London International Model United Nations Foundation

The London International Model United Nations Foundation (LIMUN Foundation) is a UK-based charitable organisation dedicated to promoting cultural empathy, international affairs awareness, and understanding of the United Nations among young people. Established originally by students from the University of London, the foundation organises Europe’s largest Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, engaging university and high school students from around the world in simulations of diplomatic processes.

History and Mission

LIMUN began as LoMUN (London Model United Nations), conceived by University of London students to create an annual Model UN event in London, a city renowned for its internationalism and historical ties to the United Nations. Over time, it evolved into the LIMUN Foundation, whose mission is to foster skills in diplomacy, mediation, leadership, and analytical thinking while promoting cosmopolitan values and a spirit of international cooperation among youth[1].

Key Activities

Model United Nations Conferences

The foundation’s flagship event is the London International Model United Nations Conference, an annual university-level gathering that draws approximately 1,500 delegates from over 50 nations each year. This conference provides committees tailored for all levels of experience, including beginner, intermediate, advanced, special, and foreign language committees. The 2025 conference marked its 26th edition and continued to serve as a premier platform for youth diplomacy and dialogue[2][3].

Alongside the university conference, LIMUN also organises an annual High School Conference. Introduced 16 years after the foundation was established, this less formal event aims to increase participation from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, offering younger students an accessible introduction to multilateral diplomacy and the Model UN experience. The high school conference has steadily expanded, attracting delegations from both within the UK and internationally[2].

Outreach and Educational Initiatives

Beyond physical conferences, LIMUN runs outreach programmes, careers workshops, and professional skill-building initiatives through digital platforms. These programmes support Model UN activities in local schools and extend the foundation’s impact on youth education in international affairs[1][5].

Governance and Volunteers

The LIMUN Foundation operates under the oversight of a Board of Trustees and is supported by a London-based student Secretariat composed of university students from prestigious institutions. Its Honorary President is Lord Mark Malloch Brown, a former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. LIMUN’s operations rely heavily on an extensive network of around 150 volunteers worldwide each year, with additional volunteers providing support to outreach activities[2][5].

Financial Overview

For the financial year ending May 31, 2023, the LIMUN Foundation reported an income of approximately £88,190 and expenditures totaling £83,115. The organisation maintains a volunteer-driven model with no trustees receiving remuneration, underscoring its commitment to charitable objectives without private gain. The foundation does not operate any trading subsidiaries[5].

Recognition

The LIMUN Foundation is accredited by the United Nations Department of Global Communications and has partnered with the UN75 campaign, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. This partnership highlights its role in promoting the values and work of the UN among young people globally[1].

The London International Model United Nations Foundation continues to serve as an influential institution in youth education on global affairs, fostering future leaders prepared to address worldwide challenges with cooperation and diplomacy.

[1] https://www.limun.org.uk [2] https://www.limun.org.uk/programmes [3] https://mymun.com/conferences/limun-2025 [4] https://www.instagram.com/limunconference/ [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1159324&subid=0