WELCOME TO AUSMUN 2026!
Conference Date
September 26, 2026
AUSMUN XI - Horizon: A New Dawn of Diplomacy
Delegates,
As we continue to rise to prevalence and power as young advocates for diplomacy, it is up to us to define the objective tones and values that will dictate a new generation of geopolitics. In this transitional time, it is imperative that the noise of conflict, transaction, and backwards movement inform our stances rather than force them, and widen our viewpoint rather than blind us. At AUSMUN XII, we hope delegates will set their gaze forward: towards the horizon.
The horizon, in a greater scope, is a continuous glimpse of brighter days. From any point on either hemisphere, the horizon is a sure promise of the setting and rising sun. And while we may place our feet on different ground, we all look to the same sky and share the same tomorrow. As diplomats, the prospect of a new dawn looms over each trial and tribulation we sort through, reminding us of the future we seek to serve. Each AUSMUN committee is an exploration of a horizon uncharted, an opportunity to foster collaborative and nuanced progress. In the Commission on the Status of Women, we look towards a horizon of self actualized liberation for women across developing nations. In the Security Council, we shrink the ideological aisle to work towards a horizon of promised belonging for all humans regardless of birthplace. In the commission on narcotic drugs, we seek a horizon in which those shackled to addiction disease are able to live autonomous and contented lives under a purified substance economy. Through our own impassioned discussion, we are able to speak these horizons into existence, and transform tension into resolution.
For the last 80 years, United Nations officials have done just this: Setting standards only to exceed them, and charting horizons just to cross them. Today, as we inch ever closer to the encompassing 2030 Sustainable Development promise, it is vital that we work comprehensively and with these set of goals in mind. In the UNICEF committee, for example, delegates will simultaneously strive to meet Sustainable Development Goals one, four and sixteen by drafting international guidelines on child marriage, ensuring a future for the most vulnerable global citizens. Through the frameworks developed by leaders before us, we are able to bolster the humanitarian prosperity of tomorrow.
It was the former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who so articulately said "you must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose”. Delegates, as you navigate both lively debate and solemn reflection, I hope you allow her words to linger in your mind and continue your diplomatic journeys towards new horizons.
Warmly,
Asa Wilson
Undersecretary of Crisis
Esteemed Delegates and Sponsors,
My name is Talia Tidmore and this year I am honored to serve as the Secretary General of AUSMUN 2026.
As I enter my third year in Model UN and final year at Austin High, I could not be more excited to share the incredible experiences that AUSMUN has given me. A program that prides itself on inclusivity, diplomacy, and creativity, Austin High MUN has grown to be one of the largest programs in AISD and an extremely important community to me. Model United Nations is a place where students can grow in all aspects of becoming future leaders. From public speaking to controversial compromises, watching students (including myself) experiment and grow at every conference has been one of the most rewarding experiences. I cannot wait to extend this opportunity to delegates at AUSMUN 2026.
Our board has worked tirelessly in cultivating a thorough yet innovative conference, anticipating AUSMUN’s largest attendance ever. This year we are excited to offer a multitude of topics and committees that are open to delegates of all Model UN experiences. In reference to this year’s theme, we hope to foster collaboration and watch delegates step out of their comfort zones, exceed expectations, and chase new horizons. In a world that is constantly challenging us, it is essential that we too, the youth of tomorrow, push past limitations and find the future that we are seeking. This year at AUSMUN we are holding our delegates to high expectations, not to speak the loudest or voice their opinions the most, but to collaborate, learn, and grow with goals that are limitless, to lead us to a prosperous future.
By partnering with Save Our Springs, Austin High Model UN is promoting innovative solutions to century old problems. The local nonprofit is dedicated to preserving Austin's natural environments as the city evolves. The organization’s core values of connection, awareness, and advocacy align directly with what AUSMUN’s outreach program hopes to instill and accomplish with our theme of broadened horizons. We are proud to be working with Save Our Springs and of their impact on our local community.
On behalf of the AUSMUN Secretariat and the entirety of Austin High Model UN, thank you for joining us this year as we work to approach new opportunities on the horizon. AUSMUN would not be possible without you all. See you on September 26th!
Sincerely,
Talia Tidmore
Secretary General
Message From the Secretary General
This year's Charity: save our Springs
Message from Pya Sipkowski
Hi, my name is Pya Sipkowski, and I am the Undersecretary of Outreach. I am so elated to have the opportunity to be a part of Austin High’s Model UN program and get to contribute to our 2026 AUSMUN conference. I am more than excited to announce our selected charity for this year’s conference. Save Our Springs!
Save Our Springs is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to protect and preserve Texas’ natural environments as the state evolves, some of these spaces including Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer. The organization began in 1990 as an unofficial group of citizens opposing a large development proposal for the Barton Creek watershed, ultimately seeking its rejection. Then in 1997, the organization developed into the Save Our Springs Alliance and ever since has worked to advocate for the protection of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer. Through education, advocacy, and legal action, Save Our Springs aims to protect the environmental health of our region as well as foster the welfare of our community. Save Our Springs attorneys give a voice for the Central/South Texas Hill Country through legal action, focusing mainly on the largest threats to water, wildlife, conservation lands, and wastewater discharge permits. Outside of legal action, Save Our Springs provides educational outreach about environmental issues, contributes in legal research, and plays a part in policy development.
Visit Save Our Springs Alliance for more information about the organization and its impact. There are some great ways to help in Save Our Springs’ mission, such as volunteering and donating. The support and protection of Texas’ natural spaces will always be of high importance to our Austin community. Austin High Model UN is honored to support Save Our Springs in this year’s conference.
Sincerely,
Pya Sipkowski
Undersecretary of Outreach
