FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN UREÑO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232

April 4, 2025

Laguna Beach High School Model UN Students Host Invitational Conference with Record-Breaking Attendance

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. –  On Saturday, March 29, the Laguna Beach High School Model United Nations (LBHS MUN) program held its annual invitational conference (LBIMUN) at Laguna Beach High School, welcoming more than 600 students from across California.

Since 2013, LBHS MUN has hosted its invitational conference, inviting schools statewide to compete and debate topics currently under consideration by the United Nations.

High school students are each assigned a U.N. member nation and prepare to debate that country’s position on a range of global topics. The conference includes more than 15 committees, each representing a U.N. organization. Students assume the role of U.N. ambassadors or diplomats, carrying out the duties of the organization. Throughout the day, they deliver speeches advocating their country’s stance and collaborate in blocs with other delegates whose countries share similar policies. In preparation for the event, students research extensively and draft speeches and resolution papers to address their committee’s topic.

“Being the most well-attended conference in our history, I am immensely proud of our dedicated conference staff as well as our program’s students, who played a pivotal role in our success,” said Carter McKinzie, secretary-general of LBHS MUN. “Students from across California debated critical issues ranging from tensions in Kosovo to the future of petroleum in a decarbonizing world, bringing real-world events to the forefront of students’ learning.”

McKinzie and Lili Bazargan were appointed to oversee the organization for the 2024-25 school year in coordination with program advisors Mr. Shen and Mr. Todd.

One of the unique aspects of the conference is the Multicultural Festival held during the lunch break. The festival invites students, teachers, and members of the public to celebrate and share their cultures. This year’s festival featured more than 30 cultural displays, highlighting heritages ranging from Armenian to Taiwanese.

In addition, the conference collaborates with the PTA to support the Maasai people in Kenya through the Maasai Partnership, hosting an annual fundraiser as part of the event. Proceeds from the fundraiser help provide access to clean water, education, and essential resources for Maasai families, directly benefiting women and children in the community.

“I am really proud of the turnout to the conference and of the LBIMUN team for all their hard work,” said Rishab Lakhina, conference director. “LBIMUN keeps getting better every year, and I can’t wait to see how great it will be next year. Our conference’s unique aspects, like the Multicultural Festival, set it apart and bring a global touch to our program.”

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