The World as a Guest in Erfurt: Around 450 Participants Expected at NMUN Conference

Erfurt is so far the only city in Germany to host this international conference. "We are very proud of this," says organiser Professor Oliver Kessler and explains what NMUN is all about: "The whole thing is a simulation of the United Nations, its numerous programmes and committees. The participants each represent a UN member state and represent the country's concerns on the respective committee-specific topics in speeches and working groups. In doing so, they learn to put themselves in the shoes of another country, find out what is important to the countries and how they behave on the international stage. The event also gives them the opportunity to discuss and negotiate their own position in negotiations with students from all over the world. This is a very nice experience for our students here in Erfurt." The Erfurt delegation – seven students accompanied by two tutors – will represent France in four committees this time.

"We are delighted not only to welcome our Prime Minister to the opening ceremony, but also to host one of our committees in the Thuringian State Parliament," says Professor Oliver Kessler and points out that the debates will once again be accompanied by a diverse supporting programme, including thematic city tours of Erfurt, study trips to the Buchenwald Memorial, Wartburg Castle and the Point Alpha Memorial, a contemporary witness talk at the Andreasstraße Memorial, a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner in Erfurt's Kaisersaal, which will feature classic Thuringian dishes, and a final ball.

In addition to the University of Erfurt, partners of the NMUN conference are the University Society, the Thuringian State Chancellery, the German United Nations Association and the City of Erfurt.