AntwerpMUN 2025

Welcome to the 11th edition of AntwerpMUN!

Join us in celebrating a decade of diplomacy at our Model UN simulation, held in the heart of Europe's diamond capital, from February 27 to March 1. AntwerpMUN welcomes students from across the globe to engage in thought-provoking discussions within simulations of the UN committees. Our conference is a dynamic platform that not only sharpens critical thinking and negotiation skills but also nurtures intercultural understanding, seamlessly integrating diplomacy with current global events and their far-reaching impacts.

Immerse yourself in this four-day simulation, where participants not only delve into global-scale international relations but also discover the cultural setting of Antwerp City. Through additional activities, we aim to fully immerse you in the life of a delegate. 

Our carefully curated committees provide each delegate the opportunity to choose the council in which they wish to participate and represent a state of choice. AntwerpMUN promises an unforgettable experience at the intersection of diplomacy, cultural exploration, and global collaboration. Join us for a celebration of a decade of diplomatic deliberation! 

The following topics will be discussed in the UN Councils:

Ethical implications of AI in warfare

• Council: UN General Assembly
• Info: The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in military applications raises fundamental ethical questions about the nature of warfare and the protection of human dignity in armed conflicts. The use of autonomous weapon systems powered by AI may shift accountability, replacing human control with algorithmic decision-making, which presents serious risks to compliance with international humanitarian law. This session focuses on the unequal access to advanced AI technology that may result in an arms race, whereas countries without access are left vulnerable to more powerful nations.

The ongoing problem in Syria

• Council: UN Security Council
• Info: The situation in Syria remains dire as of late 2024, with the collapse of the central government exacerbating ongoing humanitarian crises. In the wake of the government's fall, the country has become increasingly fragmented, with various factions vying for control. Northwestern regions like Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama have seen intensified hostilities, with power vacuums leading to clashes between rival groups and the resurgence of extremist elements. Also the humanitarian situation has deteriorated further, as millions remain displaced and reliant on dwindling international aid. The geopolitical landscape is equally complex, with external actors like Russia, Turkey, and Iran exerting significant influence in shaping the conflict's trajectory. Russia’s military and diplomatic involvement remains pivotal, especially in supporting allied factions and securing its strategic interests.

Climate change 2035

• Council: UN Environment Programme
• Info: It is the year 2035, the Arctic has experienced unprecedented levels of ice melt, leading to dramatic consequences for global sea levels, weather patterns, ecosystems, and international geopolitics. The once-frozen region is now an open waterway, with new shipping routes emerging and the potential for untapped natural resources being exposed. As the ice disappears, nations and corporations rush to stake their claims, while environmental, humanitarian, and security concerns take center stage. The Arctic is rich in untapped natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals. As the ice melts, these resources become accessible, prompting intense competition among countries like the U.S., Russia, Canada, and others for control of the region. Who should control the Arctic’s resources? 

More info regarding our MUN-Simulation will follow shortly, to stay updated on our events, follow our social media accounts on @AnwerpMUN!

Where to stay…

Antwerp Citybox

• Molenbergstraat 2, 2000 Antwerpen
• T +32 36 33 32 73
• E antwerp@cityboxhotels.com
• https://citybox.no
• This hotel is situated in the student quarter and is a 3-minute walk from the university where the conference is held.

Antwerp City Hostel

• Grote Markt, 40, 2000 Antwerp
• T 0032 03 500 50 40
• E info@antwerpcityhostel.be
• http://antwerpcityhostel.be

HiHostel Pulcinella

• Bogaardeplein, 2000 Antwerp
• T +32 (0)3 234 03 14
• E antwerpen@vhj.be
• www.jeugdherbergen.be
• Distance from University 1.3 km. 16 minutes by feet.

Boomerang Youth hostel

• Lange Leemstraat 95
• T +32(0)3 238 47 82
• E boomeranghostel@hotmail.com
• www.boomeranghostel.be
• Distance from University 2.0 km. 25 minutes by feet.

