Notícia

UN simulation ends edition with young people debating global crises in SP

Por Equipe Editorial CifraNET · 04/07/2026

The XIV SPMUN (São Paulo Model United Nations) concluded this Saturday (4), in São Paulo, another edition, bringing together students from universities and schools from different states in Brazil and other countries to simulate diplomatic negotiations, debate international crises and reproduce the functioning of organizations linked to the UN (United Nations).

During a week of activities, participants symbolically assumed the role of country representatives, negotiated resolutions, discussed sanctions and analyzed some of the main challenges of international politics.

Held between June 29th and July 4th, SPMUN is considered one of the most traditional and prestigious UN simulations in South America, in addition to being the largest in the state of São Paulo.

In this 14th edition, the conference had 20 committees conducted in Portuguese, English and Spanish, bringing together delegates and members of the secretariat in a program focused on diplomacy, academic debate and leadership training.

Throughout the days, students participated in simulations inspired by the functioning of the United Nations and other international organizations.

Committees present

- UNSC (United Nations Security Council);
- UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees);
- FIFA (Council of the International Association of Football Federation);
- ICTY (International Criminal Court for the former Yugoslavia);
- UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization); Latin American and Caribbean States - European Union);
- UNOOSA (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs);
- MCCC (Magic Crises Coordination Committee);
- CN (Brazilian National Congress);
- TO (Theater of Operations); DISEC (United Nations General Assembly Committee on Disarmament and International Security);
- ECOFIN (United Nations General Assembly Economic and Financial Committee);
- SOCHUM (United Nations General Assembly Committee on Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Affairs); United Nations General Assembly);
- BUDGETARY (Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs of the United Nations General Assembly);
- TIDHT (International Court of Human Rights and Technology);
- CCPCJ (Commission for Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice).

The proposal for the 2026 edition was to discuss an international scenario marked by the war in Ukraine, conflicts and persistent instability in the Middle East, in addition to diplomatic impasses between the great powers.

During the simulations, each participant represented a delegation and had to defend the interests of the designated country, negotiate with other representatives and build solutions to international issues.

For journalism student Ingrid Póvoas Farias Morato, 19 years old, who was part of the press board, the experience exceeded expectations. According to her, the environment was welcoming and provided learning both in the area of communication and in contact with other students. Ingrid also stated that she intends to participate in the conference again in 2027.

"After participating in a simulation, especially one as special as this one, I am sure that I will continue to perform in several others and, certainly, again at SPMUN 2027", he emphasized to CNN.

Also a member of the press board, Rafael Bomfim, 23 years old, said the week was intense, but rewarding. An economics student at UFBA (Federal University of Bahia), he highlighted that following the delegates reliving experiences similar to those he had in previous editions made the participation special. According to Rafael, the simulations contributed to his personal and professional development.

"Being at the board of directors and having the opportunity to see my delegates live what I have also experienced and go through the experiences I have already gone through makes everything very special for me", he shared.

Among the delegates, Lorenzo Krause reported that he decided to exchange the beginning of the academic vacation for participation in the conference because he believes that dialogue has lost space in the face of the increase in violence in different contexts. For him, the simulation demonstrates that debate continues to be an important instrument for training people capable of arguing, negotiating and listening to different points of view.

"Violence is being used as the main weapon. The simulation is a sign that the debate is not dying. It is important to train people who know how to argue, negotiate and listen", he said.

Student Larissa Barros, 17 years old, a third-year high school student, commented that she became more interested in politics after participating in the simulations. Larrissa pointed out that understanding how the international structure works made her realize that decisions taken in different parts of the world can directly impact their reality, at the same time that activities allow us to think about alternatives from new perspectives.

Check out images of the XIV São Paulo Model United Nations