VUBMUN

Last week, we were fortunate to visit the Headquarters of NATO in Brussels. We attended a lecture on NATO and Finland’s role by Turo Mattila, Head of Political Affairs at Finland’s Permanent Representation to NATO. His diplomatic experience gave us valuable insight into the many layers of European and global security.

A big thank you to Turo Mattila, Ville-Veikko Pitkänen, Otso Kaihilahti, prof. Wim Vandenbussche and Luukas Pitkänen for making this visit possible.

As the person overseeing finance, sponsorships and communications at VUBMUN, Zoélie Prickartz Lewkowicz set herself a quiet but ambitious goal from the start: to leave things better than she found them.

That goal didn’t come from nowhere. Watching previous board members Sam Singh and Elias Sahlieh pour themselves into strengthening VUBMUN left a mark on her. She carried that same dedication into everything she took on this year, alongside her fellow board members Nena & Lara.

That showed up in the practical things first. She maintained VUBMUN’s longstanding partnership with Huis van de Mens Brussel while securing support from the VUB International Relations Office. This made it possible for VUBMUN, and therefore the university, to be represented at ParisMUN 2026 on the international stage. She kept the organisation visible throughout the year, managing the website and social media. She stepped up as Head of Academics for CampusMUN 2026 when it was needed.

But the part that will matter longest is this that she mentored two separate groups: finance and communications. She guided these “interns” and tried to build their confidence in sponsorships, financial management, and social media, and by her own admission, her goal was for them to be better than her once they’ll step into office.

Thanks Zoélie!

Nena Mgbokwere served as Head of Logistics during the past academic year. Although she had to miss VUBMUN activities during her semester abroad in Toulouse, she remained actively involved by supporting the organisation remotely.

In the second semester, she gave her all to VUBMUN, taking on key roles as Head Delegate at LIMUN, Faculty Advisor at ParisMUN and Secretary-General of CampusMUN. As Head of Logistics, she played a central role in organising and coordinating conferences, ensuring everything ran smoothly behind the scenes.

In addition, as Deputy Head of Trainings, she supported Lara in giving training sessions for the main delegation in preparation for LIMUN.

After two years of active involvement, Nena has truly fallen in love with the VUBMUN community and it shows in everything she does. We’re so grateful for her dedication and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!

A heartfelt thank you to Nena for an incredible year of dedication and impact!

We would like to take a moment to thank our Head of Trainings for the academic year 2025-2026, Lara Butenaerts.

Throughout the year, Lara showed remarkable dedication by leading training sessions two to three times per week. She focused on public speaking skills, negotiations and diplomacy within MUN conferences. She prepared the main delegation for VVN MUN 2025, LIMUN 2026, and ParisMUN 2026.

After taking on 10 additional members for LIMUN, she organised and ran a dedicated training programme for all the delegates in VUBMUN at that time. With the help of faculty advisors Bassem Chakroun and Robbe Desmet, the three of them were on duty to support the delegates at all times throughout the LIMUN conference.

Besides being a faculty advisor in London, she also took on this role in Paris, alongside faculty advisors Nena Mgbokwere and Zampia Pantzelioudaki. They accompanied the delegates throughout their journey at ParisMUN, supporting them as they went on to win all five awards.

Lara also enriched our training programme by creating opportunities beyond simulations. Thanks to her efforts, our members had the privilege of learning from inspiring professionals such as Sarah Nelen, who shared valuable insights into the European Commission, and alumna Karle de Volder, who offered a unique perspective on diplomacy from her role at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

And her journey continues: Lara is now taking on the role of Director of the ASEAN Committee for CampusMUN, a testament to her passion and leadership.

Thank you, Lara, for your hard work, dedication, and the lasting impact you’ve made on VUBMUN 🧡💙

Last Thursday, we had the opportunity to visit the European Commission, where we attended a conference dedicated to the diplomatic missions and Delegations of the European External Action Service. The session, enriched by the intervention of Vincent Ringenberg, offered a deep dive into how the European Union conducts its foreign policy and maintains its global presence.

CampusMUN 2026 Recap!

We look back on two days of dynamic diplomacy and collaboration, filled with truly unforgettable moments.

From delegates engaging passionately in both moderated and unmoderated caucuses, to the inspiring conference with the Ambassador of France, the resolution drafting, the amendments, and the afterparty, CampusMUN showcased energy and ambition.

A huge thank you to all delegates, chairs, organizers, and guests who made this edition such a success. Above all, thank you to .nu, this event would not be possible without their support.

We look forward to welcoming you again at CampusMUN 2027!

📸 By the communications team and

CampusMUN 2026 Recap!

We look back on two days of dynamic diplomacy and collaboration, filled with truly unforgettable moments.

From delegates engaging passionately in both moderated and unmoderated caucuses, to the inspiring conference with the Ambassador of France, the resolution drafting, the amendments, and the afterparty, CampusMUN showcased energy and ambition.

A huge thank you to all delegates, chairs, organizers, and guests who made this edition such a success.

We look forward to welcoming you again at CampusMUN 2027!

📸 By the communications team and