Letter from the Secretary-General

Dear Delegates, Sponsors, and Guests of GSMUN XXVII, 

It is my distinct honor to welcome you to the 27th iteration of the Governor’s School Model United Nations conference, which will be held March 14-15, 2025 at the Maggie Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies in Richmond, Virginia. 

Over the last 27 years, GSMUN has grown to host over 500 delegates from across the nation. Each delegation supplies unique viewpoints and valuable contributions. From the beginning, GSMUN has prided itself on presenting delegates with an unparalleled experience of debate, diplomacy, and engagement. We strive to accommodate novice and veteran delegates alike and are cognizant of their specific needs. 

This year, GSMUN will be composed of 19 committees spanning a wide variety of topics, from the rise of the Second Mexican Empire to the fall of colonial Algeria. In addition to that, we are continuing the legacy of the Ad Hoc Committee of the Secretary-General, where delegates are tasked with devising solutions without any prior information on the committee, topics, or their positions. 

All of our committee encapsulate this year’s theme—Empowering Diplomacy through Dialogue. In a world where polarization has reached an all-time high, we strive to remember the founding goal of the United Nations: global cooperation. At GSMUN, we empower delegates to grow into effective and compassionate leaders, who, through collaboration, will be catalysts for positive change in their communities. 

Furthermore, a key feature of our conference every year is our charity. I am happy to announce that GSMUN XXVII’s charity is the Blue Sky Fund. A local charity in Richmond, the Blue Sky Fund is dedicated to providing transformational experiences for Richmond area youth through outdoor education. The Blue Sky Fund is a truly exceptional organization making a direct and consistent impact on our local Richmond community. I sincerely hope that you can help us reach our goal of raising $10,000 for the Blue Sky Fund. 

Lastly, I would like to formally invite you to register for GSMUN XXVII. In the coming months, this website will be updated with background guides, dossiers, and further registration information. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments.

GSMUN is an organization that I cherish deeply. I have grown with GSMUN throughout my high school career and pride myself in the expansive impact that GSMUN has on our greater Richmond community.

On behalf of the Secretariat and all staff, I want to thank you all. Your participation and support drive this conference to success and continuity. Here’s to another 27 years of GSMUN together.

We hope to see you in March!

Sincerely,

Sonia A. Chornodolsky

Secretary-General, GSMUN XXVII

gsmun.secgen@gmail.com