One
Proven on the world’s stages
Best Delegate and Best Delegation awards at Harvard Model United Nations, Harvard Model Congress and conferences across the US and Europe, earned by delegates who started in a school classroom in Lebanon.
Local potential. Global standing.
Twelve years ago, The Council began with one classroom in Beirut and a belief that ambition should not be limited by geography. Today we prepare students, professionals and institutions to stand, and win, on the world’s stages.
- Countries
- 4
- Delegates
- 6,000+
- Years
- 12
Four things hold every program together.
Two
A method with a pedigree
Built on Harvard and John Maxwell certified leadership training. One framework, whether you are sixteen or leading a division.
Three
A bridge to the world
Twelve years of exchange programs at Harvard, Yale, Johns Hopkins and Georgetown, now extending to Oxford, Cambridge and Germany.
Four
Leadership for every chapter
From a student’s first debate to a chief executive’s next decision, every stage is taught, tested and recorded.
Raised by design.
Every Council program runs the same three stages.
Framework
Ten to thirty hours of structured instruction in negotiation, argument construction and public speaking, taught by certified faculty.
Pressure
Live simulation on committee floors, in boardrooms and on panels, where delegates are opposed and interrupted against the clock.
Record
Written evaluation against a fixed rubric, kept across programs, so progress is documented.
From the region to the world stage.
Where our delegates go next, from Beirut classrooms to the universities of the US and Europe.
Universities our delegates have gone on to
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Georgetown University
- UCLA
- American University of Beirut
- Lebanese American University
- McGill University
Taught by people who have done it.
Harvard and John Maxwell certified coaches, former US Department of State education advisers, and counselors with two decades inside the American admissions system.
Founder · Harvard & John Maxwell certified
Jihad Yaacoub
Founded The Council twelve years ago. Harvard and John Maxwell certified. Leads the academy’s delegations and exchange programs across the US and Europe.
Managing Partner
Takla Rahbani
Leads corporate and institutional engagements across the region.
Common questions.
How quickly will someone reply?
Every inquiry is answered by a person within one working day, and every application within two.
Does my child need any experience to start?
No. Most delegates arrive having never spoken in a committee. Groups are placed by experience level in week one, and the opening sessions assume no prior knowledge.
What does it cost?
Fees are shared on request within one working day. A limited number of partial places are available each intake. Mention it when you apply; it will not affect the decision.
Are programs delivered in Arabic?
Student sessions run in English because conferences do, with faculty explaining in Arabic or French where it helps. Corporate programs are delivered in English, Arabic or French, as you prefer.
Do you work outside Lebanon?
Yes. We deliver in Washington, Kuwait and Toronto as well as Beirut. Message us and we will connect you with the team covering your region.
Which exchange programs run in Europe?
From 2027, Council delegations travel to Oxford and Cambridge in the United Kingdom and to Germany. Dates, ages and fees appear on the Exchange Programs page as they are confirmed.
Is The Council affiliated with Harvard?
The Council is an independent leadership academy. Harvard Model United Nations and Harvard Model Congress are conferences run by Harvard student organizations. We prepare delegates for these conferences and take them there as a delegation. Members of our faculty hold Harvard certifications.
Where ambition finds its bearing.
Applications for 2027 are open. Harvard Model United Nations closes first.