Committees

Dear Delegates, 

The year is 235 CE, and the once unstoppable Roman Empire is on the verge of collapse. Its borders extend from Gaul to Carthage to Persia, a weak emperor acts upon the whims of his mother and grandmother, and the economy can no longer support the costs of defense. It is up to you, the most prominent generals of the Roman army, to determine the fate of the Empire, the future of its inhabitants, and the very structure of political life that has characterized the Empire since its inception. How will you address the incompetence of Emperor Alexander Severus? How will you protect the borders of the Empire? How will you keep the greed of your subordinates in check? How will you ensure that the economy can support the demands of a vast and already restless population? As the bearers of the true power of the Empire, you will work together to address these issues and many more in order to secure a future for Rome. 

This committee will attempt to paint an accurate picture of the complexities of politics that characterized the Crisis of the Third Century and that also play an important role in the world’s present politics. This era of history had an unprecedented impact on how we understand the role of government, the power of militaries, and the concepts of borders today. As such, delegates are encouraged to treat these issues seriously and to create unique, pragmatic, and lasting solutions to the problems you will face over the course of the conference. This committee will operate using the double notepad system. Please feel free to reach out to me via email with any questions or concerns as you prepare for the conference. 

Best,

MK Healy

Crisis Director

mary.kathryn.healy@emory.edu

MK is a current Senior majoring in International Studies and Arabic. She has been involved in Model UN since high school, and has travelled as a delegate for three years and served as the Chair for the Egyptian Mythology Committee for MUNE VI. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, reading, and drinking tea. She looks forward to engaging in Roman History again after spending her time at Emory focusing on contemporary politics. 

DISCLAIMER: The understandably sensitive nature of anything that involves the Arab-Israeli conflict should not prevent us from having a frank and serious dialogue on the causes, nature, and circumstances surrounding this nearly century old issue. That being said, MUNE VIII will not be the place for hostilities that such a discussion could encourage. As mature scholars and delegates, we are allowed to interact with these topics without things getting ugly. There will be overly patriotic and nationalist lines and phrases being used by representatives of both sides throughout the committee for satirical purposes. This is not a denouncement of Arab or Israeli nationalism, but it is in hopes that the over-the-top and hyperbolic displays of jingoist attitudes might make the committee not only more palpable but also enjoyable.In the end, if Arabs and Jews could get together to plan and run this committee for you, then surely you can too.

Dear Delegates,

Merely moments ago, our valiant army has crossed the Suez Canal and eliminated all Israeli forces from the Barlev line. For the first time in the 6 years since the infamous Setback (6 Day War), the flag of the Arab Republic of Egypt flies over a portion of the Sinai peninsula. However, the task is not yet completed, and President Anwar Al Sadat, the Hero of the Crossing, has convened his top ministers and generals together to ensure that the total liberation of the Sinai Peninsula is seen through, and the honor of the Egyptian people redeemed. However, war is not the only issue that weighs on the hefty agenda of the committee. The war effort must be secured on the homefront, and solutions need to be devised to address the growing Communist presence in the universities, the expansion of the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist elements, the sluggish Nasserist economy. While the success of the Operation Badr crossing has won him some prestige, the legitimacy of the Sadat presidency is shaky at best, most seeing him as a shadow of Nasser’s former glory. Acting as a backdrop to all this instability and war is the tried and true cold war rivalry between the USA and the USSR. Will Egypt and Israel reach the historic peace deal as it did in our world? Or will the war in the Sinai desert result in Atomic fire reducing the Earth to ash?

This Committee will help educate and simulate the tragedy of the Arab Israeli conflict, particularly highlighting a chapter of a long and bloody saga that is nearly absent from the American conscience despite it nearly ending in nuclear war, and being one of the most critical formal wars in the region's history. The greater moral of this committee is to stress upon the wicked nature of war and the oftentimes inconceivable human cost that these bloody conflicts inflict. This committee will be operating on the traditional two pad system, but will use a custom modification of the popular grand strategy game “Hearts of Iron 4” to more objectively simulate the ongoing war and changing borders between Egypt and Israel. Feel free to send me an email for any questions and concerns.

Much Love,

Jasser Ahmed

Crisis Director 

jasser.ahmed@emory.edu

Jasser is a sophomore at Oxford College studying Political Science and Economics. Hittin da fye MUN scene his freshman as a staffer for the Crisis in China committee in MUNE VII. Born in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, he moved to the peachy keen state of Georgia in his childhood. Reading up on history, philosophy, and theology as well as discussing it with his homies is how this young chap spends his days.

