Teamwork, Growth, and Late Nights: What It’s Really Like to Organize IUMUN’25

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be leading the IUMUN’25 organization team as the Director General, I probably wouldn't have believed you. But here I am, in the thick of it, late-night messages, countless to-do lists, and never ending planning. It’s been a journey, and I want to take you behind the scenes.

IUMUN Club and its people truly change you for the better, it is a commitment you want to say yes to even if it looks scary. How I got this role is kind of a funny one, I have learned that I was the Director General and over night, it became my reality. It's not that I didn't want this or wasn't expecting it, in the end I was trusted with this responsibility by our executives and, I am forever grateful. Though leading a large organization team is scary and exhausting, it comes with a lot of good things.

What made me say yes? Well, I have been an organization member countless times and I loved being a part of a team. Working and moving together was easy, getting work done was satisfactory. Now, having experienced that, I trust myself to lead my dream team. My desire is for every member to feel they are a part of something big and good, something that can provide even the smallest change for the world.

What you don't see behind the scenes is a precious group of people, all chosen and trusted by me to work together to make this year's conference better than ever. Late nights of work, lots of meetings, agendas, to-do's...you name it, we have probably done it. You will get to know all of them soon, and I hope you will cherish them as much as I do. Being best at what they do, you can also trust them to be at your service! Dear team, I will give you a special thanks at the end but for now, thank you for being a part of this.

Let's talk about more technical aspects of it, more planning comes after creating the team. Financial preparations, sourcing materials and visiting printing houses, estimating attendee numbers, handling logistics... Yes, it's a lot of work, on top of directing others so the job is done correctly and on time. To be honest, you get used to this routine and it becomes part of your daily chores. But a Director General doesn't do all the work, doesn't need to. You are an element of the job, your main responsibility is to create a road map on how and when things should get done, then to follow through on the process. Department heads already (and should!) know what they need to do, and should trust each other enough so the whole process is successful. This is also another responsibility for the leader, creating a safe space where everyone can trust each other and thrive. Easier said than done.

Everyone looking for your approval can be scary and overwhelming, you have these almost daily thoughts of ''One's mistake is your mistake.'' or ''You should have seen it before it happened, actually it shouldn't have happened.'' Mistakes happen, deadlines are due, you have to choose one thing or another. You didn't write down what you were thinking of? Now it's lost in the depths of your mind, until it's not in the middle of the night and you jump out of bed. But like so many other things, this is a responsibility too, and you want to do your best, that's why it matters so much, I think.

This is where you should have a clear balance of empathy and collaboration. We are all human, we do this both because of our personal and collective gains. My aim should always be to uplift, to be of help and guide others and in return my expectations are commitment, responsibility and care. It's never a one sided relationship when you are a team. You give a lot and gain a lot, I think it's beautiful.

Learning to be a leader and still have a lot to learn, I invite everyone patient enough to read this personal yet informative (Hopefully!) text to get involved in some sort of organization or team even if it's not an MUN conference. No one really tells you what it’s like to organize an entire event until you’re in the middle of it. What it's really like to organize IUMUN'25? It is hard, time consuming, stressful but also fun, valuable and a journey. I am learning more about leadership, people, and myself than I ever expected. But when you do it, it will be and feel different. That's the beauty of it!

Behind the scenes of IUMUN'25, there is one sentimental girl who wants nothing but the best, there are hardworking directors, members, executives who are carefully planting seeds of flowers that will bloom in July.  Every member of mine is precious, and for our future leaders: You have been a part of this before, listen to your gut, you have what it takes to do this.

For your efforts and sincerety, I am forever grateful for you:

Public Relations Team members and Damla, Şebnem & Beril,

Administrative Staff Team members and Berkan, Elif & Ceren,

Logistics Team members and Sena & Kaan,

Press Team members and Yakup, Burak & Ceren,

Media, the one man team Eren,

Journalist Team members and Mert & Sena,

Marcom Team members and Neva & Defne,

Business Team members and Umut & Edanur,

Finance Team members and Emir & Beril,

IT Team members and Esad

And the executive team, especially Hür and Serra, for assisting me whenever I need, thank you. ♡

If you came this far, again, thank you. Hoping to see you in July 16-19th!

Written by

Beyza Nur Kodalak