About WHSMUN
Our History
Wisconsin High School Model United Nations (WHSMUN) takes pride in being the largest, oldest, and most prestigious Model United Nations conference in the state of Wisconsin. WHSMUN began operations in 1970, being hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and sponsored by UW-Milwaukee Institute of World Affairs Center for International Education. For many years, UW-Madison undergraduates would travel to UWM for the two day conference and staff many of the committees. Sometime in the late 2010s, UWM passed the torch to UW-Madison, giving the Badgers the honor to host WHSMUN.
However, soon the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, forcing WHSMUN to go on hiatus from 2020 to 2022. In 2023, Secretary-General Xavier Savoie had the momentous task of hosting the first WHSMUN after many of its supporting institutions collapsed during the pandemic. Despite a state wide loss of Model UN organizations, logistics issues, and even a snowstorm, Xavier was able to run 2 successful WHSMUN conferences before graduating in 2024.
Today, WHSMUN stands again as one of the most esteemed conferences of the Midwest. We remain the only Model UN conference hosted by the UW-System. Our staff sourced from UW-Madison undergraduates dedicate themselves to providing the best possible experience for our delegates, and our high standards continue to be the driving force behind the conference.
The Wisconsin Idea
One of the longest and deepest traditions surrounding the University of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Idea signifies a general principle: that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom.
The Wisconsin High School Model United Nations conference is a direct reflection of the Wisconsin Idea, emphasizing the role of education in benefiting the broader community. At WHSMUN, students from different walks of life can come together to engage in collaborative problem-solving on global issues, learning skills in diplomacy, critical thinking, and civic engagement. By simulating the workings of the United Nations, WHSMUN fosters learning outside of the classroom, encouraging students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems and promoting the idea that education should serve both local and global communities.
WHSMUN further embodies the Wisconsin Idea by fostering a sense of responsibility and global citizenship among high school students. Through its simulations, WHSMUN empowers students to tackle complex global issues—such as climate change, human rights, and international security—by encouraging them to research and develop sustainable solutions. This hands-on learning experience allows students to apply academic skills in a broader social context, nurturing a deeper understanding of global interdependence and the importance of an informed populous.