Our Governance

The DMUN Foundation is governed by three institutions, which are mandated bodies established by the founding instrument of the Organisation: the Constitution of the Foundation.

The Constitution established the Governing Body of the Foundation, which acts as the primary decision-making body that is comprised of all members of the Foundation. Each member holds one vote, and decides on the general strategic direction of the Organisation, the appointment of its leadership, and other matters that require participation and deliberation at the highest level.

The Board of Trustees, whose members are elected through the general membership and appointed with the consent of the Governing Body, act as representatives of the general membership and the Governing Body on matters that require immediate, specialised action.

The Secretariat works to implement the mandates established by the Governing Body and the Board of Trustees and manages the day-to-day work of the Organisation. It is led by the Executive Director, who is elected by the Governing Body, who serves the role of Head of Organisation and Chief Administrative Officer.

The Governing Body

DMUN delegates at the 2026 UN High-Level Political Forum. Source: DMUN Foundation

The DMUN Foundation is a non-governmental organisation. This means that the work that we do is led by the mandate that our members provide. In line with this, all members of the Foundation, regardless of type of membership, hold the right to participate in the Governing Body of the Foundation.

Each member of the Foundation receives one vote in the Governing Body, and has the right to submit agenda items, participate in subsidiary bodies, submit candidatures for elected positions, and raise motions and points in the meetings.

The Governing Body elects a Bureau comprised of one President, four Vice-Presidents, and two Rapporteurs. The term of the Bureau is one year, and is renewable by vote. The Secretary of the Governing Body is the Executive Director of the Foundation and their representatives.

Board of Trustees

DMUN representatives in New York. Source: DMUN Foundation

The Board of Trustees of the Foundation serves as the operative decision-making body of the Foundation, translating the strategic vision and mandates provided by the entire membership through the Governing Body into detailed modalities and plans that the Secretariat could implement.

The Trustees also approve organisational matters such as the Foundation’s annual budget and the admission of members, and inspect the work of the Secretariat. Trustees are made up of directly elected representatives from the Governing Body and individuals appointed with consent of the Governing Body.

The Bureau of the Trustees is made up of one Chair, who is elected by the Trustees. The Secretary of the Board of Trustees is the Executive Director of the Foundation and their representatives.

The Secretariat

The Secretariat of the Foundation is charged with implementing the mandate provided by the Governing Body and Board of Trustees. It operates programmes for its Membership, provides in-kind and financial support to relevant organisations and projects, and conducts advocacy for children and youth in intergovernmental meetings and bodies.

The Secretariat reports to the Board of Trustees and the Governing Body on an annual basis. It is headed by the Executive Director, who serves a renewable one-year term elected by the Governing Body.

The Executive Director is supported by his Cabinet, made up of Deputy Executive Directors, Directors, Chiefs, and Heads of Offices, Agencies, and Independent Bodies of the Foundation.

Leadership as of 2026

In order of precedence