, co-curricular lead in First-Years for New Haven (and occasionally assistant costume designer for Heritage Theater). In her free time she loved to spend time with friends, listen to SZA/Doechii/Solange, or paint/sketch images from Yale’s campus. She can be reached at conference@ymun.org
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF GENERAL ASSEMBLIES:
Lisa Tauch
Lisa Tauch (she/her) is a freshman at Branford College from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She is currently planning on majoring in Political Science with an International Security interdisciplinary. She is so glad to be able to be part of the YMUN planning team this year. Outside of YMUN and work, you could find her writing for YRIS (Yale Review of International Study) and serving as a first-year liaison for SEAM (Southeast Asian Student Movement). In her free time, you could find her in a cafe or boba places nearby Yale catching up with friends, strolling around the campus or trying new food in New Haven! She is super excited about the upcoming January when she will get to meet all the delegates and chairs from all around the world! Lisa can be reached at asg.ga1@ymun.org
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF ECOSOC:
Samantha Moon
Samantha (she/her) is a sophomore in Pauli Murray College from Los Angeles, California. She is planning on double majoring in History and Economics. Outside of YMUN, Samantha edits for the Yale Historical Review and the Politic. In her free time, Samantha can typically be found at Common Grounds drinking a large black coffee. She is so excited for this year’s conference and cannot wait to meet all of the delegates. Samantha can be reached by email at asg.ecosoc2@ymun.org
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF SPECIALIZED COMMITTEES:
Emma Upson
Emma (she/her) is a first-year in Benjamin Franklin College from Naples, Florida and is so excited to be serving as an ASG of Specialized Committees for YMUN 50! She plans to major in Architecture and pursue a certificate in Programming. Outside of YMUN, Emma participates in the Yale Record and performs with the Yale Dramatic Association (currently rehearsing West Side Story)! In her free time, she likes to draw, read, and obsess over Phoebe Bridgers. Emma is excited to welcome all the delegates and advisors of YMUN 50 and she can be reached with questions at asg.specialized1@ymun.org.
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF CRISIS COMMITTEES:
Alyssa Toussaint
Alyssa Toussaint (she/her) is a freshman in Branford College. She is hoping to major in Chemistry and pursue an energy studies certificate. You can find her proudly repping Washington DC (shoutout to the DMV delegates), watching reality TV, or walking around campus dancing to Stevie Wonder, SZA or Flo Milli. Fun fact, she competed in model UN for 7 years. On campus, she is involved in YaleDancers and Women in Science at Yale (WISAY) while working with the teaching labs in Sterling Chemistry Laboratory. Although she no longer competes, she can’t wait to return to MUN and is most excited for all the crisis drama!
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF DELEGATIONS:
Elizabeth Steeves
Lizzie Steeves (she/her) is a first year from Trumbull, CT in Grace Hopper College. Outside of YMUN she is involved in the Yale Policy Institute Education Center, brief writing for the Undergraduate Moot Court, and mentoring with the Urban Improvement Corps. Lizzie is excited to meet all the delegates and advisors and see just how amazing this conference will be! She can be reached at asgdelegations1@ymun.org.
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF BRANDING:
Lara Mohamed
Lara Mohamed (she/her) is a freshman in Benjamin Franklin College. She can be reached at asg.branding1@ymun.org!
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF CONFERENCE:
Catharine Lee
Catharine Lee (she/her) is a first year in Morse College from New York, NY. She is a prospective Ethics, Politics, and Economics major and plans to pursue certificates in French and Education Studies. In addition to being Associate-Secretary General of Conference and Events Planning, Catharine is involved in Yale Glee Club, Morse College Council, Club Golf, Young Entrepreneurs Program, and Yale Net Impact. In her free time, she loves to read and spend time with friends! She would be happy to chat about anything, and can be reached at asg.conference2@ymun.org.
UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL
OF branding:
kyle guo
Kyle Guo (he/him) is a sophomore in Pierson College from North Haven, CT. He is currently planning on majoring in Economics and Political Science. Kyle is glad to be to be back at YMUN this year to serve as USG of branding for YMUN 50 with his talented co-USG Thomasin. Outside of his work with YMUN, Kyle is also involved with the Yale Entrepreneurial Society and works on the Yale Founders Series podcast. In his free time, Kyle enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling, binging a good show, or discovering new artists on Spotify. He is excited for YMUN 50 and cannot wait to meet the delegates and advisors! Kyle can be reached at branding@ymun.org
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF GENERAL ASSEMBLIES:
Elena Im
Elena (she/her) is a first-year in Branford College, and thrilled to serve as an ASG of General Assemblies. She was born in Seoul, South Korea and attended middle and high school in Irvine, California. She has a wide variety of interests and does not yet know whether she wants to pursue the pre-law or premed track. Outside of YMUN, Elena can typically be found working in the Branford Library, taking a walk around Cross Campus while blasting music through her earphones, or stopping by Common Grounds to get a vanilla chai latte. She cannot wait to meet everyone in January! Elena can be reached at asg.ga2@ymun.org.
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF REGIONAL BODIES:
Kate Foglesong
Kate Folgesong (she/her) is a first year student living in Branford College. She is super excited to be a part of YMUN this year as the Assistant-Secretary General of Regional Bodies. Reach out to her at asg.rb1@ymun.org with any questions!
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF SPECIALIZED COMMITTEES:
Gloria Kunnapilly
Gloria Kunnapilly is a first-year from San Antonio, Texas. She is in Branford college and a prospective Cognitive Science major. In her free time, Gloria enjoys reading, watching movies and hanging out with friends and family. She looks forward to helping make YMUN 50 a fun and engaging conference! She can be reached at asg.specialized2@ymun.org!
