2026 Essay Topic: “What Should the Next 25 Years of Global Leadership Look Like?”
As BosMUN looks ahead, so does the world. What kind of leadership will the world need most in the next quarter century—and how can the international community cultivate it?
Format
Please write a 600 to 1000 word thesis-based essay with the following recommendations in mind.
Each sentence should start with a topic sentence or claim or be a builder of what you previously discussed.
Do not repeat yourself! Try to avoid “As previously mentioned..” phrases. You only have a select amount of words - use them wisely.
Make sure your article is clear and concise. Not every long sentence or dependent clause is exciting and necessary.
Read and reread your work out loud. This will draw attention to sentences that are awkward and clunky.
Make sure there is a flow - oh this is the problem - here’s what happened - here’s why it is bad - here’s how we can fix it or how it can be better addressed
About the Competition
In honor of our 25th anniversary, BosMUN XXV is proud to introduce the Young Diplomat Award—an essay competition that invites delegates to think deeply, write boldly, and envision the future of global diplomacy. This award celebrates the intellectual and visionary spirit at the heart of Model UN, challenging students to go beyond committee and leave their mark through ideas that matter.
How it Works
All registered delegates are eligible and encouraged to participate! Delegates will select one essay prompt from our curated list (will be released later) and write a thesis-based essay with a well-structured and persuasive argument. They will then submit these essays, which will be judged on originality, depth of insight, clarity, and relevance to the prompt. Essays will be reviewed by members of Boston University’s undergraduate international relations journal. There will only be one recipient of this award and that individual will be announced at closing ceremonies.
Why Participate?
This is your chance to showcase your voice beyond the podium. Whether you’re a future diplomat, activist, policymaker, or writer, this competition is a platform to elevate your ideas and influence tomorrow’s conversation. Additionally, you could get a chance to be published on an undergraduate student journal as a high school student—an accomplishment and opportunity not many get the chance to do. The winning essay from the Young Diplomat Award will be published on the IRR (look down below) website, giving the delegate's work a professional platform read by university students, alumni, and faculty from across the globe.
The International Relations Review
The International Relations Review is Boston University’s premier undergraduate journal dedicated to global affairs and a proud branch of the Boston University International Affairs Association (BUIAA). Featuring writers from across class years, majors, and perspectives, IRR is united by one mission: to explore and elevate thoughtful, student-driven discourse on international relations. This year, we are thrilled to announce this special collaboration between BosMUN and IRR. This partnership reflects our shared belief in the power of student voices. At its core, BosMUN is about empowering young leaders to engage deeply with the issues that define our world—and through this collaboration, we are proud to extend that mission beyond committee and into the broader academic conversation. Use the link down below to visit the IRR website and see what they have to offer!