The year is 1618, and the Holy Roman Empire is on the brink of collapse. In Bohemia, Protestant nobles have thrown the Emperor’s governors from a castle window, causing widespread rebellion against the Habsburg monarchs. Past treaties such as the Peace of Augsburg are failing, and differing religious views between the Protestants and Catholics continue to fuel tensions and divisions among citizens, rulers, and states. Frederick V, King of Bohemia, vows to bring an end to overarching imperial rule and offer greater religious tolerance, while Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria, aims to restore the religiously fragmented Europe through the spread and maintenance of a single religion: Catholicism. The prevalence of Protestantism and Catholicism now lies in the committees’ hands, determining the fate of much of Europe.
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 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.
Richard Li | Crisis Overlord
Richard is honoured to be serving as the JCC Overlord at VMUN 2026. A Grade 11 student at St. George’s School, he owes much of his passion for the humanities to his experiences over the past four years at various MUN conferences. VMUN, being the first conference he attended, holds a special meaning for him. He is excited to bring delegates together, whether they are newcomers or seasoned veterans, for a weekend of fiery debate. As Overlord, he will be working behind the scenes to manage all the logistics of the shared crisis. Outside of MUN, Richard can be found attempting arias (written for singers far better than him), chronically updating his Beli, shuffling his playlist from Laufey to Metro Boomin, or getting lost in the endless banality of YouTube video essays. He looks forward to meeting many like-minded peers at VMUN 2026.
James Wong | Crisis Staff
A Grade 12 student at St. George’s School, James is honoured to serve as the Crisis Staff for JCC at VMUN 2026. Since joining MUN in Grade 8, James has been fascinated by the unique and joyful discussions with other delegates. From entering committee rooms to having fun in the hotel rooms, James has enjoyed the experience that MUN has offered. He has always enjoyed the inclusive atmosphere and hopes to do the same for this committee. Aside from MUN, James can be found spending time building his fantasy teams and missing open goals on the field. James looks forward to meeting delegates and watching the insightful debate for VMUN 2026.
Amanda Zhao | Bloc Director
As a Grade 10 student at Crofton House School, Amanda is thrilled to serve as the Bloc A Director of JCC at VMUN 2026. Beginning her Model United Nations journey in Grade 8, Amanda has always enjoyed the fruitful debates of this non-spectator sport, and soon developed a particular enthusiasm for crisis committees. Both in and out of conferences, Amanda can be found pumping caramel syrup into her drinks as if it were liquid sanity; however, when freed, she prefers to direct her zeal towards Roblox obbies and perfecting her extremely diverse playlists on Spotify. Amanda looks forward to an exciting, successful, and debate-filled weekend!
Shaylen Bhushan | Chair
Shaylen, a rising Grade 12 student at Burnaby North Secondary who has cultivated a passion for politics and diplomacy through MUN, is exuberant to serve as the Bloc A Chair for JCC at VMUN 2026. From the first time he stumbled through his school’s clubs day and found the Model UN club to the now-fiery speeches, rigorous papers, and sleepless nights, MUN has sparked the best of friendships for Shaylen. Outside of committee, he can be found spending questionable amounts of time playing video games with friends, drumming to rock music with his band, and barreling down ski runs. Shaylen is excited to provide delegates with a smooth and memorable experience in such a topical and important committee. He looks forward to the memories and experiences VMUN 2026 will create for him and all the other delegates.
Fiona Huang | Assistant Director
Currently a Grade 12 student at Glenlyon Norfolk School in Victoria, Fiona is excited to serve as the Bloc A Assistant Director for JCC at VMUN 2026! Since stuttering through her speech during her first conference in Grade 9, Fiona has found her place in MUN, fighting for German unification, making lifelong friendships, and climbing endless flights of stairs. Outside of MUN, Fiona loves taking photos for sports events, practicing kendo, and exploring different types of music to love. She is excited for what’s to come in JCC and hopes that VMUN 2026 will bring memorable memories to all!
Owen Qu | Bloc Director
A Grade 12 student at West Point Grey Academy, Owen is incredibly honoured to serve as the Bloc B Director of JCC at VMUN 2026. Since his first step into the MUN world four years ago as a quiet delegate sitting in the corner of the room, Owen has grown to love the intense yet lively nature of MUN. Whether it be engaging in back-and-forth debates against three global superpowers in UNHRC or sending synonyms to the dais team, some of his favourite memories have been made at conferences. Outside of MUN, he can be found playing piano, making bad puns, and endlessly pondering what his intended major of applied mathematics means for his ever-receding hairline. Owen is sure that VMUN 2026 will be an unforgettable experience for all delegates!
Bjorn Elvin-Jensen | Chair
Bjorn is a rising Grade 12 student at Rockridge Secondary School, and is honoured to be serving as the Bloc B Chair for JCC at VMUN 2026. He believes MUN is an excellent resource to help grow your skills in many realms that turn you into a strong thinker, and leader. Bjorn’s fondest memories of VMUN were from unmoderated caucuses used to present new ideas, and that feeling of being totally locked in on solving the problem. He would like to thank his sister, his VMUN club teacher, and his friends for supporting him in his VMUN journey. Outside of VMUN, you can find Bjorn playing rugby, portaging cedar canoes out in Quebec, or grinding away at math. He wishes delegates a rewarding and memorable experience.
Chloe Chen | Assistant Director
Currently a Grade 12 student at Richmond Christian School, Chloe is ecstatic to serve as the Bloc B Assistant Director of JCC at VMUN 2026. First embarking on her Model UN journey at CAHSMUN 2023 to deliver a knee-knocking, 15-second speech and listening to the never-ending declarations of nuclear war on neighbouring countries, her experiences have been nothing short of exhilarating and have fueled her burning passion for public speaking and politics. When she is not quenching her thirst at the free water coolers at the Sheraton or Hilton hotels, Chloe can be found grinding block blast 24/7, tumbling down snowy mountain hilltops, drinking her daily matcha latte, and binging Brooklyn-99. Chloe is incredibly excited to meet everyone and looks forward to the enthralling debate at this year’s iteration of VMUN!
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.