Antwerp Backpackers Hostel

• Kattenberg 110, 2140 Borgerhout
• T +32(0)473 57 01 66
• E abhostel@hotmail.com
• Distance from University: 2.5 km. 32 minutes by feet.

Hotel Condo Gardens

• Booking possible via www.tripadvisor.be or www.booking.com
• Address: De Pretstraat 11, 2060 Antwerp
• Located in the neighbourhood ‘’t Eilandje’, surrounded by plenty of restaurants, dance cafés and clubs.

 Dubois Apartements

• Duboisstraat 3, 2060 Antwerp
• Booking possible via www.booking.com
• Also located in the neighbourhood ‘’t Eilandje’, surrounded by plenty of restaurants, dance cafés and clubs.

 Ibis hotel

• Meistraat 39, 2000 Antwerp
• Booking possible via www.booking.com
• Located in the Centre of Antwerp, 10 min by feet to the University.

What to see in Antwerp… 

Antwerp isn't your typical student city, but a cosmopolitan village with around 500 000 inhabitants and more than 170 nationalities. The city has so much to offer! Whether you love art, history or architecture, there is something for everyone!  Here are some of the landmarks that you should not miss…

MAS/ Museum aan de Stroom www.mas.be

Located in the neighbourhood of 't Eilandje, MAS is one of the city's trendiest museums. We recommended climbing to the top of the building to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city, for free! 

Station Antwerpen Centraal 

Antwerp's central station is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world so make sure to take a look inside! 

Groenplaats

Groenplaats is located right in the middle of the city centre, lined with cafés and restaurants. A solemn Rubens Statue observes the people who used to be buried in the cathedral, while the poor were laid to rest on the 'green cemetery'; hence the name Groenplaats. Different events, markets or spectacles take place here in different seasons. 

Grote Markt

The Grote Markt is the main square where the town hall is located. You will spot a statue throwing a giant’s hand in the river. Around the square, there are many cafés and restaurants. Also make sure to take a look in the Cathedral while you are there!

Are you easily moved by a theatre play, inspired by a gripping exhibition or do you prefer being swept off your feet by a contemporary dance performance?

With the Rubenshuis, Letterenhuis Vleeshuis/Klank van de Stad, Mayer Van Den Bergh, the cathedral and many more places where history is key or interesting objects are being archived, there is truly something for everybody! 

FOMU www.fotomuseum.be

In their permanent collection, the FOMU (Museum of Photography) takes you back to the very beginning of photography. From Edward Muybridge to William Klein: the museum shows the history of photography from all angles. 

MOMU (Modemuseum) en Flanders Fashion Institute www.momu.be

Every year, many fashionistas and fashion students travel to Antwerp to get a glimpse of all the beauty in store in the city's shopping streets, but also to take a look at the gallery of Antwerp's fashion museum, MoMU. 

KMSKA https://kmska.be/en: Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

Houses a collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings from the fourteenth to the twentieth centuries

How to get around?

From Brussels airport, the Antwerp-Brussels Airport Express Bus is arguably the most convenient way to get to Antwerp. The bus reaches the centre of Antwerp (Astridplein next to the Central Station) in approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, you could take a train from the airport to Antwerp Central Station. 

Public transport gets you just about everywhere in and around Antwerp.  Tram and premetro stops are scattered throughout town, while most buses take you in and out of town and the suburbs. Make sure to check www.delijn.be for up-to-date info on your line and www.slimnaarantwerpen.be if you get around by car. 

If you are planning to rent a bike for short or long term you can check out www.swapfiets.be. For only 15 euros you can rent a bike for a whole month. 

Velo Bikes might also be a solution for you. Those bikes have bike stations scattered all over Antwerp, where you can drop off and pick up bikes however it suits you. You can go to the website www.velo-antwerpen.be to register and pick the formula that suits you best. (Velos are meant for short distances between stations)

Other expenses such as plane tickets and hotel costs will not be compensated by AntwerpMUN.