A Glimpse into the Works of this Year's Guest Speakers

By: Cassandra Cheeranut Charoenrum Berming​, BIGMONITOR

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As BIGMUN 2025 begins, we are honoured to welcome two distinguished speakers whose careers have shaped both Danish and international politics: Holger K. Nielsen and Mogens Lykketoft. Their decades of experience in governance, diplomacy, and global affairs make them particularly relevant to this year’s theme: Achieving Peace, Piece by Piece.

Both leaders have played key roles in foreign policy, economic reforms, and international diplomacy, making them well-equipped to provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that define international relations today. Their experiences serve as a reminder that peace and progress are built through careful negotiation, cooperation, and long-term commitment—principles that lie at the heart of Model United Nations conferences.

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Holger K. Nielsen: A Legacy in Danish Politics and International Diplomacy

Born on April 23, 1950, Holger K. Nielsen is a distinguished Danish politician affiliated with the Socialist People’s Party (SF). As the party’s leader from 1991 to 2005, he guided SF through crucial moments in Danish politics, solidifying its influence and advocating for progressive policies.

Nielsen has held several key ministerial positions, including Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Taxation, shaping Denmark’s foreign policy and tax reforms. His commitment to social justice and international cooperation has been a defining feature of his career.
   Beyond national politics, Nielsen has played a vital role in Denmark’s global diplomatic efforts. He was appointed as Denmark’s special envoy and representative to the United Nations, where he worked to secure Denmark a seat on the UN Security Council. His involvement in international negotiations and peacekeeping discussions reflects the kind of diplomacy that MUN delegates strive to emulate in their debates and resolutions.

Mogens Lykketoft: From Danish Politics to the UN General Assembly

Born on January 9, 1946, Mogens Lykketoft has been a key figure in Danish and global politics. A longtime member of the Social Democrats (Socialdemokraterne), he served as Minister for Finance during the 1990s, overseeing critical economic reforms that balanced growth with social welfare—a model widely studied in international policy discussions.

In 2002, Lykketoft became the leader of the Social Democrats, guiding the party until 2005. His influence extended beyond Denmark when he served as President of the United Nations General Assembly (2015–2016), placing him at the heart of global diplomacy. During his tenure, he facilitated discussions on sustainable development, conflict resolution, and international cooperation, showcasing the importance of multilateralism in today’s world.

Lykketoft’s experience leading the UN General Assembly mirrors the diplomatic processes that MUN delegates engage in during committee sessions. His insights into negotiation, collaboration, and policymaking offer valuable lessons on how to navigate complex global challenges—lessons that are particularly relevant at BIGMUN 2025.

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The Power of Dialogue and Collaboration

Throughout their careers, Nielsen and Lykketoft have championed international cooperation, engaging in public discussions, political analysis, and policy advocacy. Their participation in podcasts and public dialogues has helped shape debates on topics such as foreign policy, economic stability, and social democracy.

Their work exemplifies the power of dialogue and collaboration—core principles that define both international diplomacy and Model UN conferences. As delegates engage in negotiations and craft resolutions, they can draw inspiration from these leaders, recognising that achieving peace is a process that happens piece by piece.