Dear Delegates,

The year is 2020 and the Syrian Civil War has dragged on for the past nine years. The economy is in shambles, devastated from years of conflict and destruction. ISIS has been effectively destroyed, but the Kurds remain entrenched in northeast Syria and rebel-jihadist remnants continue to hold out in Idlib province. Regional and global powers intervene unchecked across Syria. Yet with most of the country back under his control, Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad has decided to launch a final push to end the war and begin the process of rebuilding the country. Al-Assad has convened his cabinet, the Council of Ministers, to help solve the pressing challenges that lie ahead. Will Syria emerge from the civil war stronger and more united? Or will it collapse into chaos and more violence? This committee will operate using the double pad system. If you have any questions about the committee, do not hesitate to email me. Looking forward to meeting you all at MUNE VIII!

Sincerely,

Noah Roos

Crisis Director

noah.roos@emory.edu   

Noah Roos is a senior from Bethesda, MD studying History. He previously served as the Assistant Crisis Director for the Politburo of the Soviet Union (1985) committee at MUNE VII. Outside of Model UN, you can find Noah hanging out at his frat house, listening to throwback music, or reminiscing about study abroad (and the beer!) in Dublin. A fun fact about Noah is he is flexible enough to put his foot behind his head.  

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey world of Doctor Who. In a shocking twist, the Doctor has been trapped in the Pandorica by an alliance of his worst enemies. The Cybermen, the Daleks, and the Nestene Consciousness make up a formidable group of foes. They managed to defeat the Doctor after all. Tasha Lem has sent out a call across space and time to summon friends of the Doctor. Delegates must figure out how to work together to rescue the Doctor from this predicament and save the universe from decimation in the process. With the TARDIS at their disposal, delegates must decide how to navigate the consequences of time travel, interactions with a variety of alien species, and the ever-looming threat of Dalek domination. Will the Daleks responding to diplomacy and bargaining? Are there already enemies among you? Who can really be trusted? It’s up to you to save the Doctor, help him make the universe a better place, and try not to get stuck in history in the process. Anything could happen in this committee. Be prepared to challenge the limits of your creativity. We will be using the double notepad system. Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns.

Best,

China Dennington

Crisis Director

china.grace.dennington@emory.edu

China is currently a sophomore studying History. She calls Phoenix, AZ home, but loves exploring new places, both real and fictional. As an author who has published two books, she appreciates creativity and how a little bit of imagination can go a long way. Doctor Who holds a special place in her heart along with Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate, and pretty much anything with “star” in the title. In addition to being involved with the Emory International Relations Association, she hosts her own 70s radio show on WMRE and is a trip leader for Volunteer Emory. 

Dear Delegates,

We cannot deny the truth, it has been a difficult year for our movement. The Red Legion has separated itself from us, we have no current, true allies in the rim, and though our leadership is once more together it is certainly weakened. Since the disaster at Darrow’s conquering we have been whittled down to our current strength. In order to survive we must act quickly and decisively. Our military arm and our diplomatic abilities will once again be tested.

However, the military might of the society is not the only challenge we face. The growing refugee crisis in Tinos is a pressing matter, especially the extrajudicial justice against Gammas. Furthermore, the Red Legion is causing mass destruction and optics damage to our movement. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we must think of all those still enslaved and oppressed amongst all other human planets and colonies. The challenges are great. The risk of failure greater. With the Rising in your hands there is still light in the Societal darkness and our people may yet be saved.

My name is Emilio De la Mora Contreras and it is with the utmost pleasure that I get to serve as your Crisis Director for this year’s JCC. I welcome you to this moment and look forward to the action. Please feel free to email me with any questions you have.

All the best,

Emilio De la Mora

Crisis Director

emilio.de.la.mora.contreras@emory.edu

Emilio is a junior from Peachtree City Georgia, though originally from Mexico City. He is working towards a double major in political science and business. Emilio has long been involved in EIRA/OIRA and MUNE serving as junior head delegate and then head delegate for OIRA as well as co-chair for a FIFA committee and CD for Corruption Commotion: The Fate of the Mexican Nation. He enjoys constantly listening to music, writing, going to Atlanta United games, and watching Star Wars lore on Youtube. Emilio loves eating and will probably say yes and thank you if you offer him a snack. He is looking forward to another MUNE experience and cannot wait for the starting date to roll around.

