Opening & Closing Ceremonies

Ladies and gentlemen, dear students and professors,

It is truly an honor to stand before you today at the official opening of

the Namur Model United Nations. First, let me extend my heartfelt

thanks to the organizers, for bringing together this exceptional gathering

of bright young minds. Your efforts have made it possible for us to reflect

on a theme that lies at the heart of our shared humanity: “United in

Diversity.”

The motto of the European Union, “United in Diversity,” first came into

use in 2000. It illustrates how Europeans have come together, in the form

of the EU, to work for peace and prosperity, while embracing the

continent’s vast array of cultures, traditions, and languages. At its core,

this motto reflects a fundamental value: tolerance.

The EU is not just a regional bloc—it is a symbol of tolerance, respect for

human rights, and adherence to international law. These principles have

allowed the EU to resolve conflicts, build consensus, and maintain peace

in one of the most diverse regions of the world.

As a representative of Luxembourg, I am proud to say that my country,

as a founding member of the EU and the UN places significant

importance on these values. Today, Luxembourg has a population of

670.000 people with an incredible diversity. In fact, 47 % of the

population doesn't have Luxembourgish nationality!

And this does not even take into account the nearly 230.000 daily cross-

border commuters who work in Luxembourg. Luxembourg’s diversity, both cultural and linguistic, teaches us daily that we can only live in

harmony if we respect the freedoms of others. Looking at the

developments at the international stage, this seems nowadays more

important than ever.

Tolerance is not just about acceptance—it is about recognition and

respect. It challenges us to see value in perspectives different from our

own, to protect the rights of those who may not look, speak, or believe

as we do, and to build systems that ensure dignity for all.

This is why “United in Diversity” is such a powerful theme for

NaMUN2025. Over the next three days, you, the delegates, will step into

the shoes of diplomats, tackling complex global challenges that require

collaboration, compromise, and a profound respect for different

perspectives.

The challenges we face today—climate change, inequality, migration,

and conflict—cannot be solved by any single country or region. They

require collective action grounded in tolerance and respect for

international law.

In June 1945, Luxembourg became the smallest founding member of the

UN, signing the UN Charter and pledging itself to the pursuit of peace,

human rights, and international law. Since then, Luxembourg has

championed multilateralism and worked to address global challenges.

Since 2000, Luxembourg has consistently exceeded the United Nations

target to allocate at least 0.7% of its gross national income (GNI) to

official development assistance (ODA) every year.

From 2013 to 2014, Luxembourg served, for the first time ever, as a non-

permanent member on the United Nations Security Council.

Furthermore, for the first time in its history, Luxembourg was elected to

serve on the Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 term.

As Luxembourg prepares for its upcoming candidacies on the UNESCO

Executive Board (2025-2029) and the UN Security Council (2031-2032), it

remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible leadership and

multilateral cooperation. Luxembourg is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of all human beings through effective rules-based multilateralism and the

sovereign equality of all States.

Dear all,

As you engage in your debates, I encourage you to carry these values

forward. Speak with conviction, but also listen with empathy.

Respect the rights and freedoms of others, even when their views differ

from your own. Remember that true harmony is not about uniformity—

it is about celebrating our differences while finding common ground.

Finally, let me commend you for your commitment to this experience.

By being here, you are already demonstrating the qualities of future

leaders: open-mindedness, curiosity, and a dedication to meaningful

dialogue.

You are not just participants in NaMUN2025—you are ambassadors of

tolerance and unity, paving the way for a more peaceful world.

Your voices matter. Your ideas matter. Your leadership matters.

Together, you have the power to shape a future that is truly united in

diversity.

I wish you all fruitful debates, lasting friendships, and an inspiring

NaMUN2025.

Thank you.

Allocution de Monsieur Abdelkader ABIDINE, Consul Général du Royaume du Maroc à Liège et au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg à l’occasion de la Conférence « Namur Mode United Nations-NaMUN 2025 ».

