The 25th annual Helsinki International Model United Nations (HELIMUN XXV) took place on May 6-7, 2025

9 toukokuun, 2025
Ajankohtaista, Englanninkielinen linja

The 25th annual Helsinki International Model United Nations (HELIMUN XXV) took place on May 6-7, 2025, at Kulosaari Secondary School in Helsinki. The event gathered a record-breaking 500 Year 9 students from Kulosaari and other Helsinki-area schools, who participated as ambassadors, diplomats, and judges in debates and negotiations on global issues under the theme ”A World in Transition.”

A group of hard-working upper school students organised and led HELIMUN XXV, which showed what students can do when they take the lead. The conference was led by Secretary-General Oskari Vahla, with Deputy Secretaries-General Veera Vähäsarja and Joona Jokiniemi as well as the President of the General Assemby Lili-Anna Papadopoulos and Assistant Conference Manager Shirin Gardner supporting him. This year’s conference also marked the end of an era, as Ms. Emma Lampen-Smith, who has been the Conference Manager since 2019, finished her final HELIMUN. Delegates debated topics like greenwashing, the link between food insecurity, climate change, and urbanization, and the Gaza Strip and West Bank crisis.

Key highlights included a keynote speech by Finnish politician Pekka Haavisto on diplomacy in a changing world, and a talk by Ambassador Satu Suikkari-Kleven about the 1990 Gulf Crisis at the Historical Security Council. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favor of the United States in the case of Palestine vs. the USA regarding the US embassy move to Jerusalem. The International Criminal Court (ICC) was convened for the first time at HELIMUN, examining the case of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo.

The conference concluded with a noticeable transformation in the participating students, who grew into confident speakers and negotiators. HELIMUN XXV, with its record participation of 500 students, emphasized global awareness and active citizenship, showcasing the potential of young people in international discussions.

The conference was led by Secretary-General Oskari Vahla (1st right), with Deputy Secretaries-General Veera Vähäsarja (2nd left) and Joona Jokiniemi (1st left) as well as the President of the General Assemby Lili-Anna Papadopoulos (3rd left) and Assistant Conference Manager Shirin Gardner (3rd right) supporting him.

This year’s conference also marked the end of an era, as Ms. Emma Lampen-Smith ( on the left), who has been the Conference Manager since 2019, finished her final HELIMUN. Shirin Gardner (on the right) will take her place next year.

HELIMUN?

Helsinki International Model United Nations HELIMUN ry is a student run, non-profit organisation registered in Helsinki, Finland. HELIMUN ry arranges an annual, international Model United Nations conference for secondary school students.