From April 4 to 6, 2025, the vibrant seaside town of Menton became the center of global youth diplomacy as it hosted the 13th edition of the Mediterranean Model United Nations (MEDMUN). Among the 500 student delegates from 76 countries, the International School of Nice (ISN) proudly stepped into the spotlight—ready to debate and inspire.

The experience began at the prestigious Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, where the opening ceremony set an electrifying tone. Representing a school deeply committed to global citizenship, civic engagement, and critical thinking, the ISN delegation arrived prepared to make their mark at the first conference of the PACA region—and one of the top three large-scale MUNs in the world, according to MyMUN rankings.

Set against the distinguished backdrop of Sciences Po Paris’ Mediterranean and Middle Eastern campus—often referred to as the “campus of peace”—MEDMUN 2025 stood as more than an academic conference. It was a dynamic convergence of political science, diplomacy, feminist leadership, intercultural dialogue, and the extraordinary potential of youth. The theme, “Strategic Alliances: New Generations Turning Divides into Dialogue,” challenged participants to step into the roles of global problem-solvers, bridging divides in a world of growing fragmentation.

With 18 diverse and thought-provoking committees—including international courts, crisis simulations, and the newly introduced Conseil MUNicipal—the conference allowed delegates to explore complex global issues in six Mediterranean languages: English, French, Arabic, Italian, Spanish, and Turkish.

Reflecting on the experience, Sergio Galvis, ISN’s Humanities and MUN Coordinator, remarked:

“At MEDMUN 2025, hosted by Sciences Po Menton at the prestigious Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, our students not only engaged in high-level debates but were also inspired by powerful speeches from distinguished guests, including the Ambassador for the Mediterranean and H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco. Their words underscored the urgent challenges facing this generation in safeguarding the multilateral UN system and building bridges between nations. It was a truly transformative experience, reinforcing our students’ commitment to global diplomacy and cooperation.”

Indeed, the presence of esteemed speakers added extraordinary depth to the event. Delegates were honoured to hear from:

• His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco
• His Excellency Mr. Nasser Kamel, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean
• Admiral Jean-Michel Martinet, Project Director at the Mediterranean Foundation for Strategic Studies
• Mr. François Gouyette, French Diplomat and former Ambassador of France to Algeria, Libya, and the UAE
• Mr. Claude Fabbretti, Director of the International Humanitarian Section at the Monaco Red Cross
• These influential figures shared personal stories and lessons from the frontlines of diplomacy and strategy, offering powerful insights that deeply shaped the tone of the conference. For the students, hearing from such esteemed voices was both humbling and profoundly inspiring.

One of the highlights of the event was hearing from H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, an experience that deeply impacted the ISN delegates. Maya (Grade 11), representing Iraq in the World Health Organization, shared her thoughts:

“Attending the MED MUN conference at Sciences Po has been an incredible experience so far. Today, we had the privilege of listening to an inspiring speech by the Prince of Monaco and exploring the stunning Grimaldi Forum. Representing Iraq in the World Health Organisation, I am eager to collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds to find meaningful solutions to global health challenges. The dedication of the Sciences Po students in organising this event is truly impressive, and I look forward to the days ahead!”

Equally reflective was May (Grade 11), who attended her first MUN at MEDMUN:

“Attending my first MUN at MEDMUN was an eye-opening experience. The opening ceremony showcased the hard work of university students from Sciences Po Paris who organized the event, making me realize what a privilege it is to participate. One of the highlights was the roundtable discussion, where I gained a deeper understanding of global diplomacy through insights from remarkable speakers—including the Prince of Monaco, the former Secretary-General of the Mediterranean Union, a French diplomat representing Algeria, Libya, and the UAE, and experts from humanitarian organisations. Their discussions connected directly to my IB studies, from my Extended Essay on Algerian diplomacy to my Global Politics Internal Assessment on refugees. The event reinforced how MUN is not just a debate but a real-world learning experience. I’m looking forward to partaking in discussions throughout the conference!”

Uliana (Grade 12), who was awarded Best Delegate for her outstanding performance and is soon to attend Sciences Po Paris, also expressed her excitement about the event:

“As someone honoured to soon attend Sciences Po Paris, getting the opportunity to participate once more at their sister university’s MUN is ecstatic. The care and attention put into every detail of the conference is impressive, and even inspiring. The organisers have been engaging us future generations in diplomacy and political discourse in an exciting and unique manner. To call it a spectacular conference wouldn’t be enough.”

While the spotlight was on delegates, the behind-the-scenes work of the Sciences Po student organizers was equally impressive. Secretary General Eléonore Blanchet, Deputy Secretary General Jana Abdel Hafez, Head of Logistics and Treasurer Osman Senefe, Head of Projects and Partnerships Tamara Abou Zainab, and Head of Marketing and Design Maria Marangoni and a dedicated team of over 30 students handled logistics, partnerships, crisis committees, marketing, and design with professionalism and purpose. Their multilingual fluency and intercultural awareness created a seamless, welcoming, and truly international environment.

Special appreciation goes to Youssef Halaoua, Director of Sciences Po Menton, and Luis Vassy, Director of Sciences Po overall, whose leadership continues to empower youth to take an active role in shaping our world.

ISN’s participation in MEDMUN 2025 was a transformative journey. Delegates returned home with sharpened negotiation skills, deeper insights into international affairs, and a profound sense of purpose. They stepped into the shoes of diplomats, built friendships across borders, and contributed to a global vision rooted in justice and collaboration.