Welcome to the Crisis Simulations!

Crisis committees are fast-paced and embody a dynamic style of debate where delegates drive the committee. Delegates act as individuals or representatives who have to balance the fine line of the committee’s interests versus their own. Each committee is sure to have unexpected surprises at every turn—all due to your own actions!

Dear Delegates,

I’m so excited you’ll be joining us in Philadelphia for the 42nd iteration of the Ivy Model United Nations Conference! My name is Jesse Van Doren, and I’m one of ILMUNC’s Under Secretary Generals for Crisis and Specialized committees. Since the close of last year’s conference, our entire Secretariat has been working tirelessly to make ILMUNC XLII as welcoming, engaging, and intellectually stimulating as we always strive for it to be.

I hope to get the chance to speak with you all personally during conference, but here’s a quick introduction to me: I’m a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania studying Political Science and Environmental Science hoping to pursue a career in environmental law. I’m originally from Towson, MD (right outside of Baltimore), and was an avid MUN kid helping to plan my high school’s own conference and even competing at ILMUNC my senior year. While I love staying connected to the MUN community, I also spend my time in college competing on the Penn Mock Trial team, giving campus tours, writing for Penn’s student news paper, and researching coral reefs in a biology lab! When I’m not in class or club meetings, you can find me rock climbing, failing at spikeball, or caring for my dormroom betta fish. 

Between committee sessions, exploring Philly, the delegate dance, and more, this will certainly be a fun and likely hectic weekend. Throughout it all, I want you to keep a core ILMUNC value in mind: respect. In our eyes, the most impressive delegates are those who arrive at conference full of great ideas yet still take a step back to listen to others. We especially value those who encourage their peers and actively work to ensure that everyone has a positive experience. Moreover, many of the issues you will be debating are of real importance and genuine significance. Keep this in mind as you engage in debate, and approach every topic with openness, thoughtfulness, and a spirit of constructive dialogue.

Oh– and please don’t forget to enjoy yourself! While ILMUNC is of course about gaining experience in diplomacy, the most rewarding part will likely be meeting passionate students from around the world. With that, I, along with the entire Secretariat, extend a heartfelt welcome to ILMUNC XLII. We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish this weekend!

Warm regards, 

Jesse

Under Secretary-General, Crisis Simulations 
The 42nd Ivy League Model United Nations Conference

 
 
 

Dear Delegates,

It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 42nd annual Ivy League Model United Nations Conference! My name is Ami Mundra, and I am honored to serve as the Under-Secretary-General of Crisis Simulations this year. The Secretariat and I have worked hard to ensure that ILMUNC continues its long tradition of excellence, and I cannot wait to see the thoughtful debate, creative problem-solving, and collaboration that will unfold over the course of the weekend.

A little about me: I am a student in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Computer and Information Science with a minor in Engineering Entrepreneurship. Outside of ILMUNC, I am involved in Social Impact Consulting and the Society of Women Engineers. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hosting dinner parties, and exploring new places with friends.

As Under-Secretary-General of Crisis Simulations, I am excited to see the energy and creativity you will bring to committee. Crisis is a fast-paced and immersive environment where delegates must think on their feet, adapt to constant change, and drive the story forward. It is a chance to step into history, test bold ideas, and collaborate in real time to shape outcomes. Whether this is your first crisis or you are a returning delegate, I hope you find the experience both challenging and rewarding, and that you leave with new skills, confidence, and lasting memories.

Over the next few days, I encourage you to immerse yourself fully in the experience: engage in spirited debate, listen to perspectives different from your own, and take risks in your ideas. Model UN is not only about resolutions, it is also about learning to lead with empathy, communicate with clarity, and build friendships that will last long after the weekend ends.

On behalf of the entire Secretariat, I am thrilled to welcome you to ILMUNC. The passion and energy you bring are what make this conference so special, and I look forward to seeing the impact you will leave behind.

Best regards, 

Ami

Under Secretary-General, Crisis Simulations 
The 42nd Ivy League Model United Nations Conference

 

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the 42nd annual Ivy League Model United Nations Conference! My name is Will Helm, and I am honored to serve as an Under-Secretary General of Crisis Simulations. The entire secretariat and I have been working together for the past year to put on this conference, and we are so excited to share this experience with you.

A bit about myself—I am a second-year Wharton student studying Finance and Behavioral Economics, and I am minoring in Cognitive Neuroscience. I am from New York City, (the best city in the world), I have been participating in Model UN since middle school. In fact, I led my high school’s team as Co-Captain and even attended ILMUNC in high school. Along with ILMUNC, I am also a Wharton Ambassador, a Wharton Leadership Venture Fellow, a member of Penn’s Club Ski & Snowboarding Club, and a Brooklyn-99 enthusiast. 

During this conference, you will be engraving in spirited discourse with peers and finding solutions to the world’s problems. You will be stepping into the shoes of world leaders and tackling pressing global issues through debate, negotiation, and collaboration. It’s an opportunity to think critically, speak persuasively, and build consensus across diverse perspectives. I encourage all delegates to approach this experience with curiosity, respect, and openness—listening as much as they speak and embracing both the challenges and surprises of diplomacy. Beyond resolutions, I hope you take away sharpened communication and leadership skills, lasting friendships, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of international relations.

On behalf of the secretariat, we can’t wait to meet you and are excited for you! As a former ILMUNC attendee myself, I hope you take as much away from the conference as possible. Remember to enjoy yourself, have a great time, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

All the best,

Will

Under Secretary-General, Crisis Simulations 
The 42nd Ivy League Model United Nations Conference