The Annual Report of The London International Model United Nations Foundation
1 June 2023 – 31 May 2024
Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
Table of Contents
Administrative Details ........................................................................................................................................................ 2 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Background, Objectives and Public Benefit ....................................................................................................................... 3 Key Volunteers ................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Decision Making ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 Day-to-day Operations and Remuneration ..................................................................................................................... 5 Trustees .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Appointments ................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Achievement and Performance ........................................................................................................................................... 6 LIMUN 2024 ................................................................................................................................................................. 6 LIMUN: High School 2024 ........................................................................................................................................... 6 Looking Ahead .............................................................................................................................................................. 6 Planning ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Risk Management .......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Financial Review ................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Charitable Expenditure .................................................................................................................................................. 7 Investments .................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Reserves ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities .............................................................................................................................. 8 Independent Examiner’s Report ......................................................................................................................................... 9 Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 May 2024 .................................................................................... 10 Balance Sheet as of 31 May 2024 ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Notes to the financial statements ...................................................................................................................................... 12
1
www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
(Registered Charity Number 1159324)
Administrative Details
| Trustees | Afolabi Adekaiyaoja – Chair_(resigned June 2024)_ |
|---|---|
| Denise Chau | |
| Nudhara Yusuf | |
| Meshaal Choudhary_(resigned May 2023)_ | |
| Muqaddam Malik_(resigned May 2023)_ | |
| George Mullens_(appointed chair June 2024)_ | |
| Alex Denny_(appointed January 2024)_ | |
| Secretaries-General | Anthony Rawstron (LIMUN 2024) |
| Terry Tergel Batnasan (LIMUN: HS 2024) | |
| Registered address | 45b, Oxford Road |
| LONDON | |
| W5 3SR | |
| Bankers | CAF Bank Ltd |
| 25 Kings Hill Avenue | |
| Kings Hill | |
| West Malling | |
| Kent | |
| ME19 4JQ | |
| Independent Examiner | Gavin Patti |
2 www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
Introduction
The trustees present their report along with the independently examined financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 May 2024. The financial statements have been prepared per the accounting policies set out on page 12 and comply with the charity's constitution, the Charities Act 2011, and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP): Accounting and Reporting by Charities 2015.
The LIMUN Foundation is a charitable organisation that promotes cultural empathy, understanding of international affairs and awareness of the United Nations among young people. By equipping youth with mediation, analytical and leadership skills while stressing cosmopolitan values and the interdependence of the modern world, we hope to foster future world leaders who will face global challenges with a spirit of international cooperation.
Currently, the LIMUN Foundation runs two programmes: our flagship annual conference in London, the largest university-level Model United Nations (“MUN” or “Model UN”) conference in Europe, and an annual secondary school conference, with a focus on opening access to MUN for those students who attend state/state-funded schools or are from under-represented communities. We also run additional support sessions for local schools.
LIMUN continues to engage with thousands of students worldwide, with thousands more engaging with the foundation and its programs. In addition, some former team members and attendees now work for international organisations, nongovernmental organisations, international development agencies, multinational corporations and other groups. Our aspiration in launching LIMUN: High School (LIMUN:HS) was to increase the number of students who ordinarily would not be able to attend our conferences. It is why we are prioritising sponsorship and partnerships in the coming years to enable us to reduce costs.
Background, Objectives and Public Benefit
LIMUN, first known as LoMUN (London Model United Nations) until 2002, held its first conference in 2000, having been conceived by a group of University of London (UoL) students who had attended a Model UN conference in 1999 in Cambridge. The aim was to organise an annual Model UN event in London, in conjunction with the other University of London colleges. The first conference in 2000 involved about 200 delegates over five committees. This has grown to around 1,500 delegates across over 30 committees since 2013.
The sixth edition of LIMUN High School (LIMUN: HS), a weekend conference aimed at secondary school students in the UK, was held in April 2024 and attracted 200 delegates from local schools. Successful representatives from this event were then invited to participate in the main LIMUN conference.
