MUNITY TEAM 2026

Clicking on the name of the Press Team member will bring you to the articles they wrote, or took photos and illustrations for.

Cole Thompson

Editor-In-Chief

Hi there, my name is Cole, and I am ecstatic to be playing a role at this year’s THIMUN! I am in my 5th year at St Andrews College — Dublin, Ireland, and I hold the position of Co-Editor-In-Chief within the Press and Communications Team. In my life outside MUN, I have a passion for all hobbies that keep me busy, including playing field hockey, creative writing, and immersing myself in the sauna! My message to everyone at this year’s THIMUN is to absorb the moment, as it is not every day we get to live one like today.

Editor-In-Chief

Hello! My name is Somya, and I am a junior at Dhirubhai Ambani International School, India. This year at THIMUN, I am serving as Co-Editor-in-Chief in the Press and Communications Team. Having been part of the MUN Press for the past five years, I believe storytelling is a deeply human art – one I adore in all forms. Outside of MUN, my love for writing and music continues to shape how I observe the world and turn moments into stories. One thing I hope people take away from the conference is a deeper appreciation for our shared humanity that allows actions, voices, and words to truly be heard.

Ari Duel

Photographer, Videographer

Hey everyone, my name is Ari and I am a junior at John Burroughs School in Saint Louis, Missouri, though I am originally from Los Angeles. I can’t wait to capture the finest moments THIMUN 2026 has to offer for the Press and Communications team. I love travelling, photography, and geopolitics, so THIMUN is right up my alley. I love to build and design things, take photos, exercise, and I am super interested in horology. My message to this year’s THIMUN is to take a step back and view your life from an outside perspective. See how beautiful the world is and how important the work we are doing is. 

Reporter, Social Media

Hi, my name is Mateo Lung and I’m a senior at the American School of Madrid and an incoming freshman for the UNC Chapel Hill class of 2030. I’m originally from the United States and have been living in Europe for the past three years. I’m super excited to be participating for the second year in THIMUN as a member of the media team working primarily in the writing team. I enjoy tennis, hanging out with friends, shooting documentaries, fashion, and writing. My message to this year’s THIMUN is to be kind.

Social Media, Photographer, Editor

Hi everyone, I am Berra Vatansever and am a senior at Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey. I can’t wait to document THIMUN as a photographer! I enjoy drawing, photography and making MUN fun for everyone. I love making small statues, documentary photography, playing the flute and volleyball.  My message to this year’s THIMUN is to find new perspectives. Whether it is from a friend or another delegate from a country you’ve never been to, try to absorb as many views as you can.

Ali Nematallah

Photographer, Videographer

Hi, I’m Ali, a student at Schutz American School in Alexandria, Egypt. I’m excited to be part 9of this year’s THIMUN Press & Communications Team as a photographer and videographer. I enjoy documenting debates, behind-the-scenes interactions, and the stories in the committee rooms. What draws me most to MUN is the opportunity to take action and represent diplomacy and collaboration. Outside of MUN, I have a strong passion for planes and photography. My message to this year’s THIMUN is to embrace every moment, make memories, and make change!

Reporter, Editor

Hello, my name is Celia Overson, and I am a student at Wiesbaden High School. I have attended THIMUN the past two years as a delegate, and it was one of the most unique experiences of my life! I am very excited to help contribute to the THIMUN press team as a journalist this year! MUN has opened my eyes to different perspectives and views, and I hope it does the same for all of you. Outside of MUN, I enjoy playing music and acting. My message to this year’s THIMUN is to meet new people and to try new things, even if you’re scared!

Social Media, Screen Manager

Hey everyone, my name is Jessica Knauss and I am a senior at Frankfurt International School. This year at THIMUN I am honored to be the leader of the social media team and screen content creator. I was first intrigued by the club when I attended a meeting with my friend out of curiosity and found the debate incredibly interesting to witness. Outside of MUN, I love to stay physically active, watch movies, sing, and develop sportswear for my basketball team. My message to this year’s THIMUN members is to not be afraid to talk to someone because there’s no regret in trying.

Reporter, Editor, Illustrator

Hi everyone, I’m Mariya Dembytska and I am a senior at the International School of Genoa, though I was born in Ukraine. At this year’s THIMUN I am excited to combine my passions in the role of a writer, interviewer, and illustrator. MUN intrigued me back in middle school when I watched my peers formally debate; joining only deepens my passion for it. Outside the club, I enjoy painting, travelling, and exploring new experiences. With this being my last THIMUN, my message to everyone is to enjoy it to the fullest while it lasts, because you have no idea how much you’ll miss it.

Aksel Castel-branco

Reporter, Photographer

Hey, I’m Aksel Castel-branco, I am a senior at the International School of Monaco. I’m extremely excited and honoured to be a part of THIMUN as a photographer and writer. In my eyes, MUN is an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals but most importantly to have fun! Outside of MUN, I spend my time enjoying hobbies such as storytelling and coding, but also parkour, skateboarding, and volleyball. My message to all is as follows: even though it might be stressful at times, make the most of every moment! Make all the great memories that, looking back years later, you’ll proudly smile upon.

Clara Weber

Reporter, Photographer, Illustrator, Puzzle Creator

Salut! My name is Clara Weber and I am a senior at the French School of the Hague. It’s my first time participating at THIMUN and I am looking forward to work as a photographer, journalist, writer and, most importantly, puzzle maker! Discovering how the THIMUN Press and Communications team operates and meeting people from all around the world is incredibly exciting to me. I have a strong interest in everything related to art, including painting, drawing, acting, and reading. During THIMUN, don’t hesitate to get involved and connect with others. You never know what meaningful experiences might come from it.

Ben Ferguson

Reporter, Photographer, Videographer, Screen Manager

Hey, I’m Ben and I attend St. Andrew’s College, Dublin. This is my first THIMUN which I’m really looking forward to! I’ll be doing interviewing, videography, photography. Having attended other smaller MUN conferences I’m really looking forward to experiencing the size and internationalism of THIMUN. My hobbies are mostly sport related, I love being outdoors doing things like rugby, running, swimming and hiking but I also have a big passion for current affairs and politics. My message to THIMUN is embrace the internationalism, try and make connections all over the world, learn new cultures and maybe even a new language? They will definitely come in handy in the future!

Sarah Latin

Reporter, Social Media

Hi! My name is Sarah, and I am a sophomore at the International School of Basel in Switzerland. I serve as a Journalist and Instagram handler for the Press and Communications team in THIMUN 2026. What I look forward to the most during my first conference is meeting students from around the world and connecting over real-world issues and shared experiences. Being the youngest of 6 children means I have grown up surrounded by people and conversation, which has shaped my interest in communication and storytelling. My message to this year’s THIMUN participants is simple: talk to new people, stay curious, and be open to experiences that push you beyond your comfort zone.