Dear Delegates,

My name is Ana-Natalia and it’s my pleasure to be serving as your crisis director for the public health crisis committee this year! This committee will begin in 1987 and last until about 1991. Each delegate will be representing an AIDS or gay rights activist heavily involved in the activist efforts of this time period in New York City. The crisis room will act as the government, NIH, CDC, and the numerous sects of political opposition to the goals of the activists. This committee will thus be focused on navigating grassroots activist groups amidst a very divided political landscape and the ever-growing incidence rates of AIDS in the late 80s and early 90s. Delegates will be pioneering a new era of grassroots activism in public health that historically changed the way the FDA and NIH organizes drug trials and handles experimental medication.

The main issue between members of this committee will be navigating the politics and power struggles within competing activists groups. Though everyone wants to find a cure for AIDS, many activists have very different ways of protesting, different opinions on how to handle political opposition, and varying opinions on the movement’s priorities. Your challenge as a committee will be to navigate these issues by working as a group to achieve your goals. An important consideration I would like delegates to keep in mind is the delicacy of the subject matter. Delegates are expected to remain professional and respectful of the fact that this epidemic is still around today affecting millions of people worldwide. That being said, I want this committee to be lively and entertaining and am excited to see the creative ways delegates go about leading this movement. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns, or for a list of my recommended committee-related movies and podcasts to kick off your research! 

Sincerely, 

Ana-Natalia Epstein 

Crisis Director 

ana-natalia.epstein@emory.edu

Ana-Natalia is a sophomore from Boston, Massachusetts, interested in public health law and policy. She served as one of Oxford College’s semester head delegates this past fall and as vice-chair for the Wall Street crisis committee at MUNE VII. She’s very excited to serve as your crisis director this year! Outside of academics, Ana-Natalia enjoys singing in an a-capella group on campus, losing her glasses before exams, and watching Ken Burns documentaries. 

Dear Delegates,

In the Italian Unification Situazione, delegates have the opportunity to represent regional leaders, movers, and individuals each with a selected set of powers and resources. Modeled after the true history of what is now Italy, we’re thrown back to a time where your region was your identity. A time where your neighbor across the river spoke an entirely different dialect than you, yet you were each brought together by your common history of the Ancient Roman Empire. 

Together, we’re going to explore how over 20 regions going commonality enough to create one country: Italy. Even though history dictates a peaceful ending, with one country, I expect there to be many bumps along the way. Wars, Austrians, Friulani, anarchici, and lots of food. The committee will operate with a double-pad system for crisis notes. I recognize the complicated situation this committee presents, both in terms of its topic, what happened historically, and its structure. Hence, I'm happy to answer any questions you may have via email.

Thanks! 

Valerie Cella

Crisis Director

valerie.cella@emory.edu

Hi everyone! I’d like to welcome everyone to MUNE this year! I’m really excited to delve into the era of the Italian unification as the Italian culture is near to my heart. I’m a second generation American, so Italian way of life has always been apart of my life. Gnocchi, polenta, panciotti, family values, all of it, has been second nature to me. I’m a foodie (partly because of my upbringing, partly because who could ever say no to the never ending food at my house). Also, outside of my identity as part of my culture, I’m an athletic person, always liking something new and exciting, an ardent sorority girl, and am invested in the study and implications of health policy. Can’t wait to see you all soon! Excited for one great country! Viva Italia!

Dear Delegates, 

I am Anjelica Abraham and I am extremely excited to be your crisis director for this fantasy based committee. The committee starts in June of 2016 after the attempted signing of the Sokovia Accords ended with the assination of our beloved King T’Chaka. Wakanda is a country with a rich history but has continuously remained uninvolved in global conflicts. However, infront of the world our country was thrown into turmoil because without our leader and protector, the Black Panther, Wakanda is susceptible to many attacks. The Black Panther is the single most important person in our nation. Wakanda is a nation that is survived for centuries by remaining hidden from the rest of the world.  While the rest of the world may not know our truth we have remained keenly aware of the actions of other nations. As a committee of advisors to the former king consisting of  military, political, royal, and scientific leaders it is your job to decided what the next move for Wakanda should be, including a potential corronation of a new King. 

Wakanda is a nation with struggles like any other but unlike other nations we have sole access to the magical element of Vibranium. Vibranium is what has allowed us to develop our advanced way of life and without it we are nothing. As we have seen in the past many will do anything to get their hands on our cache of Vibranium, and it is our job to protect not only our people but our way of life. 

If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

Wakanda Forever, 

Anjelica Abraham 

Crisis Director

anjelica.abraham@emory.edu

Anjelica is a junior from West Palm Beach, Florida, studying sociology and religion. She has been an active member of Emory International Relations Association (EIRA) since her sophomore year; she was the ACD for the Wall Street crisis committee at MUNE VII and a member of the travel team. She is very excited to be given the opportunity to be a crisis director this year especially on a topic that lets her live her best comic book nerd life. In her free time she is an avid netflix binger and loves to cook and throw parties so definitely come say hi. 

