THIMUN Singapore Opening Ceremony
THIMUN Singapore 2026 has officially begun with its opening ceremony at IFS, bringing together delegates, chairs, and conference organizers for several days of debate, diplomacy, and collaboration. Through speeches emphasizing cultural diversity, international cooperation, and the importance of dialogue, the ceremony introduced ideas that will guide delegates throughout the conference.
Author: Ayres Lin, Tyrone Chuan
Photography by Maisha Lamshane
Carol Berenbaum
THIMUN Foundation Board Member
Ms. Berenbaum spoke about the importance of preserving culture and heritage for future generations. Drawing on examples such as yoga and Singlish, she illustrated how cultural practices can extend beyond their communities of origin. She also reminded delegates that cultural diversity is a strength, encouraging them to recognize the value of different traditions and perspectives in promoting peace.
Sylvain Naulin
Counsellor for Culture, Education and Science
at the French Embassy in Singapore
Mr. Naulin highlighted the importance of international cooperation, particularly when organizations face challenges and disagreements. He described diplomacy as a means of building bridges between cultures and governments, emphasizing that meaningful progress requires communication and a willingness to work together across differences.
Samuel Jourdan
Principal of International French School Singapore
Mr. Jourdan, Principal of IFS, focused his speech on three ideas: speech, debate, and diplomacy. He elucidated that good leadership requires not only intelligence, but also self-control and respect torwards differing opinions. Highlighting freedom of thought and speech, equal participation, and constructive dialogue, he encouraged delegates to seek common ground and create solutions that benefit everyone when addressing complex issues.
Philip Owen GUNADI
Secretary General
Owen, Secretary General of THIMUN Singapore and a student at Sekolah Ciputra, connected this year’s theme to the cultural diversity of Indonesia and Singapore. Through everyday examples of diversity, such as people from different backgrounds sharing meals at the same tables at Hawker Centers in Singapore, he illustrates how cultural exchange is woven into daily life. He encouraged delegates to embrace diversity in their resolutions, speak up during debates, and make new friends throughout the conference.
Megan Roca
President of the General Assembly
Megan Roca, President of the General Assembly and a student at IFS, encouraged delegates to keep an open mind as they begin the conference and learn from people with different perspectives. She officially opened THIMUN Singapore 2026 with a striking of her gavel.
As THIMUN Begins
Together, the speeches reinforced a central message: meaningful diplomacy begins with understanding and respecting differences. With the opening ceremony complete, delegates continue to put their preparation and ideas into practice. As they refine resolutions, and begin debating, these ideas remain relevant to the discussions, and negotiations taking shape across this conference. With THIMUN Singapore 2026 now underway, it is time for delegates to make their voices heard.
