Dear Delegates,

I’m thrilled to welcome you to the fifty-fifth session of UPMUNC! My name is Nick Hong, and I will be your chair for NATO this year. Ruthanne and I are thrilled to see this year’s delegates continue over five decades of incredible debate and passion, but I’ll first introduce myself.

I came to Penn from East Cobb, a quiet suburban bubble just outside Atlanta. I’m now a senior at Penn studying neurobiology, spending my time slicing up rat brains or grabbing a bite from the halal food trucks around campus. If you’ve got time, definitely check out the two trucks at 38th and Spruce or literally any restaurant in Chinatown. Apart from eating my way through Philly, I’ve been involved with UPMUNC and the IAA since freshman year, and I’m excited to continue another year here with you all.

MUN might seem like an unorthodox hobby for someone in the life sciences, but since learning about mods and draft resolutions and finally getting that first pre-conference adrenaline rush in ninth grade, I’ve considered it one of my greatest experiences to date. Meeting new friends, getting a new perspective on the world, and looking fresh – it’s all part of what makes this so special.

This year, NATO challenges you to resolve critical problems around international security and global peacekeeping, both critical elements in the collaborative nature of the United Nations. No small feat, but I trust you’ll surprise us with your creativity. We hope you enjoy preparing for and experiencing this conference as much as we do, because the spotlight will be all on you to bring your most innovative solutions to some of today’s most pressing global issues. I know you’ll blow us away. 

I’m looking forward to getting to meet all of you, and I’m more than happy to answer any questions about UPMUNC, Penn, or life, so always feel free to reach out.

Best,

Nick Hong

Chair, NATO