 (La Bourse, Namur, 06 février 2025)

Mr. Secretary-General,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen in your esteemed ranks, titles, and positions,

Dear students,

It is with great pleasure that I take part in this conference, and I would like to thank the team at Institut de la Providence de Champion for the opportunity to exchange ideas on the relevant theme of unity in diversity. I am also delighted by the participation of the Belgian School of Casablanca in Morocco, whose contributions will undoubtedly enrich the debates. Diversity -whether cultural, social, or religious- is an essential element of our existence. It strengthens the bonds between individuals and communities from different backgrounds and allows us to learn from one another. Furthermore, it fosters mutual understanding and helps build a shared and more harmonious future.  Diversity is undoubtedly a source of strength and wealth for humanity, but it can only draw its true power within the framework of unity. Indeed, there are requirements -both individually and collectively- to ensure that diversity remains a precious asset in our world. These requirements are, above all, respect for differences, tolerance, and solidarity. Of course, the promotion of diversity faces numerous challenges and obstacles, including the proliferation of stereotypes, unfounded prejudices, and tendencies toward discrimination and exclusion. On the international level, some have even suggested that we are experiencing a "clash of civilizations," to which we firmly oppose the idea of an "Alliance of Civilizations. » Each individual has a role to play in this perspective, and only through collective action can we hope to overcome these challenges. In this context, language and communication are essential, as they transcend borders and divisions, serving as powerful tools for bringing people closer together and fostering mutual understanding.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to share with you some aspects of my role and experience as a diplomat and Consul General of Morocco. My mission is to assist the Moroccan community on consular and social matters while also representing my country and promoting its image. This work also involves on-the-ground efforts to foster intercommunity connections and strengthen harmonious coexistence. In this regard, 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of the Belgium-Morocco agreement on immigration and labor. This commemoration shed light on the first Moroccan workers who arrived in Belgium in the 1960s. In the depths of the coal mines, they shared a common fate with their Belgian colleagues and fellow workers from different nationalities. All these workers, through mutual respect, unity, and solidarity, contributed to Belgium’s economic and socio-cultural wealth and helped strengthen its social cohesion. Just last week, I had the privilege of attending a meeting in Liège dedicated to interfaith and intercultural dialogue, an initiative of the Moroccan and Belgian-Moroccan communities. This gathering provided an opportunity to showcase Morocco’s plural identity, where Moroccans of Muslim and Jewish faiths, as well as Christians, have lived in harmony for centuries, respecting and appreciating one another beyond their cultural and religious differences. And I believe this lies at the very core of the fundamental values of diversity, a universal notion that should be seen as a bridge that unites us, a force that pushes us to rise above divisions and work toward harmony and peace among peoples. There is a strong and unwavering commitment to promoting and multiplying initiatives that foster coexistence and social cohesion.Finally, I am truly pleased that this conference places a special focus on youth. It is essential to familiarize younger generations -our future leaders and decision-makers- with the importance of diversity, tolerance, and unity. They must be made aware of the need for action in favor of peace, whether on an individual level, within their respective nations, or through international organizations like the United Nations. I commend you for your dedication, commitment, and participation in this conference, and I wish you great success in your discussions, as well as in your academic and future professional careers. Thank you for your kind attention.

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Monsieur le Secrétaire Général,

Excellences Mesdames et Messieurs les représentants du Corps diplomatique,

Mesdames et Messieurs en vos titres, grades et qualités, chers étudiants,

C’est avec un grand plaisir que je participe à cette Conférence et je tiens à remercier l’équipe de « l’Institut de la Providence de Champion » pour l’opportunité qu’il nous offre d’échanger sur la thématique pertinente de l’unité dans la diversité. Je suis aussi très heureux de la participation de l’Ecole belge de Casablanca au Maroc qui contribuera activement à enrichir les débats. La diversité qu’elle soit culturelle, sociale ou religieuse est un élément essentiel de notre existence et elle permet de renforcer les liens entre les individus et les communautés de différents horizons, et d’apprendre les uns des autres. Elle contribue, en outre, à renforcer l’entente et à bâtir un avenir commun et plus harmonieux. La diversité est certainement une force et une richesse pour l’humanité mais elle ne peut tirer sa force que dans le cadre de l’Unité. En effet, il y a des exigences pour nous tous, pris individuellement ou collectivement pour que la diversité soit une source précieuse de notre monde, et il s’agit principalement du respect de la différence, de la tolérance et enfin de la solidarité. Bien évidemment, la promotion de la diversité est confrontée à un ensemble de défis et d’obstacles liés à la prolifération de clichés et des préjugés stériles, et des velléités de discrimination et de négation de l’autre. Au plan international, certains ont même avancé l’idée que nous vivons un « choc des civilisations » auquel nous opposons celui « d’Alliance des civilisations ». Chaque individu a ainsi un rôle à jouer dans cette perspective et ce n’est qu’en agissant collectivement que nous pouvons espérer relever ces défis. Dans ce contexte, les langues et la communication sont un élément essentiel car elles transcendent les frontières et les clivages et elles constituent de véritables vecteurs de rapprochement et de compréhension mutuelle.

