Participating in a Model United Nations conference is an opportunity to develop public speaking, research, negotiation and leadership skills. For many students, receiving an award at the end of an MUN conference is an additional recognition of their performance.
MUN awards are generally given to delegates who demonstrate strong preparation, effective communication, diplomacy, collaboration and a clear understanding of their assigned country’s position. However, winning an award is not simply about speaking the most or being the most confident person in the committee.
If you are preparing for an IIMUN conference, understanding how MUN awards work can help you focus your preparation on the skills that actually matter during committee sessions.
What Are MUN Awards?
MUN awards recognise delegates who perform particularly well during a committee.
The exact award categories can differ between conferences and committees, but common awards may include:
- Best Delegate
- High Commendation
- Special Mention
- Honourable Mention
- Verbal Mention
Some conferences may use different names or additional categories.
Awards are generally based on a delegate’s overall performance rather than one individual speech.
What Do MUN Chairs Look For?
The Executive Board or chairs usually observe delegates throughout the committee.
Depending on the conference, they may consider factors such as:
- Quality of speeches
- Research and knowledge
- Diplomatic behaviour
- Participation in debate
- Negotiation
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Consistency with the assigned country
- Contribution to resolutions
- Ability to respond to other delegates
This means that an effective delegate needs to perform well across multiple aspects of the conference.
What Is the Best Delegate Award?
The Best Delegate award is generally considered one of the highest individual recognitions in an MUN committee.
The award is typically given to a delegate who demonstrates a strong combination of:
- Research
- Public speaking
- Diplomacy
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Problem-solving
- Committee engagement
A Best Delegate does not necessarily speak during every opportunity.
Instead, they know when to speak, what to say and how their contribution can move the committee forward.
Is Speaking the Most Enough to Win Best Delegate?
No.
Speaking frequently can make you visible, but visibility alone does not guarantee an award.
A delegate who gives ten repetitive speeches may be less effective than someone who gives five well-researched speeches that introduce useful arguments or solutions.
Chairs generally have the opportunity to observe the quality and substance of a delegate’s participation throughout the committee.
What Is a High Commendation in MUN?
A High Commendation is another significant recognition given to a delegate who demonstrates strong performance during committee.
The exact criteria can vary between conferences.
A delegate receiving a High Commendation may have demonstrated:
- Strong research
- Good speeches
- Effective negotiation
- Consistent participation
- Good understanding of the country’s position
- Meaningful contribution to the committee
The difference between Best Delegate and High Commendation is not always based on one specific skill. It can depend on the delegate’s overall performance relative to others in the committee.
What Is a Special Mention?
A Special Mention generally recognises a delegate who demonstrates noteworthy performance in one or more areas.
For example, a delegate may show particularly strong:
- Public speaking
- Research
- Diplomacy
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Creativity
Award structures differ between MUN conferences, so students should check the specific award categories used by the conference they are attending.
What Is an Honourable Mention?
An Honourable Mention is often awarded to a delegate who performed well and made valuable contributions to the committee but may not have received one of the highest awards.
Receiving an Honourable Mention is still a recognition of strong participation.
It can be particularly encouraging for newer delegates who are developing their MUN skills.
What Is a Verbal Mention?
A Verbal Mention is generally a form of recognition for a delegate who demonstrated positive qualities during the conference.
The exact criteria and terminology vary between conferences.
A delegate receiving a Verbal Mention may have contributed useful ideas, participated consistently or demonstrated strong potential.
How Are MUN Awards Decided?
There is no single universal scoring system used by every Model United Nations conference.
Each conference may have its own evaluation approach.
However, delegates are generally observed throughout committee sessions.
The chair may consider how a delegate performs during:
Formal Debate
Does the delegate communicate arguments clearly?
Moderated Caucuses
Does the delegate contribute useful and relevant points?
Unmoderated Caucuses
Does the delegate negotiate effectively and collaborate with others?
Resolution Writing
Does the delegate contribute meaningful and practical solutions?
Final Debate
Does the delegate continue to represent their country’s position while responding effectively to other arguments?
Looking at the complete performance gives chairs a better understanding of a delegate’s overall contribution.
7 Things That Can Improve Your Chances of Winning an MUN Award
1. Research Your Country Thoroughly
Before the conference, understand the country you represent.
Research:
- Foreign policy
- Political priorities
- International alliances
- Previous UN positions
- Relevant treaties
- Economic interests
- Relationship with other countries
Your arguments should reflect the country’s position rather than your personal opinion.