The objective of the London International Model United Nations Foundation (LIMUN) is to advance the education of young people, in particular students at all levels of formal education, while looking at informal aspects as well as the work and role of the United Nations and international relations. We do this as well as by providing support and activities which develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to participate in society while demonstrating leadership. This objective is achieved through organising an annual conference in London simulating meetings of various organs of the United Nations. Participation in these Model United Nations (MUN) conferences enables delegates to develop their problem-solving and technical writing skills while enhancing their public speaking abilities. Furthermore, developing these skills is seen as a way to improve the employability of these participants.
The High School conference is crucial to expand our public benefit as it allows younger students to develop key skills. We also featured heavily discounted rates for students receiving free school meals to encourage broader participation.
In considering the operation, review of 2023/24 and performance of the charity, the trustees are satisfied that public benefit has been provided per the Charities Act 2011 and the guidance provided by the Charity Commission.
3
www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
Key Volunteers
LIMUN 2024 Secretariat
Anthony Rawstron Joaquin Magno Kelvin Ng Hema Dabbara Ruveen Abeysuriya Roshni Roy Phia Li Tereza Jelínková Ainhoa Comino
Secretary-General Deputy-Secretary-General Under-Secretary-General Academics Under-Secretary-General Applications Under-Secretary-General Chairing Under-Secretary-General Delegate Affairs Under-Secretary-General Finance Under-Secretary-General Personnel Under-Secretary-General Logistics
LIMUN: HS 2024 Secretariat
Terry Tergel Batnasan Mohammed Sheikh Josephina Infante Anns Emhemmed Akib Zami-Chowdhury Isabel Jones Festus Burkhard Soffel Raghav Vivek Anand
Secretary-General Deputy Secretary-General Under-Secretary-General Applications Under-Secretary-General Communications Under-Secretary-General Logistics Under-Secretary-General External Relations Under-Secretary-General Personnel Under-Secretary-General Chairing
4 www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
Governance Structure and Management
Decision Making
The Foundation is run by a Board of Trustees that oversees general administration and provides guidance to the Secretariats of the two conferences, who carry out the day-to-day operations regarding the conferences. The Board is led by a Chair who carries out general administrative and coordination functions and manages the affairs of the Board. Each Trustee is assigned a portfolio on which they lead and coordinate internally. Some responsibilities are also taken on board ad hoc based on the expertise or experience of certain trustees. The Board also operates through committees which assume responsibility for devolved functions such as Governance, Finance, Outreach and Partnerships.
The Conference Secretariats are led by Secretaries-General, who are volunteers appointed by the Board at designated Annual General Meetings. Both Secretaries-General are also incorporated on the Board in an ex-officio capacity for their term in office. They are responsible for recruiting, overseeing and managing the members of their volunteer secretariat. While certain functions are carried out after Board consent, the Secretariat is responsible for general relations with the target community that LIMUN engages with and ensures that the specific outputs – Model UN conferences – are delivered.
Day-to-day Operations and Remuneration
The Board coordinates the day-to-day management of the Foundation through the Chair. Afolabi Adekaiyaoja has served in this position since June 2019 and his term was renewed in 2022. Afolabi Adekaiyaoia resigned as chair in June 2024. George Mullens was elected as Chair of the Board of Trustees in June 2024. In addition, the Board approves financial payments, provides guidance to the secretariats and gives binding consent to decisions affecting the Foundation.
For 2023/24, Anthony Rawstron was selected to take on the role of Secretary-General of the University Conference, while Terry Tergel Batnasan was chosen to take on the role of Secretary-General of the High School Conference.
Anthony and Terry, together with their respective secretariats – which they recruited - were responsible for successfully running the LIMUN 2024 and LIMUN: HS 2024 conferences.
