'SIMUN's Opening Ceremony'
Selma Nieto-Dembri
On the morning of the 12th of March 2026, 163 students, accompanied by their teachers, gathered at the front door of the IFS amphitheatre. 10 schools traveled across borders to reach Singapore. Greetings and warm welcomes filled the air as students prepared themselves to step into the role of delegate or chair. Roles that require patience, eloquence, courage, critical thinking and most importantly a strong will to strive for a better future.
The ceremony started with a welcome speech by our principal, Mr Binan expressing his highest hopes and wishes for this conference. Later, we were graced by the presence of Mr Jérôme Peze, Chef of the regional economics service and of commercial and sectorial poles at the French embassy of Singapore. He spoke about our world today and how now more than ever unity and solidarity is fundamental for all of our wellbeing.
Through these chaotic times, conferences like this are crucial as they allow the new generation to build this critical thinking and problem solving. After those inspiring words, gravels were distributed to the chairs, hands were shaken, and finally the words “let SIMUN 2026 conference begin” pronounced! SIMUN is led by our Secretariat William Hay, Lillian Vallance and Hanae Reverre. We wish our delegates all the best and hope for fruitful debating throughout these next three days.