About Us

The International Affairs Association (IAA) of the University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1963 as an organization to promote international affairs and diplomacy at Penn and beyond. With over 400 dedicated members, we are proud of our legacy of contribution to the Penn community and fostering academic interest in the world at large through a number of different initiatives. The IAA also serves as an umbrella organization for the following:

University of Pennsylvania Model United Nations Conference
The IAA organizes and hosts the University of Pennsylvania Model United Nations Conference (UPMUNC) annually. UPMUNC, in its forty-forth year, is one the world's preeminent collegiate Model United Nations conferences. Each November, UPMUNC hosts more than 1500 students from all over the world in historic Philadelphia.

Ivy League Model United Nations Conference
The Ivy League Model United Nations Conference (ILMUNC) is the premier Model United Nations conference for high school students. Each January, we gather over 2,200 students from around the world to participate in a weekend of stimulating debate, hands-on learning, and enjoyable activities in Philadelphia and on Penn’s scenic campus.

Special Events
The IAA hosts a variety of different social, community service, academic, and international events. Between our conferences and intercollegiate trips, the Special Events board works diligently to keep the club active and fun for its members. The purpose of Special Events is to foster a sense of community within the organization and for members to pursue opportunities related to international affairs outside of Model UN conferences. In the past, Special Events has hosted weekend community service, various speaker events, paint balling, a trip to the Poconos, a Spring Formal, Fall Hayride, Mafia Nights, and countless other events. All members are encouraged to participate in Special Events as a way to meet others in the club, to learn new things, and to have a great time.

Intercol
Intercol is our Intercollegiate traveling team. Through Intercol, IAA members travel to 9 Model UN conferences around the country. Intercol provides the opportunity to participate as a delegate in Model UN as well as to meet people from all over the world. It is one of the best ways of getting to know members of the IAA, learning about Model UN and international affairs, and traveling to different areas of the country.