The year is 1862, and tensions between the Austrian Empire and Prussia are reaching a boiling point. The German states are poised on the precipice of war, the culmination of a century-long competition for dominance in Central Europe. Austria, led by the Habsburgs, has seen their position as masters of Europe shaken in the past centuries; first by the Bourbons, then by Napoleon, and now by the ascendant Prussians. The Kingdom of Prussia, under the shrewd leadership of Otto von Bismarck and King Wilhelm I, looks to gather strength for the titanic struggle to come; the leadership of Germany lies in the balance. All the eyes of Europe rest upon the German Question, a tempest brewing above the continent; all that remains to be seen is how these two great powers weather the storm.
The Joint Crisis Committees (JCC) represent the pinnacle of Model UN complexity and challenge. JCC consists of two independently running subcommittees whose decisions and actions immediately affect the perpetual crisis at hand. The ritual raising of placards is replaced with international espionage, fast-paced decision-making, and incessant debates, all aimed to destroy the ideological enemy. What delegates will be asked to deal with is only partially revealed for your preparation; covert plots, terrible luck, and the well-meaning—or hostile—actions of the opposing committee together offer an unpredictable but undoubtedly exciting experience. If the bloc as a whole is to succeed, the delegates must compromise, negotiate, and persevere in a battle of diplomatic wit; after all, there is a nemesis waiting, biding its time.
As a continuous crisis committee, the Joint Crisis Committees are most appropriate for experienced delegates. Position papers are mandatory and must be submitted by January 27, 2025, at 23:59 PST. More information about position papers specific to this committee can be found in the Position Paper Guide.
Kasra Kazemialiakbar | Crisis Overlord
Entering his final year of high school, Kasra is honoured to be serving as your crisis overlord for the JCC. Ever since his first MUN conference in 2020, where he attended all three days without speaking a single time, Kasra has been inspired by this community and is determined to give back to VMUN. Together with his team, Kasra has been researching, writing, and organising to ensure that future delegates have the same impactful experience that he did in previous years. He looks forward to seeing delegates take risks, and hopes to live up to JCC’s reputation as a fast-paced rollercoaster of fun. Outside of Model UN, Kasra loves the outdoors, from hiking to camping to kayaking, he likes to escape the busy city and find joy in the calm.
Jason Huang | Crisis Staff
Currently in his Grade 12 year at St. George’s School, Jason is delighted to serve as Crisis Staff for the JCC at VMUN 2025. Since his introduction to MUN three years ago, Jason has been enthralled by its vigorous debate and indefatigable exchange of ideas. Whether it be conversing with delegates or delivering an incoherent speech on the podium, Jason is grateful for opportunities in MUN to broaden his political perspectives and adeptness in a multitude of skills. Outside of MUN, Jason can be found cramming for calculus tests, trying to stick to a workout schedule, or wishing he invested in Nvidia. He believes that VMUN 2025 will be a memorable experience and wishes everyone the best of luck.
Alvin Liang | Bloc Director
As a Grade 12 student at St. George’s School, Alvin is honoured to serve as a Director for the JCC. Ever since being convinced by his friends to attend his first Model UN conference, Alvin has developed a strong passion for it. Whether it is the endless debates, heated discussions, or unexpected turn of events, some of Alvin’s fondest memories have been made in the committee room. He hopes everyone is able to walk out the conference with a rewarding experience similar to his. Outside of MUN, you can find Alvin having lively conversations with his friends, searching for the best restaurant in Vancouver, or attempting to convince others to believe his hot takes in sports. He is looking forward to a weekend full of intense debate and is excited to meet all the delegates.
Milton Hwang | Chair
Entering Grade 12 at St. George’s School, Milton is ecstatic to serve as the Chair of the JCC at VMUN 2025. Ever since his first conference 4 years ago, Milton has grown to love and cherish every moment MUN has given him, whether it be engaging in fruitful debates, or composing strongly worded letters to the UN. Outside the committee room, Milton can be found trying to serenade people with his guitar playing, stressing over ugly photos his friends have of him, and procrastinating on the latest assignment. He looks forward to creating an amazing weekend filled with fun debates and wishes all the delegates the best of luck attending VMUN 2025.
Kelly Mao | Crisis Staff
As a Grade 11 student at Semiahmoo Secondary, Kelly is incredibly excited to be serving as the Crisis Staff for the JCC Bloc A at Vancouver Model United Nations. Ever since reading her first crisis update and writing her first vague directive, Kelly has never gotten enough of the dizzying atmosphere of a crisis committee. She often finds herself using her committee session breaks drafting the perfect remedy for a problem or, causing one. Between conferences, Kelly is playing competitive games, looking for pointless debates to spark with her friends, and laughing hysterically at her own jokes. Kelly knows VMUN 2025 will prove to be a memorable experience for its delegates. She is looking forward to an energetic and impassioned conference!
Daniel Fu | Bloc Director
A Grade 11 student at St. George’s Senior School, Daniel is excited to serve as a director of the JCC at this iteration of VMUN. Daniel began his Model UN journey in his 8th-grade year, peer-pressured into entering the WHO committee room—crowded with people—leaving him utterly terrified. Nonetheless, since finding his passion for MUN, Daniel has been fascinated by the exhilarating debates, friendships, and forever-lasting memories. Beyond the halls of the Sheraton Wall Centre, Daniel can be found on the curling ice, practicing his instrument (or so he says), and cheering on Liverpool as they win Premier League games. Daniel hopes all delegates will enjoy VMUN 2025, and is looking forward to a weekend of fruitful and engaging debate.
Joven Heer | Chair
Joven, currently Grade 12 in St. George’s School, is thrilled to take on the role of Chair of the JCC. Since participating in VYMUN 2019 in Whistler, Joven has developed a strong interest in diplomacy, international relations, and discourse. He will always cherish the incredible moments while serving on committees like the U.S. Senate, SOCHUM, and the African Union. English, television production, and comparative government and politics are his three favourite courses at school. Outside the classroom, Joven enjoys riding his bike, trying out new foods, watching soccer, making short films, and discussing American politics. Joven is excited for VMUN 2025 to be a successful, enjoyable, and productive weekend!
William Henry | Crisis Staff
Approaching his Grade 12 year at St. John’s School, William is deeply honoured to serve in the JCC at VMUN 2025. From his first committee session in 2022, William has been captivated by the continuous desk knocking, stirring speeches, and collaborative environments that Model UN has to offer. Through numerous lengthy morning debates and heated midnight crises, William has made countless impactful friendships and has found an immense interest in international politics. During his free time, William enjoys ice skating at his local ice rink, practising difficult songs on his clarinet with questionable skill, and playing his favourite video games. William is looking forward to this engaging conference, and hopes that delegates will have a meaningful experience at VMUN 2025.
You can contact the Director at jcc@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.