Britannica International School, Budapest proudly announces the successful conclusion of the Orbital Model United Nations (MUN) Conference 2026, held on 2–3 February 2026 in the heart of Hungary’s capital.
The two-day event brought together ambitious young delegates from five distinguished Orbital Education schools, united by a shared commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and global responsibility.
The conference featured enthusiastic participation from:
- Britannica International School, Budapest
- British International School of Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Oryx International School, Qatar
- World Academy of Tirana, Albania
- Baleares International College, Sa Porrassa, Mallorca
Against the inspiring backdrop of Budapest, a city steeped in cultural heritage, students stepped into the roles of global leaders, engaging in respectful debate on some of today’s most pressing international challenges. The event simulated the workings of the United Nations, allowing delegates to develop essential skills in diplomacy, negotiation, critical thinking, public speaking, and collaboration, learning firsthand that diplomacy is not an ideal, but a practice.
H.E. Ragnar AlmqvistAmbassador of Ireland to HungaryBritannica is itself a United Nations. The values emblazoned on the school’s walls – excellence, respect, responsibility, integrity, compassion – are of a kind with the Charter that is the UN’s founding document. Like the General Assembly, the student body is a rainbow.
This year’s theme of equality added urgency and relevance to the discussions. Throughout the conference, students demonstrated principled, respectful, and solutions-driven engagement. They represented perspectives beyond their own, navigated disagreement with integrity, and worked collaboratively toward consensus, reflecting the real responsibilities of international leadership.
Highlights from the Conference:
- Inspiring Opening and Closing Ceremonies: Delegates were welcomed by distinguished speakers including Mr. Neil McGarry, Principal of Britannica International School; Mr. Leslie Hayler, Second Secretary of the UK to Hungary; H.E. Ragnar Almqvist, Ambassador of Ireland to Hungary and Kosovo; H.E. Cynthia Mayer Zavala, Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to Hungary; H.E. Jurijs Pogrebņaks, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to Hungary; and Ms. Fanni Földi, City Diplomacy Officer at the Municipality of Budapest. Their remarks set a powerful tone of shared responsibility and global cooperation throughout the conference.
- Dynamic Debate and Constructive Dialogue: Across multiple committees, students debated critical global issues with intellectual curiosity and mutual respect. Delegates demonstrated exceptional preparation and commitment, proving that meaningful diplomacy is built through research, listening, and constructive dialogue.
- Comprehensive, Real-World Topics: Delegates addressed challenging themes including hunger prevention, wildlife protection, resource-driven conflict, religion and politics, and ethical population policies. The strong focus on equality underscored both global progress and the urgent need to defend and advance hard-won rights.
- Student-Led Press Corps: A dedicated team of student journalists provided firsthand reporting throughout the conference, capturing key debates and insights while showcasing outstanding leadership and communication skills.
A Transformative Educational Experience
The Orbital MUN Conference 2026 offered an unparalleled platform for students, showcasing the power of international education to shape confident, empathetic, and engaged global citizens. The event reflected Britannica International School’s commitment to empowering young people with the skills, perspective, and courage to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world. The conference stood as a compelling reminder that diplomacy thrives when young people are trusted with responsibility, encouraged to think critically, and given the space to engage seriously with the world’s most pressing challenges.
As delegates depart Budapest, they carry forward not only new knowledge and friendships, but a renewed belief in dialogue, cooperation, and the power of youth leadership to shape a better future.