Mesdames et Messieurs,

Permettez-moi de partager avec vous quelques aspects de ma fonction et de mon expérience en tant que diplomate et Consul Général du Maroc, qui consiste à porter assistance à la communauté marocaine sur le plan consulaire et sociale, et également à représenter mon pays et à promouvoir son image. Il y a aussi un travail de terrain qui vise à favoriser le rapprochement intercommunautaire et le bien vivre-ensemble. Et justement, l’année 2024 a connu la commémoration du Soixantième anniversaire de l’accord belgo-marocain sur l’immigration et la main d’œuvre, qui a permis de jeter la lumière sur les premiers travailleurs marocains arrivés en Belgique dans les années soixante, qui ont partagé au fond des mines de charbon, un destin similaire à leurs camarades belges et ceux issus de différentes nationalités. Tous ces travailleurs ont contribué, dans le respect des uns et des autres, dans un esprit d’unité et de solidarité, à la richesse économique et socio-culturelle de la Belgique, et au renforcement de sa cohésion sociale. La semaine dernière, j’ai participé à une Rencontre à Liège consacrée au dialogue interreligieux et interculturel, à l’initiative de la communauté marocaine et belgo-marocaine. Cette Rencontre a été l’occasion de donner un aperçu du Maroc pluriel, ou des Marocains de confessions musulmane et juive ainsi que des chrétiens ont vécu en communion durant des siècles et ils ont su se respecter et s’apprécier, au-delà de leurs particularités culturelles et confessionnelles.  Et c’est je pense, au cœur même des valeurs fondamentales de la diversité, notion universelle, qui doit être perçue comme un pont qui nous unit et qui nous donne la force de nous dépasser pour construire la concorde et la paix entre les peuples. L’engagement est total pour favoriser et multiplier ces approches et des actions qui renforcent le bien vivre-ensemble. Enfin, je suis tout à fait ravi que cette rencontre donne la part belle à la Jeunesse, car il est primordial de familiariser les jeunes générations, qui sont les leaders et décideurs de demain, avec l’importance de la diversité, la tolérance et l’unité et de les sensibiliser sur l’appel à l’action en faveur de la paix, que ce soient au plan individuel, étatique ou dans le cadre des Nations Unies.

Je tiens à vous féliciter pour votre engagement, investissement, et participation à cette Conférence en vous souhaitant plein succès dans vos travaux et la réussite dans votre parcours scolaire et plus tard, universitaire et professionnel. 

Je vous remercie de votre aimable attention.

Ladies and Gentlemen, in your ranks, titles, and roles,

Ladies and gentlemen, dear teachers,

Dear students,

I would like to thank the organizers for their invitation, and I am very pleased to be here for an event that places dialogue and negotiation at the heart of an educational project. This makes me all the more enthusiastic because we are living in troubled times -  worrying times that result from a lack of dialogue and negotiation. And yet, never before have so many people spoken or at least understood the same language. One might think, then, that the problem lies elsewhere. That is both true and false. I believe there are two key aspects to consider in any communication process.

First, we must accept that different opinions exist. We must acknowledge that there is not just one way of seeing the world, that there are multiple ways to understand it. And to accept this, we must try to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, to take a step back from our own perspective. To truly understand our interlocutor, we must take an interest in their environment and culture. You come from 12 different countries, yet I imagine you all speak English. This might give you the illusion that you have everything you need to understand one another, but communication is not just a mechanical sequence of words — it also involves cultural sensitivity. That is why my work involves promoting language learning, because languages carry the culture of a country, and it is this combination of words, culture, and knowledge of a place that enables true understanding and effective dialogue.

