From Debate to Purpose: How IE Students Are Becoming Leaders of Impact
From winning international awards to leading Europe’s largest charity Model UN, IE students continue to redefine leadership through dialogue, purpose, and collaboration.
Debating at IE University is more than an academic exercise—it’s a forge for leadership, identity, and community. At the heart of this transformation stands the IE Debate Club, a student-led initiative supported by IE Foundation, where young leaders learn that real impact begins with listening, empathy, and shared purpose.
This November, IE students hosted the sixth edition of the IE University Model United Nations (IEUMUN 2025)—the largest charity Model UN conference in Europe—at IE Tower. Over four days, more than 450 delegates representing 35 nationalities and over 50 universities came together across 16 committees to debate, negotiate, and collaborate on today’s most pressing global challenges.
What began in 2020 as an online event in the middle of a pandemic has evolved into a flagship international conference, powered by the passion of the Debate Club and supported by IE Campus Life, IE Foundation, and the IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs. IEUMUN embodies the spirit of IE University—global citizenship, dialogue, and action—reminding us that leadership starts with listening, and diplomacy remains one of the most powerful tools for change.
Beyond organizing IEUMUN, the Debate Club has achieved remarkable success at international competitions such as the Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) and the London International Model United Nations (LIMUN). This year, at HNMUN, 53% of IE delegates earned awards, ranking the university second among European teams and 16th worldwide. At LIMUN, 11 of 17 delegates led resolutions, with several receiving top honors in the International Court of Justice.
Yet, as faculty advisor Isabella Miller reflects, the club’s true evolution lies not in trophies but in transformation. This year, the team shifted its focus from awards to personal growth—encouraging members to find success in confidence, diplomacy, and meaningful connection.
That sense of unity extends beyond competition. With the support of IE Foundation, Debate Club delegations have been able to extend their international trips, allowing students to bond, collaborate, and build a shared culture of trust before stepping onto the global stage. Their reputation now precedes them: when IE students speak, others listen—not just because of their eloquence, but because of their authenticity.
For many, the Debate Club is more than a co-curricular experience; it’s a catalyst for personal and professional discovery. Students like Ismael Picazo Flores, a Computer Science major, have found in debate a way to express their ideas and shape their leadership style—one built on empathy, collaboration, and purpose.
Behind every confident delegate stands a network of mentors and supporters who make their journey possible. Through its diverse initiatives, IE Foundation ensures that talented students from all backgrounds can access opportunities that expand their horizons and strengthen their voices.