Dear Faculty Advisors and Head Delegates,

It is my distinct privilege to welcome you to the 33rd edition of the Secondary Schools’ United Nations Symposium (SSUNS). My name is Noosha Aval, and I am honored to serve as your Chargée d’Affaires for SSUNS 2025.

SSUNS is hosted in the vibrant and multicultural city of Montreal, a place rich in history and a fitting backdrop for the thoughtful discussions and dynamic debates that define our conference. As we gather at Le Centre Sheraton and conduct preparatory work at McGill University, it is essential to acknowledge that SSUNS operates on unceded Indigenous land that has long served as a site of meeting and exchange for the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabeg nations. The city known as Montreal is called Tiohti:áke by the Kanien'kehá:ka Nation, a founding nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Recognizing and honoring this history is a crucial step toward fostering a deeper understanding of the ongoing impact of settler-colonial legacies, and we encourage all participants to educate themselves and take meaningful action beyond a land acknowledgment.

Since its inception in 1993, SSUNS has strived to provide high school and CEGEP students with an immersive and educational diplomatic experience through the simulation of UN bodies, specialized agencies, and crisis committees. With 1,300 delegates from around the world, 24 dynamic committees, and the highest delegate-to-staff ratio of 2.5:1, SSUNS remains Canada’s premier high school Model UN conference. Our mission is to empower students through engaging debate, meaningful dialogue, and the development of essential skills such as public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking.

Beyond committee sessions, SSUNS offers a range of opportunities to enrich your experience, including workshops, networking events, social activities, and guided tours of Montreal and McGill University. For Faculty Advisors, we deeply appreciate your dedication to your students’ growth and success. Throughout the weekend, you will have the chance to observe your delegates in action, connect with fellow educators from around the world, and enjoy the Faculty Advisor Lounge and social events.

My journey with Model United Nations began in high school as a former SSUNS delegate when I attended the conference for the first time in 2019.  It was at SSUNS that I quickly developed a passion for diplomacy, public speaking, and international relations. Since starting at McGill University, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to SSUNS behind the scenes, first as Deputy Director of PR: External Outreach for SSUNS 2024, and now as Chargée d’Affaires for SSUNS 2025. Through these roles, I have witnessed firsthand how transformative this conference can be, building confidence, fostering leadership, and empowering the young leaders of today. I am beyond excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm to SSUNS 2025 to ensure that every delegate has an engaging and rewarding experience. Whether you are returning to SSUNS or joining us for the first time, we are incredibly excited to welcome you to what promises to be a memorable and enriching weekend. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to meeting you all this November at the Sheraton!

Noosha Aval

Chargée d’Affaires, SSUNS 2025

schools@ssuns.org