Diplomats often speak multiple languages, but they do not necessarily learn them in school; they acquire them throughout their careers, almost naturally, because they take an interest in other cultures. This is their job, and these languages help them understand those cultures. As diplomats, our role is to enable our countries to communicate and engage in dialogue. 90% of our job is to produce information about the country we are in for our own country. We write what we call briefing notes: we gather information, synthesize it, and send it along with an analysis based on our local knowledge, all to facilitate decision-making for our authorities. All of this work is made easier through language learning. Nelson Mandela, an undeniable authority when it comes to dialogue and diplomacy, once said:"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." And in my experience, this is absolutely true. Speaking to someone in their own language opens far greater avenues for cooperation than using a third language. It will not solve everything, but it will give you a much stronger starting point. And this is not necessarily a calculated strategic move — it is simply that, in learning someone else’s language, you become more attuned to their culture, more open to dialogue with them. In turn, you become more open to cooperation, more understanding of diversity, and more aware that you, too, are the different one in someone else’s eyes.

So, as you can see, I encourage you to take an interest in the cultures and countries of those you interact with. Take an interest in differences and see them as a strength—because they provide multiple solutions to the same problem, increasing the chances of finding a way forward. And from a purely pragmatic perspective, think about your CV—whether you plan to be a diplomat or not. Nowadays, everyone lists English on their resume. So, find a way to stand out: English, of course, but not just English. Otherwise, you may not be noticed at all.

Mesdames et Messieurs, en vos grades, qualités et fonctions

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Mesdames et messieurs les enseignants,

Chers élèves,

Je remercie les organisateurs de leur invitation et je suis très heureux d’être ici pour un événement qui met le dialogue et la négociation au cœur d’un projet éducatif. Et ça me rend d’autant plus enthousiaste que nous vivons des moments troubles, aujourd’hui dans le monde, des moments inquiétants et qui sont le fruit d’un manque de dialogue et de négociation. Pourtant, il n’y a jamais eu autant d’humains qui ont parlé ou au moins compris la même langue. On pourrait donc penser que le problème est ailleurs. C’est plus ou moins vrai. Je crois qu’il y a deux points d’attention dans un processus de communication. Il faut d’abord accepter qu’il puisse y avoir des avis différents. Il faut accepter qu’il n’y a pas qu’une seule façon de voir le monde, qu’il peut y avoir différentes manières de le comprendre. Et pour accepter cela, il faut essayer de se mettre à la place de l’autre, se décentrer. Et pour comprendre son interlocuteur, il faut s’intéresser à son environnement et à sa culture. Vous êtes issus de 14 pays différents mais vous parlez, j’imagine, tous anglais. Cela pourrait vous donner l’illusion que vous avez les moyens de vous comprendre mais la communication n’est pas qu’une suite mécanique de mots, elle implique aussi une sensibilité culturelle. C’est pour cela que mon travail est de promouvoir l’apprentissage des langues, car les langues portent la culture du pays et c’est cette combinaison de mots et de culture, et de connaissance du pays qui permet de se comprendre et de dialoguer efficacement. Les diplomates parlent souvent plusieurs langues, mais ils ne les ont pas forcément apprises pendant leurs études, ils les ont apprises tout au long de leur carrière, de manière presque naturelle parce qu’ils se sont intéressés à la culture des autres, parce que c’est leur travail, et que ces langues leur permettaient de comprendre ces cultures.

En tant que diplomates, notre travail est de permettre à nos pays de communiquer, de dialoguer. Notre travail est à 90% de produire de l’information pour notre pays au sujet du pays dans lequel on est. On fait ce que l’on appelle des notes de synthèse : on rassemble des informations que l’on synthétise et que l’on envoie avec une analyse grâce à notre connaissance du terrain, pour faciliter la prise de décision par nos autorités. Tout ce travail est facilité par l’apprentissage des langues. Nelson Mandela, et ça n’est pas n’importe qui quand on parle de dialogue et de diplomatie, a dit : « Si vous parlez à un homme dans une langue qu'il comprend, cela lui monte à la tête. Si vous lui parlez dans sa langue, cela lui va à cœur ». Et de mon expérience, c’est tout à fait vrai, parler avec quelqu’un dans sa langue vous ouvre des voies de coopération bien plus grandes que de parler une langue tierce. Ca ne fera pas tout mais ça vous donnera un capital de départ bien plus important et, là aussi, ça n’est pas forcément réfléchi ou calculé stratégiquement, c’est que vous-même, l’apprentissage de la langue de l’autre vous a sensibilisé à sa culture, ouvert au dialogue avec lui, donc vous-même vous êtes plus ouvert à la coopération, plus compréhensif de la diversité, plus conscient que vous-même êtes aussi « le différent » d’un autre.