Dear Delegates,

The Soviet Union’s most fatal and irresponsible mistake is ready to take life in a MUN committee. This year’s 24-hour committee in MUNE is based on the story of the 1986 nuclear accident, one of the worst man-made catastrophes in history — and of the sacrifices made to *try* to save Europe from unimaginable disaster —Chernobyl. The handling of the accident by the Soviet Union government involved many terrible mistakes. You as delegates will aim to respond to the crisis of the nuclear accident in the short term, fix the gaping hole it has left in the government, and protect the rest of the civilians of your nation. 

This committee brings back a brand new edition of MUNE’s 24-hour Committee experience, a tradition that pushed the boundaries of MUN beyond anything ever seen. Delegates will be challenged to participate in debate for 24 hours under a separate schedule to complete the crisis. Its time-sensitive component will engage delegates in extensive and intensive debate that will redefine the way crisis is approached and handled. It is the delegate’s job to understand the context and urgency of the problem and be ready to tackle a range of crisis, emergencies, debates, and high-level updates at a unique pace that will challenge them to collaborate, strategize, and act in the most creative ways. 

Due to the nature of the topic, the CD’s are very aware of the sensitivity and will ensure a safe space for debate and collaboration. Delegates are expected to act accordingly and be sensitive to the topic and opinions, addressing the debate in the most respectful way. Moreover, due to the 24-hour component, MUNE VIII will release a separate application for delegates who wish to participate in this committee. Lastly, the CD’s are known as the power couple in the EIRA family, the matriarch and patriarch of long dynasties that will work together one last time to bring forward the most exciting and challenging committee the MUN circuit has ever seen. It is their wish to create the best experience for staff and delegates and to deliver a unique committee to all.  Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns about this committee.

Brace yourselves.

Best,

The Power Duo;

Carlos Gutierrez Aza

carlos.gutierrez.aza@emory.edu

Madhumitha Baby Kumar 

madhumitha.baby.kumar@emory.edu

Carlos is a senior in the Business school majoring in Strategy Management and Film Studies in the College, originally from Venezuela and Peru. A powerful matriarch in his own right, he has been an active and passionate member of EIRA and MUNE since his first year, serving as Head Delegate, Co-Chair for the Woodstock Committee, Crisis Director for the groundbreaking Spanish Reconquest Committee, and MUNE VII’s stellar Chief of Staff. In his very little free time, he likes exploring the ATL food scene, taking photographs, and preparing to be a PTA mom. He is thrilled to go on one last adventure at MUNE with this ambitious 24-hour committee, alongside his work husband Madhu; an iconic duo that will push the boundaries of MUNE.

Madhu is from Mysore, India, and is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Mathematics and Political Science. She has been living, breathing, and eating MUN since high school and has seen almost every aspect of it - as Head Delegate, Chair of MUNE VII’s Ad-Hoc JCC, Under-Secretary-General of MUNE VI, all the way back to being a youngin in EIRA. She has a soft space for niche committees involving superheroes and time-traveling and is excited to travel one last year to try out more. When she’s not at EIRA, she likes criticizing local Indian food and hosting 30-second dance parties in her room. She is thrilled to go on one last adventure at MUNE with this ambitious 24-hour committee, alongside his work wife Carlos; an iconic duo that will push the boundaries of MUNE.

Dear Delegates,

I am Mariam Hassoun, your crisis director for MUNE VIII’s Ad-Hoc Committee of the Secretary General. I am a senior majoring in political science and interdisciplinary studies at Emory University. Throughout my college experience, I have lived, breathed, and bled Model UN. I have served in multiple roles for Model United Nations at Emory (MUNE): assistant crisis director of the Woodstock in 2017, crisis director of Dawn of Egypt in 2018, and undersecretary general in 2019. I am currently serving as year-long head delegate for the Emory’s travel team. Among my more serious interests are service, community building, social justice, education, and international affairs. With my friends and family, I love making spotify playlists, visiting art museums, and travelling.

In my studies of political science and my participation in Model United Nations, I find the current status of national and international dialogue disheartening. I hope this committee will allow delegates a do-over. ​This committee asks for a revolutionary mindset, cooperative attitude, and political prowess. What would you change about humanity? The course of history? The committee will be dynamic in the sense that we will work with exactly the world that delegates create. Delegates, it is up to you. I am looking forward to your creativity and ingenuity at MUNE.

