My name is Gabriella Tejada, and I am beyond excited to serve as the Secretary-General for this remarkable conference. Hailing from Long Island, New York, I am now in my junior year at Yale University studying Political Science and Latin American Studies. Throughout my time at Yale, I have been so grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Secretariats for YMUN LATAM II and III, and YMUN Brasil I. It has truly been wonderful to see the conference attract hundreds of motivated, hard-working, and collaborative delegates across Mexico and Latin America. Therefore, I am committed to pouring my passion into this conference to continue the conference’s legacy and curate an electrifying hub for diplomacy for students all across the global South!

YMUN LATAM is one of Yale’s standout conferences, as it offers a truly international forum for discussions on foreign policy and leadership development. Growing up in a Dominican and Peruvian household, I grew up with a fervent curiosity about understanding different cultures (along with bachata and Inca Kola). This is, perhaps, one of the many reasons why MUN has been a transformative experience: international MUN conferences facilitate international connections and foster compassion in all delegates.

While YMUN LATAM is in Mexico City, delegates in past iterations have come from countries across Central and South America, including countries like Peru, Panama, Nicaragua, and even Brasil. These global perspectives are pivotal for leading with integrity and improving our communities. As such, this year’s conference mission is rooted in this very notion: “Lead with ambition. Inspire transformation”.

As we begin the months leading up to the conference, I hope your excitement for the conference builds every day. In anticipation of the conference, I implore all delegates to be curious in all aspects of life. Ask questions. Learn and never fear mistakes. Compromise. These skills are pivotal for MUN and everyday life. By using these skills and embracing our conference mission, I aim for delegates to enter this year’s conference with an unrelenting determination to learn and build greater understanding through unity.