Keeping up with the Secretariat

Before the first gavel strikes, the Secretariat is already at work. As the heartbeat of THIMUN The Hague, this international team coordinates, leads, and problem-solves to ensure the conference runs seamlessly. Let’s get to know the team that makes diplomacy happen.

Here, we step inside the thinking of this remarkable team, delving into key areas—from their roles and how MUN resonates with them, to the advice they offer delegates attending this year’s conference.

Secretary General, Anoushka Tandon

Q: Why did you choose to apply for a Secretariat position?

“MUN has been an integral part of my student life. It’s seen my strongest moments of personal growth and given me a powerful sense of purpose. With the impact MUN has had in my life, I am motivated to provide as many students as possible with the same opportunities I was lucky to have – to engage with MUN. The first thing that came to mind while filling in my application was the positive impact I would be able to have on the 3000+ delegates and student officers attending the conference this year. I am honoured to be able to guide, mentor and support such passionate students on their journeys in MUN and beyond!”

Deputy Secretary General, Zahra Nassiri

Q: What has your role in the Secretariat entailed until now?

“On a day-to-day basis, in the lead up to the conference, preparations have been in full swing. Through communicating with the secretariat and working with various student officers, we’ve been able to assign, guide and oversee the creation of research reports on this year’s issues. We’ve also gotten to organise and lead student officer briefings to ensure we are all ready to go when we get to the Hague!”

Deputy Secretary General, James Simanowitz

Q: Is there a particular value or skill you want delegates to develop during the conference?

“I hope the delegates learn the skill of diplomacy. It’s less to appreciate than the rush of a power-full speech or high energy debate, but diplomacy is the core of what we’re trying to emulate from the actual UN.”

Deputy Secretary General, Kadyn Falk

Q: What would you like delegates to keep in mind when thinking about  THIMUN The Hague?

“Something I would like delegates to keep in mind while reading this is that I have been in the same spot as they currently are. I understand the challenges, excitement, and pressure of being a delegate at THIMUN, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences.”

President of the General Assembly, Arel Ulukuş

Q: What do you hope people can take from this year’s THIMUN?

“I hope  that the delegates of THIMUN 2026 come away with a more practical insight into diplomacy. A lot of times, people associate the concept of diplomacy only with brilliant speeches and formal debate. The truth is, a good diplomat is someone who is able to compromise, have patience, and is as good at listening as he is at speaking. They should see diplomacy as a process rather than a performance, and that is a piece of learning which goes beyond the conference.”

THIMUN’s specials, served!

For all their seriousness, the Secretariat reveals a lighter side, perhaps better understood through a few familiar drinks – and here they are!

Anoushka Tandon, Secretary General, is an Iced Chai latte: Calm, composed, and cool on the surface, but with a bold kick when it counts – amidst debate or handling last-minute crises at 2 a.m. A firm (cultured) believer that tea will always outrank coffee, she brings an easy sense of humour to even the most serious moments. And much like an iced chai latte, she is the perfect blend of smooth and strong – the flavour that keeps the Secretariat connected and on point.

Arel Ulukuş, President of the General Assembly, is an Iced Green Tea. Calm by nature, he carries with him a steady kind of energy that grows on you the longer the conference goes on. He doesn’t rush the moment, he sustains it. Fittingly, it was the first drink he reached for when he arrived in The Hague in 2023. Much like the refreshing balance of an iced green tea, Arel is the grounding presence of the Secretariat.

James Simanowitz, Deputy Secretary General, is a Lemonade. When life gives you lemons, don’t worry, James has got it covered. He is classic and effortlessly refreshing, cutting through the busiest moments of the conference with ease. Bright, balanced, and much like the crisp zing of a lemonade, James is the spark that keeps the Secretariat lively and focused.

Kadyn Falk, Deputy Secretary General, is a Red Bull Zero. Thriving under pressure, he brings relentless energy and focus to every task, whether in academics, endurance sports, or the fast-paced moments of the conference. Taking the slogan “Redbull gives you wings” a little too seriously, Kadyn is reliable, driven, and permanently powered – bringing lift to the Secretariat when it is needed most.

Zahra Nassiri, Deputy Secretary General, is an Iced Coffee.  Smooth, bold, and guaranteed to wake up anyone around her, she turns sleepy committees into high-energy brainstorming sessions. Known for her knack of keeping things cheerful and lively, the secret to her enthusiasm is 40% caffeine and 60% determination. Zahra is the lifeblood of the Secretariat, just like how iced coffee is hers!

Now that you’ve had the chance to get to know the exemplary Secretariat Team from their goals for this conference to their beverage choices, each a reflection of their personalities.We hope you carry this insight with you as you move through THIMUN this year. Their sincerity and warmth make them deeply approachable, and you may even find yourself frequently crossing paths with them through the week. If you encounter them, do not hold back; say hello and introduce yourself—you might just make a new friend as a result! As THIMUN unfolds, the Secretariat stands not only as the cornerstone of the conference, but also as the people you’ll see, meet, and share moments with throughout the week.