Donc, vous l’aurez compris, je vous encourage à vous intéresser à la culture et aux pays de vos interlocuteurs, à vous intéresser à la différence et les voir comme une richesse parce que ce sont autant de solutions différentes proposées à un même problème, et donc autant de chances de plus de trouver une solution. Et puis de manière très pragmatique, pensez aussi à votre CV, que vous vouliez être diplomate ou pas. Aujourd’hui tout le monde à l’anglais sur son CV alors pensez à vous différencier : l’anglais oui mais pas que l’anglais, sinon on ne vous remarquera pas.

Honourable Guests, Headmistress and Deputy Headmistress, MUN Directors, chairs, delegates and NaMUN staff members,

It’s truly an honor to stand before you today, not just as a former NaMUN member,but as someone who's been through the journey that many of you are about to start during this conference.

I spent three years as a member of the NaMUN Club , and last year, I had the privilege of being its President. The MUN Club has been a key part of shaping who I am today. It was a chance to think critically, debate, and collaborate with people from all horizons who shared the same interests.

The Club and all the conferences and projects I’ve done have had an influence on the way I approach my academic life. 

Today, I am a member of the Marketing team in the EuroMUN club at the University of Maastricht, which is part of the United Nations Student Association (UNSA). I was lucky enough to pass both the application stages and the interview, and it's undoubtedly partly thanks to my past experience during secondary school. Being part of EuroMUN helps me get in touch with students from all over the world, an aspect I enjoyed a lot during MUN conferences.

But MUN experiences aren't just useful for conferences; it can also benefit your future studies and even your career.

Certainly because of MUN’s, I decided to stay in an international environment. That’s why I choose to study European Law in Maastricht, where 70% of the students are from abroad.

The interpersonal and cognitive skills I gained such as public thinking or negotiation skills for instance, are very useful. Without realizing it, we develop a vocabulary and critical thinking that help us answer complex questions during our studies. 

So, to all of you here today, I want to inspire you to make the most of this experience. A Model UN conference is so much more than just a platform for debating issues. It’s a place where you discover the power of collaboration and diplomacy, skills that are essential for solving the challenges facing our world today.

If you decide to stay involved with MUNs, you’ll find that it can open many doors whether in academic pursuits or even in your personal growth… and of course, it looks good on a CV. 

So, I encourage all of you to do your best in your deliberative committees and to let this experience inspire you. Whether you end up in diplomacy, law, or anything else, the skills and knowledge you gain through MUNs will stick with you and help you along the way.

Thank you, and I wish you all an inspiring NaMUN!

Monsieur Bley, Chef de Mission adjoint et Consul général du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg,

Monsieur Abidine, consul général du Royaume du Maroc,

Monsieur Guiol, attaché à la coopération de l’Ambassade de France auprès de la Belgique,

Madame Lutz, directrice de l’Agence Francophone pour l’Éducation et la Formation Erasmus+,

Madame De Ryck, Directrice du bureau de liaison du Parlement Européen,

Madame Ceulemans, Membre de l'Alliance progressiste des socialistes et démocrates au Parlement européen

Monsieur Verougstraete, Membre du groupe Renew au Parlement européen 

Monsieur Lemaître, de la Fondation Derluyn, sponsor officiel de cet événement,

Monsieur Coheur, coordinateur de NaMUN25

Chers élèves membres du NaMUN25 Steering Committee,

Chers participants, chères participantes,

Chers professeurs de l’Institut de la Providence, de l’ESND et de toutes les écoles partenaires,

Chers coordinateurs et coordinatrices Erasmus+,

En tant que directrice et directrice adjointe de l’Institut de la Providence Champion, école organisatrice, nous vous souhaitons la bienvenue à l’édition 2025 de la conférence NaMUN, Namur MODEL UNITED NATIONS. 

À l’instar d’une Assemblée générale des Nations Unies, NaMUN2025 va vous offrir un espace de discussion unique pour débattre de thèmes couverts par la Charte des Nations Unies : (1) réintégration socio-économique des réfugiés affectés par la guerre, (2) recherche d’un équilibre entre le développement économique et la protection de l’environnement dans le but de freiner la déforestation, (3) lutte contre les effets des drogues synthétiques dans les communautés défavorisées, (4) recherche d’une solution durable au conflit qui ravage le Yémen et mine la région de la Mer Rouge, (5) pistes pour endiguer l’élargissement et l’intensification du conflit au Liban. 

