Young diplomats at NEWTON: International PORGMUN Conference returns to Prague

In mid-April, the Prague Congress Centre and NEWTON University were filled with lively discussions on global challenges and international cooperation. Over 400 students from countries including Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Turkey arrived in Prague to take part in the twelfth edition of the prestigious UN simulation — PORGMUN25. For four days, they stepped into the shoes of diplomats, discussed urgent issues, and proposed concrete solutions to complex global problems.

Participants were divided into eleven committees modelled after UN structures such as the General Assembly, with each student representing a different member state. The entire programme was conducted in English and focused on key competencies such as critical thinking, public speaking, information analysis, and teamwork.

This year’s theme, “Addressing recurring cycles rooted in the past for a prosperous global future,” encouraged delegates to reflect on historical patterns and explore ways to build a better future. The conference was enriched by the presence of notable figures from international politics, human rights, and humanitarian work — including Vladimír Dzuro, former war crimes investigator for the UN, and Pavla Gomba, Executive Director of UNICEF Czech Republic. Katarína Maisnerová, guarantor of our LL.M. programmes, took an active role in the Legal Committee, enriching the debates on international law and its impact on today’s world with her valuable experience.

"How happy I am that we can host an event like PORGMUN that allows you to delve into those dilemmas and try to come up with solutions for a better future," said Anna Plechatá Krausová, Chancellor of NEWTON University.

The conference was organised by students from Nový PORG and PORG Libeň grammar schools, who ensured not only a smooth running of the sessions but also an inspiring accompanying programme.

Supporting initiatives like this aligns closely with NEWTON University’s mission: to develop future leaders capable of driving positive change in the world.