KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 1, 2025

From February 28 to March 1, Kennesaw State University proudly welcomed nearly 590 high school students from 34 schools across the Southeast to its Kennesaw campus for the 39th Annual High School Model United Nations (HSMUN) Conference. This long-standing tradition brought together bright young minds for two days of simulated diplomacy, global problem-solving, and collaborative policy-making across eight United Nations committees. 

The conference was entirely student-led, organized by three International Affairs majors from the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Derya Aydin served as Secretary-General, Emily McCarthy as Undersecretary-General, and Isaiah Donaldson as Director-General. Their work was supported and advised by Dr. Megan Hauser of the School of Government and International Affairs. 

Thirty KSU student volunteers and recent alumni facilitated the committee sessions, helping to guide and mentor the high school participants.  

Throughout the conference, students tackled pressing international issues, drafted resolutions, engaged in negotiations, and practiced the art of diplomacy. More than 30 individual awards and seven delegation awards were presented, with the highest honor—the Dr. Helen S. Ridley Trophy for Outstanding Delegation—awarded to Walton High School in Marietta, Georgia. 

Established in 1986, HSMUN continues to offer high school students a unique opportunity to develop public speaking, negotiation, and leadership skills while forming connections with peers and mentors at KSU. As one of the region’s premier Model UN conferences, HSMUN fosters a deeper understanding of international relations and inspires the next generation of global leaders.