IE University students recognized for their debating excellence at the international Model United Nations conferences in Harvard and London

Madrid, February 2026. IE University students have received 14 awards that recognize their debating skills at two of the world’s most prestigious Model United Nations (MUN) conferences: the Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) and the London International Model United Nations (LIMUN). 

In the 72nd edition of the Harvard National Model United Nations —the oldest and most internationally recognized MUN conference— the IE University Debate Club earned eight awards across 12 committees. Twelve of the 18 participating students received individual awards, and IE University was distinguished as an “Outstanding Large Delegation.” Members of the IE University Debate Club received the following distinctions:

• 2 Best Delegation Awards (1st place): João Obst (IE Law School) and Nicolas Tetrau (IE Business School)
• 1 Best Delegate: Elisej Raskind (IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs and IE Law School)
• 1 Outstanding Delegate (2nd place): Pablo Mayoral (IE School of Science and Technology)
• 3 Honorable Mentions(3rd place) 
  • María de la Paz González and Paul Prinz (IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs)
  • Khadija Gargouri and Nathan Mario Perera (IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs and IE Business School)
  • Ian Omar Mues and Lorenzo Rosania (IE Law School)
• 1 Diplomatic Commendation (4th place): Raquel Vega and Lucia Sobrado (IE Law School and IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs)

Students from IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, IE Business School, IE Law School and IE School of Science and Technology who took part in these events debated topics such as the challenges of sentient AI, non‑state actors, and intangible cultural heritage, among others, alongside students from Yale University, Boston University, Georgetown University, University of Florida, George Washington University, Utrecht University, Leiden University, and Universidad de los Andes, among other institutions.

Meanwhile, IE University Debate Club students who participated in the 27th edition of the London International Model United Nations conference received six awards:

• 2 Diplomacy Awards 
  • Historic Negotiations, Most Diplomatic (Best): Maximilian Hankins, (IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs) and Reed Fliegel (IE Law School, IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs)
  • UNSC, Most diplomatic (Best): Aryan Agrawal (IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs) and Aden Couture (IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs)
• 1 Most Improved Award: NATO, Martim Faustino Gonçalves (IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs)
• 3 Honorable Mentions
  • DISEC, Honorable Mention: Daniel Ferraro (IE Business School)
  • UNHRC, Honorable Mention: Marina Cruz Olaizola (IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs)
  • African Union, Honorable Mention: Siphokazi Sokhela (IE Law School)

Borja Santos, Associate Dean of the IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, underlined that "in global affairs and diplomacy, ideas matter only if they can be defended and negotiated effectively. Model United Nations competitions train students to think strategically, communicate persuasively, and build consensus. Their success reflects both their talent and the academic rigor and international focus of the education we provide at IE University".

Elisa Hicks, Executive Director of Campus Life at IE University, added: "What makes me most proud is not only the extraordinary results our students achieved at conferences like LIMUN and HNMUN, but the way they chose to step beyond the classroom and truly own their experience. These delegations are entirely student-driven. They prepare, lead, debate, and grow together. Through that process, they develop not only diplomatic and negotiation skills, but confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships. This is the IE experience at its best: students transforming opportunities into defining moments."

"At IE Foundation, we believe talent thrives when it is guided by values and challenged on the global stage. The IE University Debate Club’s recognition as second in the world at Harvard and its outstanding results in London reflect what happens when excellence meets purpose. These achievements embody our mission, and the impact of our donors, to empower leaders who engage the world with integrity, rigor and respect for diverse perspectives," mentioned Geoffroy Gérard, Director General at IE Foundation.