From the Desk of the Secretary-General

Delegates, Faculty, and Distinguished Guests:

It is our distinct pleasure to welcome you to the eighteenth annual Chicago International Model United Nations (CIMUN), held February 4^th - 6^th. We will be holding this conference virtually for the 2^nd time, allowing us to build further upon the immersive and engaging virtual experience from last year.

As one of the nation’s largest independent conferences, CIMUN is staffed by a diverse and talented team of students, post-graduates, and professionals from over 50 colleges and universities, selected through a highly-competitive application process. Nearly 80% of our staff are returning delegates from previous CIMUN conferences, and we urge all those who are interested in joining our team to stay tuned for our CIMUN XIX staff applications. CIMUN also offers one of the lowest staff-to-delegate ratios of any major conference, with one staff member for every seven delegates.

CIMUN is different from any other conference delegates will attend, and we are proud of it. We focus on realistic portrayals of policy; how to innovate within the world we live in. Our primary goal is to provide an accurate representation of real-world diplomats to challenge delegates through crisis simulations. Delegates will be urged to think on their feet and work with neighboring committees to tackle arduous international issues. The result is an unconventional conference that immerses students in a global context, and makes CIMUN a truly one-of-a-kind Model UN experience.

CIMUN XVIII features 20 unique committees and cabinets, each consisting of 40 delegates or fewer. The historical year of 1950 will immerse delegates in a scenario that requires innovation and originality, as decisions they will make can alter geographical and political power for generations to come. CIMUN implements delegates' decisions in real-time, allowing them to see the impact of their actions, and requiring them to think critically beyond the bounds of any one topic to best represent their national interests.

We could not be more excited to welcome you in 2022, and we look forward to revolutionizing the way we participate in debate!

Sincerely,

Daniel Benson
Secretary-General, CIMUN XVIII