Let’s take a moment to pause. Without simultaneous translation of our remarks – whether human or automated – most of you have likely understood little or nothing of this introduction. This highlights the urgent need to improve your knowledge of foreign languages. The "foreign" language is what helps us understand others better. It’s not just a tool for communication; it also lets us see the world through someone else’s eyes, shaping how they think and feel before they express it in words. Learning another language is, in essence, learning about the other.

Amin Maalouf, a well-known Franco-Lebanese philosopher, made a powerful argument for learning languages in his essay Les identités meurtrières. He explains that mastering multiple languages expands your cultural understanding and frees you from the limits of your own language and culture. It is an essential way to overcome conflicts between different identities. Today, and in the days to come, focus on improving your English skills and develop a true curiosity about the languages spoken by those around you.

The topics you’ll explore are ambitious: the socio-economic reintegration of refugees affected by war, balancing economic growth with environmental protection, the impact of synthetic drugs on disadvantaged communities, and reflections on major global conflicts and human rights challenges. Addressing these will require listening and speaking, research and critical thinking, introspection and collaboration. You’ll need to formulate questions, find answers, recognize your own assumptions, and explore alternative perspectives.

The resolution each committee creates will represent the collective effort of its members. It will be different from what any individual could have developed alone. Once you accept the outcome and can "live with it," this collective resolution will be far more powerful and relevant than any personal solution. It will be the result of a shared process where your combined intelligence exceeds the sum of individual contributions.

“Intelligence: the faculty of knowing, of understanding; the quality of the mind that understands and adapts easily”. Knowledge, understanding, adaptation. These are the weapons we must sharpen to counter all those who claim to respond to the complexity of our world with great reinforcement of outrageous simplifications, mechanisms of rejection of otherness, marks of intolerance. In 1945, at the end of the Second World War, Popper explained that unlimited tolerance leads to the disappearance of tolerance, and that, consequently, tolerance must be limited when intolerance manifests itself, to protect democratic principles and fundamental freedoms. In your reflections, keep this paradox in mind and work in the name of dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, respect for the rule of law and the protection of human rights. We can be proud of these values, which are the foundations of our Europe, and it is our responsibility to assert them.

Distinguished guests,

Esteemed representatives of diplomatic missions,

Members of the European Parliament,
Dear Headmistress and Deputy Headmistress,

Dear teachers and colleagues,

Dear students and dear steering committees,

I want to sincerely thank you for being here today at the opening ceremony of the second edition of NaMUN, the only MUN conference for secondary school students in the French-speaking part of Belgium. But why did I have such a crazy idea three years ago?

Back in 2018, when I was a teacher in Slovakia, I had a colleague who was passionate about Model United Nations. Through him, I met other equally passionate teachers across Europe, all organizing international conferences for their students. I couldn’t believe it: teachers willing to spend hours planning events, travelling with students, supervising them, and barely having time to call their family between worried calls from parents. Why would they do that? Isn’t teaching already exhausting enough?

Looking at all of you today, I know why I’m doing it.

First, because of your bravery and open-mindedness. How inspiring it is to see you gathered here from across Europe and even beyond, from Morocco to India. Some of you don’t even speak a word of French (except merci)! However, you have stepped out of your comfort zone, you’re staying with total strangers and you’re adapting to different habits, diets, and routines. Being brave and open-minded are two very qualities that already allow you to understand the complexities of our world.

Second, because of your determination and engagement. You’re about to deliver speeches, negotiate, and defend positions on global issues in a language that is not your mother tongue. Don’t blush, Irish delegates, we tried Gaelic in my classroom, and trust me, it was a consonantal disaster. But beyond speaking, you will debate, compromise, and claim the position of a country that you may have never heard of before. While some of your classmates are still afraid to say what they did during their last holidays, you are here, taking on the role of delegates.

Third, because of your curiosity and commitment. The challenges of today are shaping our future in ways that make stability uncertain. You are going to be the ones who fight for a better and greener world, with the ambition of protecting minorities and reducing crimes and injustices. You carefully prepared your topic and your arguments, reading articles in order to write a relevant position paper, while most of your friends are still arguing about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. This intellectual curiosity is what will truly prepare you to tackle global threats.

Over the next three days, you will act as diplomats, negotiators, and decision-makers. But MUN is not just a simulation, it’s a statement. A statement that the next generation is ready to act, to debate, and to unite. You will experience how hard it is to reach consensus, but also how rewarding it is when you reach an agreement. And perhaps most importantly, you will learn that life isn’t about winning an argument: it’s about finding solutions. And it will be the most realistic and the coolest thing you’ve ever done so far. That is what makes your teachers proud.

