The Hague Beyond Time

Every winter, The Hague becomes a center for youth diplomacy. This year marks the 58th time around three thousand students from around the world gather to debate pressing global issues—called not by their names but the delegations on their placards. Known for its reputation as the International City of Peace and Justice, The Hague is home to THIMUN, currently the largest MUN conference for secondary students in Europe and beyond.

THIMUN originally started off as a small local event featuring about 300 students, created in response to the global political unrest at the time. It was initiated by Mr. Paul Sand in 1968, a teacher at the American School of The Hague; he helped and supervised the event until he left the school in 1974. It became the first MUN conference in mainland Europe, and it was quick to outgrow its original scale.

A decade later, in 1981, the THIMUN foundation was established with the mission of promoting collaborative discussion of global issues among young people. This marked the moment THIMUN grew beyond a simple annual event – it became an official organization with long-term aims and ambitions. In 1995, the Foundation received NGO accreditation in association with the United Nations Department of Public Information, and in 2003 it was granted the Roster Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. These milestones did not just highlight THIMUN’s expanding reach, but signaled its growing credibility and secured its place in the wider MUN community.

Today, THIMUN operates under a Board of Directors and has grown into one of the largest MUN conferences in Europe. Its impact is not only limited to the size of the event: the THIMUN rules of procedure are recognised by the United Nations and used in many other conferences. Its reputation consistently attracts students from across the globe; starting with The Hague and reaching other continents, their shared passion for diplomacy unites them to negotiate, write resolutions, and debate. For many, THIMUN marks a pivotal moment – an opportunity to delve into international affairs and experience the challenges of diplomacy firsthand. 

Beyond the local conference, it supports a network of sister conferences that include THIMUN Singapore, THIMUN Qatar, and HIMUN Latin America Conference, held from 2014 to 2017. Together, these conferences – and the numerous other affiliated conferences–show how THIMUN has grown into a global standard for youth diplomacy.

Ultimately, THIMUN’s history is more than a timeline of dates. It is shaped by the people behind it – board, staff, and the delegates whose enthusiasm gives the event its purpose. Each winter writes a new chapter, and THIMUN continues to widen its reach and deepen its global influence.