What is the Spirit of Inquiry?
At its core, diplomacy isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about asking the right questions. The spirit of inquiry is what drives us to challenge assumptions, seek out diverse perspectives, and engage in meaningful dialogue to find solutions that truly last.
This year, as we gather for OxfordMUN 2025, we invite delegates to step into this mindset — one of curiosity, critical thinking, and open-minded exploration.
Why this theme?
In MUN and international relations, it's easy to get caught up in defending your assigned country’s stance or crafting the perfect resolution. Yet, the spirit of inquiry asks us to go deeper — why does a nation take the position it does? How have historical experiences shaped its policies? How can we move beyond differences to find solutions that are truly sustainable?
From navigating complex geopolitical conflicts to negotiating climate agreements, diplomacy thrives when we question the narratives we're presented with and seek to understand the motivations behind opposing perspectives. Without inquiry, dialogue becomes stagnant, solutions become surface-level, and progress becomes impossible.
By adopting the Spirit of Inquiry as this year’s theme, we aim to challenge delegates to engage more deeply with global issues, approach debate with intellectual curiosity, and ultimately become more thoughtful, empathetic leaders.
What does this mean for OxfordMUN 2025?
At OxfordMUN 2025, this theme will guide the way we debate, collaborate, and connect. From the research you do before the conference to the conversations you’ll have within committees, we want to foster an environment where curiosity leads and creativity follows. The truth is, diplomacy isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about being brave enough to ask the right questions.
We’re excited to see how each of you will bring this mindset to life throughout the conference. Whether you’re stepping into committee for the first time or leading the debate as a seasoned delegate, we invite you to embrace the Spirit of Inquiry and redefine what it means to be a global leader.
The journey starts now. Are you ready?