Finally, you may wonder why did we choose diversity as the conference theme? Two years ago, as war broke out at the European Union’s borders, we chose United in Solidarity to show that strength comes from unity. This year, United in Diversity echoes the European Union’s moto and reminds us that our differences are something to celebrate. Without diversity, there would be no debate, no progress, just a very boring world where everyone agrees all the time. Yet, diversity is still seen as a threat in many places. You’ve all heard how the newly elected U.S. president wants to dismantle policies protecting minority rights, as if decades of fights and progress could simply be vanished during his mandate. As an ambassador of the Erasmus+ programme, I firmly believe that diversity is at the heart of our European identity, but to truly embrace it, we must step beyond our comfort zones, engage with different perspectives, and recognize that there are multiple ways to see the world. I would like to quote Audre Lorde, an Afro-American writer and civil rights activist who once said, "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate them."

So, as you take on your roles in this conference, I encourage you to celebrate our diversity. Speak, listen, challenge, and be challenged. And most importantly, learn from each other. I wish you all inspiring debates. Thank you.

Dear teachers and colleagues,

Dear students and steering committees,

The second edition of NaMUN has now come to an end. Over these three days, I am certain that you have challenged yourselves in ways you never imagined. Whether it was debating with strangers who quickly became teammates or defending positions that may not have been your own, you have experienced both the thrill of success and the frustration of disagreement. However, through it all, you remained united in a common goal: finding solutions through diplomacy. Once again, let me express how proud your teachers are of you today. Please give a huge round of applause to all the teachers and who believed in you and made this incredible journey possible.

While this conference is ending, the experience you have gained here will stay with you forever. I hope it inspires you in the years to come, reminding you that diplomacy, mutual respect, and cooperation are the true keys to solving the challenges of our time. The world does not need leaders who impose their will; it needs leaders who listen, understand, and bring people together. Leaders who bridge differences rather than create divisions. Leaders who recognize that diversity is not an obstacle but a strength. I hope each of you carries this lesson beyond this conference because our future depends on people who can turn differences into dialogue and dialogue into action. After what we have seen over these three days, I have no doubt that you are ready to take on that challenge. Let’s give a big round of applause to all of you—students of today, leaders of tomorrow.

Finally, NaMUN would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of so many people. To all the students from our MUN club at Champion, thank you for your incredible commitment. A special thanks goes to my two presidents, Havin and Augustin, whose dedication and preparation have been flawless for months. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Philippine-Rose and Noelie, who brilliantly managed the task of finding suitable host families for everyone while handling numerous requirements with professionalism, calm, and patience. The Discord channel would not have been the same without Timothée, who ensured it ran smoothly and efficiently : thank you for your hard work. A special thanks also goes to Hugues, who was responsible for press contacts, special guest invitations, and organizing the party. I also really appreciate my press team —Nadège, Zora, Maëlys, Gabrielle, and Alice— for making our event visible and ensuring it remains forever online with your words. A big thank you to Jakub for bringing his impressive filmmaking talent to provide a unique visual memory of our conference, aligning NaMUN with our Polish partners at ToMUN. I am also grateful to every Host Team Manager for welcoming participants and managing delegations to make arrivals and departures so perfect. Thank you to all the admins in each committee who did not even receive a bag because I’m a language teacher and not a mathematics. I’m sorry again, because your work was essential in the preparation and unfolding of this conference. Finally, I want to thank my entire MUN Club, from the very first student in September 2020 to those who graduated last year and are here today to celebrate the success of years of hard work. It is clear that the current NaMUN team is taking over extremely well, and the next generation is already preparing for the third edition. This conference would not exist without the amazing support of my headmistress, Céline Brijs, to whom I extend my warmest thanks, and my deputy headmistress, Vinciane Ruelle, who has always been incredibly helpful in finding solutions since the beginning. My last words go to my dear colleague Ingrid, because you’ve been and your are the perfect partner in turning my crazy idea into reality for five years now. And as you told me a few weeks ago, "Why do I make you do all this?" Because we love it, Ingrid. And, as we both know : "the journey is always worthwhile."Thank you all for being part of this second edition in Namur. I hope to see you again very soon on our next MUN adventure around the world!