Founded in 1953, HMUN is a four-day international relations simulation of the United Nations for high school students from around the world. Billed as one of the oldest Model United Nations simulations in the world, HMUN is held annually in downtown Boston. It was created when the Harvard student group that had been simulating the League of Nations since the 1920s decided to start a new simulation after the new United Nations had been established at the end of World War II.

At HMUN, student delegates gain insight into the workings of the United Nations and the dynamics of international relations by assuming the roles of UN representatives and members of other international bodies and national cabinets. Students also participate in debates on issues that confront world leaders and draft resolutions in response to these global issues. One of HMUN’s goals is help students develop their abilities to work with others to solve problems through debate and compromise while still promoting the interests and policies of the nation or person they represent.

HMUN offers committees in four main categories:

• The General Assembly

• The Economic and Social Council

• Regional Bodies, like the African Union

• Specialized Agencies, which include unique standing committees like the Security Council and also include crisis committees, centered around a developing crisis.