VALMUN 2021 Overview

The American School of Valencia inaugurated yesterday afternoon the ninth edition of VALMUN, the school's Model United Nations conference. This edition takes place on campus and has one hundred delegates from a total of three participating schools: Cambridge House Community College, Caxton College and the American School of Valencia. Due to the COVID pandemic and travel restrictions, many of the international schools that have previously participated have not been able to do so this year. Still, the 2021 delegates participate with all the precautions required by COVID.

The opening ceremony was held in the sports center and included welcome messages from Mr. Marc Boyer, one of the two coordinators of the ASV Model United Nations program, and Mr. Lino Puertas, senior officer at the Technology Center of the Information and Communication of the United Nations in Valencia (UNICTF). Speaking to delegates, Mr. Boyer praised "approaching your fellow conference members with an open mind" and "practicing debate and collaboration in search of meaningful solutions to serious global problems."

VALMUN is an academic simulation of the United Nations that wants to educate the participants on current affairs, international affairs, diplomacy and the UN agenda. Students this year will debate issues such as the restriction of autonomous weapons, the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in less developed countries, the impact of acid rain, and the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

VALMUN 2020 Overview

(November 23, 2020) - The eighth edition of VALMUN has started! On November 20, 2020, chairs and delegates interacted through an online video conference platform and initiated the opening session of each committee. Participants will meet again on Thursday and Friday for virtual lobbying for their resolutions. Then, on Saturday, November 28, ASV students will participate in the opening ceremony and the debate at ASV.

VALMUN is an important component of the ASV Model United Nations Program. By participating in the conference, Middle School students have an important opportunity to learn about world affairs by simulating the role of United Nation delegates. Students in Grades 10, 11, and 12, with prior experience in MUN conferences, participate as chairs and leaders of the event. They are in charge of the agenda and the instruction of the Middle School delegates, such as the mock debates on Thursday.

The exceptional circumstances for schools this year have affected the usual VALMUN program and this year delegates from the International School of Luxembourg will not be able to travel and are participating virtually. VALMUN 2020’s main topic is “Ensuring world order amidst the COVID-19 crisis” and delegates will discuss a variety of issues related to the global health emergency, as well as other international challenges. The keynote talk included within the opening ceremony is featuring Mr. Lino Puertas, Senior Admin Assistant at the United Nations Information and Communications Technology Facility (UNICTF) in Valencia.