The Philippine International Model United Nations (PHIMUN), organized by Model United Nations – University of the Philippines Diliman (MUN-UPD), returns on June 5-7, 2026 at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City.
But what exactly is PHIMUN?
At its core, PHIMUN is a simulation of the United Nations, known worldwide as Model United Nations (MUN) Conferences, where students step into the role of diplomats to debate real-word issues. Open to participants from senior high school to graduate school, the conference offers a space to build skills in public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking—all while engaging with some of today’s most pressing global issues.
Since its founding in 2018, PHIMUN has brought together students from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas and propose solutions to complex international challenges. Guided by MUN-UPD’s principles of “travel, debate, experience, learn,” the conference has grown into one of the country’s leading platforms for youth engagement and diplomacy.
This year’s theme, “Cultivating Diplomatic Resilience: Addressing the Issues of Marginalized Groups and Forgotten Crises in an Era of Deglobalization,” explores a changing global landscape—one where cooperation between nations is becoming more fragile. As the world shifts away from deep globalization toward a more fragmented system, PHIMUN 2026 asks an important question: As international cooperation weakens and global institutions struggle, what becomes of those pushed further into the margins?
Across its committees, the conference highlights often-overlooked issues—from climate displacement and gaps in asylum protection to gender-based violence and underreported conflicts. More than just discussion, PHIMUN challenges delegates to think critically about how international systems can better serve those pushed to the margins.
PHIMUN 2026 will feature six committees, each tackling a different dimension of the theme. These include bodies such as the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which will examine the rights of climate-displaced indigenous communities, and the UN General Assembly Sixth Committee (UNGA-6), which will explore state accountability for climate-related harm.
Other committees bring equally urgent issues to the table. The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will focus on technology-enabled gender-based violence and trafficking in conflict areas, while the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will address crises in Haiti and Sudan. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) offers a legal lens on contemporary disputes, and the ASEAN Emergency Council presents a dynamic regional scenario involving economic instability and geopolitical tensions in Southeast Asia.
Over the years, PHIMUN has welcomed hundreds of delegates and featured notable speakers from diplomacy and government. More importantly, it continues to provide the youth with the opportunity to engage meaningfully with global issues.
Whether you’re new to Model United Nations or a seasoned delegate, PHIMUN 2026 offers a chance to step into the world of diplomacy, challenge perspectives, and be part of conversations that matter.
Learn more about PHIMUN at phimun.org