2. Understand the Agenda
Knowing your country isn’t enough.
You also need to understand the committee’s agenda.
Research the history of the issue, current developments, previous international responses and potential solutions.
This allows you to participate in discussions with greater confidence.
3. Give Purposeful Speeches
A strong MUN speech should communicate an idea clearly.
Instead of simply repeating information, try to:
- Identify a problem
- Explain why it matters
- Present evidence
- Propose a solution
A focused speech is often more memorable than a long speech filled with unnecessary information.
4. Participate in Moderated Caucuses
Moderated caucuses give delegates opportunities to discuss specific aspects of the agenda.
Use these sessions to introduce arguments that add something new to the discussion.
Avoid repeating exactly what another delegate has already said.
5. Negotiate During Unmoderated Caucuses
The unmoderated caucus is where much of the collaborative work happens.
Approach delegates, discuss solutions and identify common interests.
Strong diplomacy involves listening as much as speaking.
You may disagree with another country but still find an area where you can work together.
6. Contribute to the Resolution
Don’t leave all the drafting work to other delegates.
Contribute clauses, research, ideas and implementation strategies.
A delegate who helps move the committee toward a practical resolution demonstrates leadership and collaboration.
7. Stay Consistent With Your Country
One of the most common mistakes is changing your position simply because another proposal sounds attractive.
Before supporting an idea, consider whether your country could realistically support it.
MUN is a simulation of diplomacy, so consistency matters.
Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Chances
Speaking Without Substance
Talking frequently without contributing new ideas can weaken your overall performance.
Ignoring Other Delegates
MUN is not a series of individual speeches.
Listen to the arguments being made and respond to them.
Being Too Aggressive
Confidence is valuable, but diplomacy is essential.
Disagree with ideas rather than attacking individuals.
Ignoring the Resolution
A delegate may give excellent speeches but contribute very little to the actual solution-building process.
Remember that collaboration is an important part of MUN.
Breaking Character
You are representing a country, not yourself.
Keep your arguments aligned with the assigned country’s position.
Can a Beginner Win Best Delegate?
Yes.
You do not need years of MUN experience to compete for an award.
A first-time delegate who has researched thoroughly, understands the procedure, speaks confidently, negotiates effectively and contributes meaningful solutions can perform extremely well.
Experience can help, but preparation and adaptability are equally important.
MUN Awards at IIMUN
For students participating in IIMUN, awards can be an exciting part of the conference experience.
However, delegates should avoid preparing solely with the goal of winning an award.
The most effective approach is to focus on the underlying skills that make a strong delegate: research, communication, diplomacy, negotiation, leadership and problem-solving.
Before an IIMUN conference, students should review the specific committee information and conference guidelines to understand the format and expectations.
During the conference, focus on representing your country accurately and contributing meaningful ideas to the committee.
If an award follows, it becomes recognition of the work you have already put into the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About MUN Awards
What is the highest award in MUN?
This depends on the conference. Best Delegate is commonly considered the highest individual delegate award, but award categories and titles can vary.
How do you win Best Delegate in MUN?
Prepare thoroughly, understand your country’s position, speak with purpose, negotiate effectively, collaborate with other delegates and contribute practical solutions to the committee.
Do MUN awards depend only on speeches?
No. Speeches are important, but awards can also consider research, diplomacy, negotiation, collaboration, leadership and resolution-building.
Can a first-time MUN delegate win an award?
Yes. A beginner can win an award with strong preparation, active participation, good diplomacy and effective communication.
Does speaking more increase your chances of winning an MUN award?
Not necessarily. Quality and relevance are generally more important than simply speaking frequently.
What should I do during an unmoderated caucus to improve my performance?
Use the time to negotiate, form productive partnerships, develop solutions and contribute to the working paper or draft resolution.
Final Thoughts
Winning an MUN award can be a rewarding recognition of your performance, but it should not be the only reason to participate in a Model United Nations conference.
The skills you develop through MUN—research, public speaking, negotiation, diplomacy, teamwork and leadership—can be valuable far beyond the conference room.
If you are preparing for IIMUN, focus first on becoming a well-prepared and effective delegate. Understand your country, research the agenda, participate actively, listen to other delegates and help develop practical solutions.
The strongest delegates don’t simply try to stand out. They contribute something meaningful to the committee.
And that is ultimately what makes an MUN experience valuable—whether or not you leave the conference with an award.