Trustees
The Foundation is governed by an experienced Board of Trustees, drawing from the private and public sectors, with a passion for LIMUN and Model UN more generally. Distinct management divisions manage the charity's day-to-day affairs: the conference's secretariat and the outreach committee. Student staff are sourced primarily from the University of London colleges and associated universities and occasionally from other universities in the United Kingdom. They are bright students or recent graduates, competitively selected, who give their time and skills voluntarily.
Appointments
All new Trustees are co-opted by the unanimous decision of the Board of Trustees. During 2023/24, two trustees, Meshaal Choudhary and Muqaddam Malik took the decision to step down as trustees – we thank them for their service to LIMUN during their time as trustees. We subsequently welcomed one new trustee, Alex Denny to the Board.
New trustees generally have a background of previously being involved with the LIMUN conference and, as such, are already familiar with this aspect of the charity. Specific roles for individual trustees are identified for which areas they will be involved with from the management and oversight of the charity.
We developed an onboarding process that includes sharing the constitution, introducing them to the various conference management teams and providing context to decisions in a collegiate fashion. We also constituted committees, with both old and new members of the Board, to further formalise the learning procedure.
5
www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
Achievement and Performance
LIMUN 2024
The 25[th] session of the London International Model United Nations was held between the 23-25 of February 2024, with all sessions conducted at King’s College London, Strand campus.
The selection for the 2024 Secretary-General resulted in the appointment of Anthony Rawstron, a master’s student at LSE. Anthony had been involved with the previous secretariat as Under Secretary-General for Academics (LIMUN 2023).
We were honoured to have a distinguished lineup of guest speakers at the opening ceremony with speeches from Sir Alok Sharma, former President of COP and former Member of Parliament for Reading West.
On 25 February, we welcomed diplomatic representation from a number of countries including Canada, France, the Netherlands and Mexico on a diplomacy panel aiming to educate our delegates on careers and challenges in diplomatic careers.
We welcomed delegates from around 121 universities and academic institutions worldwide who participated in lively debates. During the weekend, there were 25 different committees simulating UN bodies and other international organisations with a broad range of topics for the delegates to research, debate, compromise and reach a resolution over. The 2024 conference was judged by the Board of Trustees to have been a success and received positive feedback from the delegates in attendance.
LIMUN: High School 2024
The 9[th] session of the London International Model United Nations: High School was held between the 27-28 April 2024 with all sessions conducted in-person at King’s College London, Waterloo campus. This was the first session for LIMUN:HS we held during April; previous iterations have been held in November. The change in date was made following feedback received from previous delegates, sponsor teachers, and Secretariat organisers; following the conference we will assess if holding the event in April is favourable for future iterations.
The selection for the 2024 Secretary-General resulted in the appointment of Terry Tergel Batnasan, a recent graduate of the University of Leeds.
We welcomed delegates from around 38 high schools and academic institutions worldwide who participated in lively debates. During the weekend, there were 11 different committees simulating UN bodies and other international organisations with a broad range of topics for the delegates to research, debate, compromise and reach a resolution over. The 2024 conference was judged by the Board of Trustees to have been a success and received positive feedback from the delegates in attendance.
Looking Ahead
Planning
The Foundation’s activities are to continue in line with previous years and the vision and objectives of the charity. Specific aims that LIMUN’s trustees and the Secretariat plan to be incorporated into the coming year’s conference include the following:
LIMUN conference: Our main university-level conference will remain the cornerstone of our activities for future years, focusing on increasing quality and delivering the best value for money for delegates.
LIMUN: HS conference: After multiple successful iterations of our secondary-school level conference, the charity intends to continue and seek to grow this event in future years. We have changed the conference dates from a November weekend to an April weekend instead for the 9[th] session as a pilot; after its conclusion we will assess if it should be kept in April for future conferences.
6
www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
Outreach Programmes: The Board has designated the Outreach committee on the board to look at other ways the Foundation can engage with the broader MUN community. Trustees are currently recruiting for a team to lead year-round engagement through internship workshops and a guest speakers’ series, among other projects.
