YUNMUN XXXI took place on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in a virtual format with 35 schools and close to 350 students representing 60 countries participating. This year’s theme was “Healing a Fractured World,” with dynamic and enthusiastic presentations by the student delegates. The yearly conference is a student-run simulation of the workings of the real United Nations that gives students an opportunity to experience and learn about the complex landscape of international diplomacy. This year’s co-secretary generals were Yonatan Raskin ’21YC from West Orange, New Jersey, majoring in political science with a minor in business, and Brooke Ratner ’21SB from Atlanta, Georgia, majoring in accounting with a minor in finance. When asked about their leadership in this year’s event, Raskin and Ratner said in a joint statement:

It was such a unique opportunity for both of us to be able to help plan the first ever virtual YUNMUN. This year’s event was a bit challenging since we couldn’t meet in person. However, the delegates really stepped up to the plate and used their past experience to prosper in new unfamiliar territory. This year’s conference was one of a kind and a fascinating blend of the familiar and the unknown. As co-secretary generals, we had the good fortune to have such wonderful support from both the Admissions department and the Undersecretaries which helped make it a huge success.

The winners of this year’s YUNMUN were YULA, Los Angeles, California, first place; Berman Hebrew Academy, Rockville, Maryland, second place; and SAR High School, Bronx, New York, third place. Yeshiva University is proud to host this popular yearly event. “While we are unable to provide YUNMUN in person this year due to the pandemic, we are so happy to be able to offer the first ever virtual YUNMUN,” said Marc Zharnest, acting director of undergraduate admissions. “The conference is an academic competition where students come together who want to make a difference and change the world and are willing to take on opinions and views that may not be theirs. They are exactly the type of students we’d love to have at YU and who embody the five Torot that define our vision and values.”