VIENNA, 4 - 8 August 2025 – Over the course of five days, participants worked in six different committees engaging in various discussions. As part of negotiation processes, the participants learned how complex multilateral decisions are made and what challenges they entail.
Opening the conference, Bernd Hermann, Founder of VICMUN and Secretary General of the Foreign Policy and United Nations Association of Austria (UNA-Austria), encouraged the participants to “let VICMUN 2025 be more than a conference”, adding “Let it be an experience that inspires action in your communities, in your studies and in your future careers”.
Sonja Wintersberger, Officer-in-Charge, United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna, underlined the UN’s commitment to youth involvement. She noted that: “The Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, all underline the importance of actively and meaningfully engaging young people in multilateralism.”
From a diplomatic perspective, Ambassador Gabriella Sellner, Austrian Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, provided insights into the distinctive approach to diplomacy practiced at the VIC. “Here in Vienna, we have a certain tradition which is also described as the ‘spirit of Vienna’. She explained that this means “we are trying and striving for consensus resolutions”.
Alena Sirka-Bred, Head of the Group Europe and International Affairs, City of Vienna, emphasized the city’s commitment to sustainable development, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She said: “We are a human rights city, [...] we are striving for peace and international dialogue.”
Closing the opening remarks, Sidra Alnouri, Head of Academics of VICMUN, reiterated the importance of collaboration within the committees and introduced the key themes to be addressed, including nuclear safety, maritime security, forced migration and global supply chains.
The ceremony also featured musical interludes with two violinists, whose classical performances were interspersed with the speeches.
Throughout the week, delegates praised the diversity of attendees at the VICMUN conference, with one saying: “It has been very fun meeting people from all over the world. This is a unique opportunity that we wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else.” Others said that the experience offered valuable inspiration for their future careers: “Being at the UN headquarters in Vienna has made us more interested in working in this field.”