Risk Management
The Trustees have established a system of monthly finance reports from the Secretariat to monitor the charity's funds effectively. Contact is maintained throughout the year with members of the secretariat, and the trustees are consulted. Their approval is needed for any significant decisions to use the charity’s funds.
Financial Review
Charitable Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable activities totalled £110,456. This represented an increase from the previous year, reflecting the resumption of fully in-person activities and events across both our flagship conferences and outreach events. To manage costs in the future, the Trustees are looking at securing sponsorship for these projects to reduce the financial burden on the foundation, especially with the uncertainty of cash flows arising from conference participation on an annual basis. The Foundation has aimed to focus on gaining external partnerships and sponsorships, aiming to reduce fees which are charged to delegates.
Unrestricted funds of the charity stand at £37,376 on 31 May 2024 (2023: £36,642). As a result of working closely to oversee finances, we are pleased that this figure has increased for this financial year. We intend to continue to work closely in managing the finances of the main activities to ensure this is maintained.
Investments
LIMUN has made no investments in the year under review
Reserves
LIMUN’s policy is to maintain funds at a minimum of £15,000. The majority of incoming resources are received in advance of costs being incurred for the conference, which is therefore deemed sufficient to cover any of the ‘start-up’ costs of the conference each year. The funds level at year-end was £37,376. All funds of LIMUN are unrestricted, and details are quoted in note 7 of the financial statements.
7
www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustee’s Report and the financial statements per applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’. In addition, the law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give an accurate and fair view of the state of affairs of the Trust and the incoming resources and application of resources of the Trust for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (2015);
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable accounting standards, comprising FRS 102, have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the charity's financial position and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the charity's assets and hence for taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf:
George Mullens
Chair 31 March 2025
8 www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
Independent Examiner’s Report
I report on the accounts of the London International Model United Nations Foundation for the year ended 31 May 2024, which are set out on pages 8 to 11.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees
consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
To follow the procedures laid down in the general
-
Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence required in an audit. Consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
-
To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
-
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Gavin Patti 30 June 2025 London
9
www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 May 2024
| Income from: Donations Charitable activities Interest Total Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total Net income/(expenditure) and net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Funds transferred from previous charity Total funds carried forward |
Notes 2 3 4 |
2023/2024 Unrestricted funds £ |
2023/2024 Unrestricted funds £ |
Total | Total | Funds | Funds | Funds | 2022/2023 Unrestricted funds £ |
2022/2023 Unrestricted funds £ |
Total Funds £ |
Total Funds £ |
Total Funds £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||||||||||||
| 9,020 | 4,020 | |||||||||||||
| 102,094 | 84,115 | |||||||||||||
| 46 | 55 | |||||||||||||
| 111,160 | 88,190 | |||||||||||||
| (110,456) | (83,115) | |||||||||||||
| (110,456) | (83,115) | |||||||||||||
| 704 | 5,074 | |||||||||||||
| 36,642 | 31,568 | |||||||||||||
| 37,346 | 36,642 |
Note : the 2022/2023 “Donations” and “Charitable activities” figures have been restated due to mis-categorisation of the in-kind donation of the LIMUN-HS venue (£4,020) as income from charitable activities.
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
10
www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
Balance Sheet as of 31 May 2024
| Notes | 31 May | 31 May | 31 May | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Debtors | 5 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Cash at the bank and in hand | 37,346 | 36,642 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 36,346 | 36,642 | ||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Creditors falling due within one year | 6 | 0 | (0) | |||||
| Net current assets | 0 | (0) | ||||||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 37,346 | 36,642 | ||||||
| The funds of the charity | ||||||||
| Unrestricted Income funds | 7 | 37,346 | 36,642 | |||||
| Total charity funds | 37,346 | 36,642 |
The notes on pages 12 to 14 form part of these accounts.
George Mullens
Chair 31 March 2025
11 www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
Notes to the financial statements
1. Principal Accounting Policies
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts per the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)).
