Despite a crowded and competitive landscape of international conferences simulating the UN, particularly in New York City, the Outreach, Leadership, and Empowerment Office (OLE) at LAU continues to distinguish itself through the annual Global Classrooms International LAU Model United Nations (GCI LAU MUN) conference.

Held last month in New York City, the conference brought together 1,000 participants from 10 cities around the world in a vibrant showcase of diplomacy, intercultural exchange and youth leadership. What makes the conference especially distinctive is that it is entirely organized by 60 LAU students and alumni, who built on years of institutional OLE experience to deliver an impactful international event, this year marking the 11th annual.

The Opening Ceremony, held on April 24, 2026, featured the Lebanese Ambassador to the UN Ahmad Arafa as a guest speaker, while the Head of UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Rabih Haddad met with the students during the conference. Participants also engaged with UN Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming, on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres.

Under-Secretary Fleming (C) with the members of the secretariat.

Through a social media post, Under-Secretary Fleming expressed how the encounter with the young leaders left her feeling hopeful. Her familiarity with LAU, where her daughter spent a year studying, gave her firsthand insight into “the kind of thoughtful, engaged, and globally minded young people that [LAU] helps shape,” as she wrote in her post. “The future belongs to people like them: Those who stay curious, keep showing up and continue to believe in dialogue—even when it’s not the easy path,” she added.

Interim Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management Raed Mohsen also addressed the conference participants and organizers, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and evidence-based thinking in today’s increasingly polarized world, where misinformation runs rampant.

“Representing another country and advocating for its pressing issues will offer a new perspective. While at it, you will gain research and critical thinking skills,” he said, encouraging the participants to “investigate and validate.”

Beyond the formal sessions, the conference also served as a unique networking and mentorship platform. The GCI LAU MUN secretariat operated from the LAU New York Debbane Campus, located only a few blocks away from the UN Headquarters. On campus, LAU Board Members Nijad Fares and Thomas Abraham engaged in discussions with the participants, who were warmly welcomed and supported by the LAU New York team throughout the week.

LAU Trustee Fares with the LAUers at the LAU New York Debbane Campus.

OLE Director Ghina Harb attributed the conference’s sustained success to a deliberate commitment to accessibility, authenticity, and student empowerment. “The success of this conference is not by chance, but by design,” she explained. By maintaining symbolic participation fees and concluding the conference at the UN Headquarters, GCI LAU MUN offers students an experience that combines academic rigor with real-world inspiration.

“Most importantly, our own students and alumni are at the heart of its success as they carry their university’s name with professionalism, excellence, and pride,” she added.