The World We Leave Behind: The Next Generation

Welcome future delegates, chairs, and supervisors!

It is our great honour to welcome you to the 8th annual Cambridge Model United Nations conference, held at the Stephen Perse Foundation from the 30th January – 1st February 2026. This year’s theme is:

The World We Leave Behind: The Next Generation

We live in a world defined by the actions of those who came before us, where the decisions of a select few have profoundly affected the progression of humanity more than almost anyone that has ever lived. When confronted with complex international problems, our diplomatic predecessors have always strived to create long lasting solutions.

It would be an understatement to say that diplomatic integrity is currently under threat. As populist rhetoric plagues our headlines and the uncertainty of a looming Ukrainian peace deal remains a source of international concern, the rise of the far right poses a greater threat than ever before to the institutions that have proved integral to securing peace over the last 80 years. The United Nations, more now than ever, needs to rethink and innovate its approach to major global issues in order to restore the confidence it once held.

While the threat the United Nations is under is incredibly imminent, it is still of the utmost importance to consider the future that lies ahead. The international climate that is being handed down to our generation is one that is damaged, weakened and strained. The recent escalation of tariff warfare represents this; a short sighted, unsustainable approach to international relations. This type of decision making must be reevaluated, revised and reapplied, or else face the destruction of the international order. As future diplomats, ambassadors and politicians it is our duty to mold the diplomatic landscape into one with renewed trust and confidence, one that we can hand down to the next generation with integrity and prestige. 

This year’s committees will aim to address issues of the future, whether that be six months from now, or twenty years. By confronting these issues in 2026, we aim to nurture the initiative and cooperation of our generation, forming the foundations for politicians and leaders capable of tackling these problems as they begin to arise in real time. With the possibility of a second Cold War between the US and China looming on the horizon, we encourage delegates more than ever to consider the permanence and stability of their resolutions.