Harvard WorldMUN Comes to Cambodia for the First Time at CIA FIRST International School

History was officially made as Cambodia welcomed one of the world's most prestigious international student conferences for the very first time. From May 22 to 24, 2026, CIA FIRST International School proudly hosted the Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMUN) Conference at its Sen Sok Campus Event Hall on Street 2004. As the first-ever Harvard WorldMUN event held in Cambodia, this landmark conference marked a significant milestone for the nation’s international education landscape, placing Cambodian students and schools on the global stage.

The primary objective of the conference is to provide a premier global platform for young leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on real-world issues. By stepping into the role of diplomats, students strengthen their collaboration, cross-cultural understanding, and critical thinking skills while debating complex global challenges. Throughout the conference, student delegates researched international issues, drafted resolutions, and negotiated solutions under pressure, developing the confidence, communication, and problem-solving abilities essential for the next generation of global leaders. 

Mr. Vladimir Sousek, Deputy Head of CIA FIRST International School (Sen Sok Campus), expressed his excitement over hosting Cambodia’s first-ever Harvard WorldMUN conference. He noted that through discussions on global issues such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and international conflicts, students develop essential skills in leadership, diplomacy, critical thinking, and communication, while building confidence and international understanding. 

Mr. John Grainger, Director of Next Generation Schools (NGS), also shared his pride in CIA FIRST International School being the host venue for Cambodia’s first-ever Harvard WorldMUN conference. He noted that participation in global diplomacy experiences such as Harvard WorldMUN gives students a strong advantage in university admissions and future opportunities.

He also highlighted that CIA FIRST is part of Next Generation Schools, a leading Southeast Asian education network with more than 35 campuses and over 35,000 students across Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Globally recognized as one of the most prestigious and diverse Model United Nations in the world, Harvard WorldMUN is famed for its rigorous debate and emphasis on international friendship. The successful hosting of this historic event further reinforces CIA FIRST International School’s position as the leading international school in Cambodia, committed to delivering a world-class education that extends far beyond the classroom. Guided by its vision of “Local Excellence. Global Impact”, CIA FIRST empowers students to achieve academic excellence while developing the confidence, leadership, and global perspective needed to thrive in an interconnected world. 

Participating in this inaugural conference provided CIA FIRST students with a unique global distinction and a valuable competitive advantage. By engaging on an international platform alongside delegates from around the world, students strengthened their diplomacy, communication, and collaboration skills while stepping beyond the traditional classroom experience.  Participant Kry Vannisa shared that the conference develops essential leadership, collaboration, and public speaking skills, supporting her ambition to become a future diplomat or politician.

As a globally recognized academic experience, participation in Harvard WorldMUN also significantly enhances students’ academic portfolios and scholarship applications, reflecting leadership, maturity, and the ability to navigate complex real-world challenges with confidence.