The London International Model, United Nations Foundation, is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission in England and meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
Going concern
Regarding expected activities, the trustees believe that the charity will continue to operate for at least 12 months from the date of signing these accounts based on the level of funds held by the charity at the year-end and those required for our ongoing operation. The foundation is focused on long term sustainability of the conferences by aiming to gain long term partnerships and sponsorships. At present the foundation does not have any creditors or debtors.
Funds
All funds are unrestricted and available for use at the Trustees' discretion to meet the charity's objectives.
Donations
Donations represent gifts in kind received by the charity. The primary source of these is discounts and reductions achieved for our conference venues due to our charitable status. Full details of the basis of estimating the gift in kind received are included in note 2 to these financial statements.
Charitable activities - income
Incoming resources from charitable activities are made up of amounts receivable for delegates participation at the annual LIMUN university and high school conferences and associated events. This income is recognised at the time of delivery of the conference.
Charitable activities - expenditure
The costs associated with charitable activities are required to deliver the LIMUN university and high school conferences each year. Further analysis of these by their nature is included within note 3 to the accounts.
Gifts in Kind
Where LIMUN receives goods or services at a reduced rate due to its charitable status and the benefit achieved can be reliably measured, these are recognised as income from donations with a corresponding expense for the same amount. This ensures the actual costs involved in running our activities are captured.
Debtors
Debtors represent amounts due from our main venue following overpayment. The Trustees assess debtors at year-end for the likelihood of receipt, and appropriate write-offs or provisions are raised where doubts exist. No amounts were due as of 31 May 2024
Creditors
There were no such balances as of 31 May 2024
Cash Flow Statement
London International Model, United Nations Foundation, is not large enough to require a Cash Flow Statement.
| 2. Donations Sponsorships Gift in kind Interest income Total |
2023/24 £ 5,000 4,020 46 9,066 |
2022/23 £ - 4,020 55 4,070 |
|---|---|---|
12 www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
The LIMUN HS conference was held at King’s College London (KCL), and due to support from the KCL MUN student society, no costs were incurred for the use of the venue. Therefore, we have estimated the Gift in Kind element based on the prices of equivalent rooms hired for LIMUN 2020.
| 3. Charitable activities - income LIMUN delegate fees Social tickets LIMUN HS delegate fees Total 4. Charitable activities - expenditure LIMUN HS venues LIMUN HS costs LIMUN conference venues Conference materials Secretariat and chairs costs Marketing Merchandise Social venues and costs Storage Ongoing costs Outreach Website Video communications Reconciliation Total 5. Debtors Venue refunds due Total 6. Creditors Fees unpaid Total 7. Unrestricted income funds Balance on 1 June 2023 |
2023/24 £ 66,360 27,497 8,237 102,094 2023/24 £ 4,020 9,280 39,911 11,331 6,932 1,369 72 35,624 769 305 100 390 323 30 110,456 2023/24 £ 0 0 2023/24 £ 0 0 £ 36,642 |
2022/23 £ 58,736 20,388 4,990 84,115 2022/23 £ 4,020 4,121 33,943 7,370 6,821 504 - 24,562 713 171 - 549 341 - 83,115 2022/23 £ 0 0 2022/23 £ 0 0 |
|---|---|---|
13 www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324
Public
London International Model United Nation Foundation
| Incoming resources | 111,160 |
|---|---|
| Outgoing resources | (110,456) |
| Balance on 31 May 2024 | 37,346 |
8. Trustee and employee information
The Trustees do not receive any remuneration from the London International Model United Nations Foundation for their role. In addition, the Charity employs no remunerated staff members.
9. Related Party Transactions
There were no transactions with related parties requiring disclosure during 2023/2024. However, due to the nature of some expenses incurred by the organisation, Trustees are at times required to incur expenses personally and receive reimbursement for these costs only.
14
www.limun.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1159324