MUNUSAL 2027

Welcome to the 19th edition of the Model United Nations of the University of Salamanca!

Our Conference takes place at the University of Salamanca, the oldest university in Spain and the fourth oldest educational institution in Europe. Steeped in centuries of history, its halls have witnessed some of the greatest intellectual debates in the world, and during MUNUSAL, they will once again be filled with discussions on diplomacy, cooperation, and global affairs. The Cultural and Youth Association MUNUSAL was founded with the aim of bringing together students from Salamanca and beyond, introducing them to the world of diplomacy and the international MUN community. Over the years, our association has proudly represented Salamanca in prestigious conferences such as BerlinMUN, PoziMUN, MIMUN, KULMUN, LISBOMUN, BIMUN, MALTMUN, and many others.

Our theme for this year's conference is “Beyond the Horizon: Building Resilience in an Era of Global Unpredictability”.

The international order established in the aftermath of the Second World War was built upon a simple aspiration: that no state should be inherently more or less sovereign than another. While this system was never truly equal, it sought to promote stability, development, cooperation, and peaceful relations between states. Out of the ashes of war emerged a new paradigm, one that attempted to rebuild the international community stronger than it had been before.

Yet, as history has repeatedly demonstrated, no international order is permanent. States continue to pursue their own interests, while the norms and institutions designed to govern international relations are constantly tested. Questions surrounding sovereignty, the justification of war, terrorism, climate change, technological development, and the persistent divide between developed and developing countries have become increasingly pressing. At the heart of these challenges lies a fundamental question: how do we respond to an ever-changing world?

We find ourselves in an era of profound uncertainty. Climate change is reshaping our societies, technological innovation is transforming the way we interact with one another, and established norms are increasingly challenged, even by the very actors that once advocated for them. Meanwhile, international institutions face growing difficulties in effectively responding to global crises. This forces us to question the foundations of the system itself: Can a norm remain legitimate if it is not enforced? Who has the authority to enforce it? Can an international system truly be considered equal when violations committed by influential actors do not always carry the same consequences?

However, Beyond the Horizon is not a call to surrender to uncertainty. It is a call to look beyond it.

The challenges facing the international community may seem overwhelming, but resilience is built precisely through moments of adversity. The horizon represents a future that cannot yet be fully seen, but which remains within our capacity to shape. Navigating towards it will require dialogue, cooperation, adaptability, and the willingness to rethink the systems we have inherited. The path ahead may be unpredictable, but it is not predetermined.

At MUNUSAL 2027, we invite our delegates to become part of this journey. Through debate, negotiation, diplomacy, and collective problem-solving, they will be challenged not only to understand the crises of today, but also to envision the international order of tomorrow. The future lies beyond the horizon, and it is our responsibility to decide what awaits us there.

For our 19th edition, we are proud to present seven committees, designed to offer every delegate a space to develop their skills and engage with global affairs. For those taking their first steps into the world of Model United Nations, we offer two beginner committees: UN Women, conducted in Spanish, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), conducted in English.

For intermediate delegates, we offer the European Parliament, conducted in English, while those looking for a greater challenge can participate in our intermediate-advanced Spanish committee, Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC).

For our most experienced delegates, we present the United Nations Security Council, conducted in English, providing an opportunity to engage with some of the most pressing questions of international peace and security.

Finally, for those who prefer reporting over debating, our bilingual Press Committee, The Globe, will once again document the conference from a different perspective. This year, MUNUSAL will also introduce Crisis as a system integrated across the conference. Our Crisis Directors will introduce unexpected developments and scenarios directly into the different committees throughout the conference. This means that every delegate, regardless of their committee or level of experience, will be called upon to respond to unforeseen challenges, adapt their strategies, and navigate situations that test their ability to think critically and act under pressure. In this way, crisis will become an integral part of the MUNUSAL experience, reflecting the unpredictability and complexity of the international environment our theme seeks to explore.

Each committee offers a unique environment in which delegates can debate, negotiate, collaborate, and develop solutions to complex international challenges. Whether this is your first MUN or you are a seasoned delegate, there is a place for you at MUNUSAL.

Beyond the conference itself, Salamanca makes MUNUSAL a truly unforgettable experience. Known for its golden sandstone architecture, vibrant student life, and extraordinary cultural heritage, the city offers the perfect setting to meet people from different backgrounds, explore its historic streets, and experience the unique atmosphere of one of Europe's most renowned university cities.

We cannot wait to welcome you to Salamanca for MUNUSAL 2027, where together we will look Beyond the Horizon and begin building the resilience needed for the world that awaits us.