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF COMMITTEES:
Netra Easwaran
Netra (she/her) is a freshman in Grace Hopper College and is greatly looking forward to serving as Assistant Secretary-General of Committees. Originally from Chappaqua, New York, she is pursuing a degree in Global Affairs. Outside of YMUN, Netra competes on Yale’s Debate and Model UN Teams, is Crisis Director for YMUN Europe, serves as the Panel Curator for the South Asian Youth Initiative, and is a Contributing Reporter for the Yale Daily News. She is also involved in several on-campus projects for the Yale Undergraduate Legal Aid Association, Yale Foreign Policy Initiative, and Yale Policy Initiative. In her free time, Netra enjoys dancing and learning new languages (she’s a polyglot!) Please feel free to reach out to her with any questions about YMUN or Yale at asg.comms1@ymun.org
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF DELEGATIONS:
Deewa Rahim
Deewa (she/her) is a freshman in Timothy Dwight College and is thrilled to be an Assistant-Secretary-General of Delegations! She is from Portland, Oregon and is a prospective Political Science major. Outside of YMUN she’s involved in the MAY Women’s Advocacy Group and After-School Tutoring with RISE. She is looking forward to meeting everyone at the conference! Deewa can be reached at asg.delegation2@ymun.org.
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF BRANDING:
Ava Seymour
Ava Seymour (she/her) is a freshman in Ezra Stiles College. She can be reached at asg.branding2@ymun.org!
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS:
Natalie Elder
Natalie Elder (she/her) is a first-year in Pierson College from Fancy Farm, Kentucky. A prospective History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health major, Natalie is so excited to be a part of this team and help make this conference the best one yet. Outside of YMUN, she is also a Community Health Educator and enjoys starting her mornings with all of the New York Times games (ask her about her best crossword time). Natalie can be reached at asg.external1@ymun.org.
UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL
OF Branding:
thomasin schmults
Thomasin Schmults (she/her) is a sophomore in Davenport College from Boston, MA. Thomasin is excited to be to be back at YMUN this year to serve as USG of Branding with her fabulous co-USG Kyle. Outside of YMUN, Thomasin is part of the Yale Cinemat, and the Yale theater community. She is also a leader for Launch, a Camp Yale program from the Yale Entrepreneurial Society. In her free time, Thomasin enjoys skiing, writing, and spending time with her dog Winter! She is looking forward to YMUN 50 and can’t wait to meet everyone attending the conference! Thomasin can be reached at branding@ymun.org
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF ECOSOC:
Sarvenaz Mohaghegh
Peilin Lu (she/her) is a first-year in Grace Hopper college. She serves as one of this year’s YMUN Assistant-Secretary General of ECOSOCs. Reach out at asg.ecosoc1@ymun.org with any questions about YMUN!
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF REGIONAL BODIES:
Lilly Chai
Lilly Chai (she/her) is a sophomore in Jonathan Edwards studying Economics. She is from Long Island, New York. Outside of YMUN, she is involved in the Chinese American Students Association, Asian American Cultural Center, the New Journal, and Matriculate. In her free time, Lilly loves listening to music, taking aimless walks, and drinking iced chai lattes. She can’t wait for this year’s conference and is so excited to meet everyone! Please feel free to reach out at asg.rb2@ymun.org,
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF CRISIS COMMITTEES:
Anna Calkins
Anna Calkins (she/her) is a first-year in Morse College originally from Chicago, IL. A longtime Model UN participant, she is excited to plan some exciting updates and twists for committee. Outside of YMUN, she is involved with The Yale Record, Morse College Council, Yale Women’s Water Polo, and the Yale Concert Band. In her free time, she enjoys exploring New Haven and reading. She can’t wait to meet all of the delegates of YMUN and is happy to answer any questions at asg.crisis1@ymun.org!
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF COMMITTEES:
Alexis Lam
Alexis (she/her) is a first year student in Ezra Stiles College from Long Beach, California and is looking forward to be acting as one of the Assistant Secretary Generals of Committees. She is hoping to major in Global Affairs but is open to the possibility of being an Economics or Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies major. Outside of MUN, she likes to read historical fiction, embroider, listen to music or drink black coffee. She looks forward to meeting all of you at YMUN 50 and if you have any questions feel free to email her at asg.comms2@ymun.org.
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF DELEGATIONS:
Anthony Busatta
Anthony Busatta is a first-year in Trumbull College (Moorah!) and is excited to serve as an Assistant Secretary-General of delegations! He is from Cape Coral, Florida and is planning on double majoring in Chemical Engineering and Political Science. He is a part of MUNTY, Yale's competition Model UN team as well as the Student Technology Collaborative and the TrumButt. His favorite spot on campus is either the Haas Arts Library or the Trumbull courtyard. He is looking forward to meeting all the wonderful delegates attending and can't wait for the conference to begin! He can be reached at asg.delegations3@ymun.org.
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF CONFERENCE:
Samantha Warfel
Samantha Warfel is a first-year in Davenport College with plans to study Global Affairs. She serves as the ASG of Conference and Events Planning. Outside of YMUN 50, she is actively involved in the Yale College Democrats and the Women’s Leadership Initiative. She can be reached at asg.conference1@ymun.org!
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-GENERAL OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS:
Kaya Basnet
Kaya Basnet (she/her) is a first-year in Ezra Stiles college from Columbus, Georgia. She is a prospective Political Science major, and so excited to be apart of YMUN50 this year. Outside of YMUN, Kaya is also involved in the Undergraduate Legal Aid Association, Yale Women’s Rugby, Yale Class College Council, and the Student Technology Collaborative! In her free time, she loves to read and chat with others, so feel free to reach out to her at asg.external2@ymun.org