After two centuries of rule, the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan has collapsed under the weight of its failures. The declining regime came to an end with the resignation of Tokugawa Yoshinobu. In its place rose Emperor Meiji, leading the Meiji Restoration and the reinstatement of imperial rule. Yet this relinquishing of power would not go unchallenged. On January 27th, 1868, an army commanded by the former shogunate marched on Kyoto, threatening to topple the new Meiji Restoration. With Yoshinobu cached away in Edo, many of his allies remain awaiting an opportunity to contest Emperor Meiji’s rule. As the leaders of the nascent Meiji Restoration, the future is in your hands as you confront Japan’s military, economic, and diplomatic crises.
As a continuous crisis committee, the Cabinet is most appropriate for experienced delegates. Position papers are mandatory and must be submitted by January 12, 2026, at 23:59 PST. More information about position papers specific to this committee can be found in the Position Paper Guide, on the Delegate Resources Page.
Carmelito Bao | Director
Currently a Grade 12 student at Rockridge Secondary, Carmelito is honoured to be serving as the Director of the Cabinet at VMUN 2026. After being dragged into his first conference at VMUN 2024, he was captivated by Model UN. Whether he is ragebaiting by annexing Tennessee into the Kentuckian Dominion or forging resolutions through dubiously concealed vitriol, MUN has given Carmelito some of his most cherished memories. Outside of the committee, Carmelito can be found going on sidequests with his friends, scrolling Instagram instead of studying, and making other arguably foolish and unwise decisions. Carmelito eagerly awaits a weekend of intense debate and wishes delegates the best of luck!
Guntas Bawa | Chair
Currently a Grade 12 student at Abbotsford Senior Secondary School, Guntas is honoured to serve as the Chair of the Cabinet at VMUN 2026. From defending PFUDOR as the Delegate of Quackraine in ECOSOC to orchestrating secret mafia balls as a 62-year-old retired Mafia boss in quirky WCC, Guntas has experienced the full spectrum of MUN’s unpredictable debates since 2023. For her, blending strategy, wit, and a touch of absurdity are what make MUN debates irreplaceable compared to ordinary debates. Outside of the world of diplomacy, Guntas may be found daydreaming of bubble tea or playing tunes on her guitar—her two favourite escapes from the gruelling demands of the IBDP. Overall, Guntas hopes to make VMUN a memorable iteration filled with fruitful debate for all!
Huen Xie | Assistant Director
Huen Xie, a Grade 12 student attending Abbotsford Senior Secondary School, is thrilled to be serving as the Assistant Director for the Cabinet at VMUN 2026. Never imagining herself to be involved in public speaking in her life, she was first introduced to MUN in Grade 10, and, since then, she has been on the hunt for every conference opportunity she can find. Outside of MUN, Huen is passionate about music, often listening to and covering songs that she likes or composing her own music. Further, she is constantly diving into something entirely different like getting lost in her IB YouTube videos that are saving her grades. Huen is eager to hear about the different views from delegates and overall wishes all those delegates attending the best of luck, hoping everyone has a memorable and unforgettable time at VMUN 2026.
You can contact the Director at cabinet@vmun.com. Any questions regarding the committee or its debate procedures will be answered by email. Position papers must also be submitted to this address.