Topic Summary

In this committee delegates will engage in a historical crisis solving as they model the United States’ Situation Room. This is placed while officials discover and take actions around what we later come to know as the Cuban Missile Crisis. The committee will have both a directive and backroom component. Delegates will receive updates on the situation from the intelligence and military communities as they analyze Soviet activities in Cuba. In addition to the main action plan, the committee will develop contingency plans for the various possible scenarios as they unfold. This delegate-driven experience will prove to put abilities to the test, as they navigate the very difficult and quickly unfolding crises.

Director’s Letter

Dear delegates,

I am beyond excited to welcome you to this year’s version of Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) and to the crisis committee on the Cuban Missile Crisis.

My name is Mariana Ramirez Cabal, a junior at Harvard studying economics and neuroscience. I was born and raised in Cali, Colombia, and got involved in MUN at the age of 12. At Harvard, I continue participating in MUNs as a Director in both Boston conferences and as the USG for Administration for HNMUN-LA.

At Harvard, I’m the Co-President of the Harvard Organization for Latin America and a dancer with the Harvard Modern Dance Company. I work as a calculus course assistant and serve as a leader of the international orientation program.

This committee will mix all the best elements from historical, and crisis, and will put delegates in a position that simulates that of a world leader or government officer; having to constantly update their approaches to ever-changing issues.

I look forward to meeting you all, and hope to contribute positively to your experiences.

Sincerely,

Mariana

Director, Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962, Harvard National Model United Nations 2025

Crisis Director’s Letter

Esteemed delegates,

It is an honor to welcome you to Harvard University's National Model United Nations conference. My name is Luis Pedro (LP) Chávez and I am excited to be your crisis director! I grew up in Guatemala City and am a current sophomore at Harvard University.  I study Economics and am very passionate about international affairs. Outside of class, I am involved in the Business Board of The Harvard Crimson and as treasurer for Harvard's Organization for Latin America. I have always been interested in international relations, so I joined my school's Model United Nations team when I was 12. Since that moment, I have had the opportunity to participate in several international conferences, as a delegate and also as a director. At Harvard, I serve as a board member for the International Relations Council, the Under-Secretary-General for Committees for HNMUN Latin America, and a member of the competitive Model UN Team Intercollegiate Model United Nations.

Our committee at HNMUN is going to be a unique experience where you get to simulate the world situation during the Cuban Missile Crisis. You will  discuss possible steps to address an issue that pressed the smartest minds of the 20th century. 

Alongside Mariana, I have high expectations for the committee and am confident in your preparation and ability to navigate difficult crises. Your performance on the committee will be relative to your preparation, commitment, and engagement. I am excited to see innovative arcs and negotiating skills. Finally, rest assured I am at your disposal for any questions you may have in preparation and throughout the conference. Again, I am excited for this committee and I hope you are too.

Sincerely, 

LP Chavez

Crisis Director, Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962, Harvard National Model United Nations 2025