Peace,

Mariam Hassoun

Crisis Director

mariam.hassoun@emory.edu

Mariam Hassoun is a senior majoring in Political Science and Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus English medium instruction’s role in global development. Although born in Auckland, New Zealand to two Iraqi parents, she calls New York City and Huntsville, Alabama home. A lover of learning, Mariam is studying English medium instruction policy and ethical global development for her senior honors thesis. In her experiences at the Boston Consulting Group, ACLU, Oxford Service Corps, and Model United Nations, she has worked as an advocate for education, equality, and civic engagement. As the founder of Baraka English School in Baghdad, Iraq, she has taken her passions and experience to provide access to a quality education for orphans. She is passionate about service, community building, social justice, and international affairs. With her friends and family, she loves making Spotify playlists, visiting art museums, and traveling. 

Sarah Kassabian is a senior majoring in Sociology and Political Science. She is from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was the Secretary-General of MUNE VII last year. Outside of MUN, she enjoys competing on Emory’s Equestrian Team. 

Dear Delegates, 

In 1982, General Policarpo Paz Garcia decided to hand over power to civilians in Honduras. A notorious National Constituent Assembly was called, giving birth to the contemporary democratic era in Honduras. Ever since, the Central American country has been plagued with social inequality, constant political instability, an ousted president and ever-lasting attempts by presidents to seize power for themselves. In 2017, President Hernandez won his re-election campaign in what is alleged a massie fraud by the opposition. This has led to two years of continuous socio-political instability, a legitimacy crisis and the government’s inability to govern an outraged constituency. On top of this, the President has been named as a co-conspirator by the Southern District of New York in a drug-trafficking case against his brother. 

The aggregation of these factors has caught the eye of the OAS. Secretary-General Luis Almagro, who has supported the Hernandez regime, has achieved something vital: a vinculating dialogue between government officials, opposition leaders and civil society. The purpose of this Special Mission is to reach a consensus on the issues that have kept Honduras from developing into a prosperous nation. The two topics at hand will be re-election, which is prohibited explicitly by the constitution; and the strengthening of Honduran institutions. 

My name is Juan Pablo Sabillon, I am from Honduras, and it will be an honor to host you in this dialogue for the betterment of my country. I cannot wait to hear your insightful proposals and witness a heated debate between all parties involved in the Honduran crisis. Please make sure to reach out with any questions, comments or concerns. I promise you a fascinating weekend filled with Honduran culture and politics. 

Viva Honduras! Viva Honduras! Viva Honduras! 

Juan Pablo Sabillon

Chair

jsabill@emory.edu 

Juan Pablo is a senior from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, studying Political Science and Business Administration. He has been devoted to EIRA and MUNE since he was a first year student, traveling every semester and serving as a Chair in the Soviet Cabinet, the Twitter Committee and as one of the USG’s in MUNE VII. He will talk politics 24/7, except when he is watching the Boston Celtics, Chelsea Football Club, or the Honduran National Football (soccer) team. MUNE and EIRA are close to his heart, and he hopes to meet amazing delegates from around the country in what will be his last year in his MUN career. 

Dear Delegates,

For the first time in MUNE's history, we are excited to finally be simulating the United Nations Security Council, the only organ in the UN that can pass binding resolutions for all its member-states under Article 25 of the Charter. From peacekeeping operations to the representation of women in conflict resolution, the SC, since the creation of the organization, has had as its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security. The Council takes the lead in identifying threats to the safety of the international community, and its first action is usually to recommend that the parties reach an agreement by peaceful means. Nonetheless, in many cases, as it pertains necessary, the SC undertakes investigation and further measures to mediate the conflict. Furthermore, it can dispatch a mission, appoint special envoys, or request the Secretary-General to use his good offices. It will be imperative for every delegation to study Chapter VII carefully, establishing the enforcement mechanisms for extreme conflicts. 

Our simulation will not be equivalent to that of a General Assembly or an ECOSOC. Yet, the parliamentary procedure will run similar to a small GA-styled committee, but with potential emergencies (crisis updates) that will require extensive knowledge of the delegation's foreign policy. The topic will be the South China Sea dispute. Considering that 5 of its Members are permanent and have the power of veto, the Chair will be expecting a high level of negotiation and diplomacy skills to pass all resolutions. 

Both of us have simulated multiple SCs in the past. Since this is our all-time favorite committee and organ of the UN, we hope that you come very prepared to debate these issues taking into account past actions and current events! If you have any questions about anything regarding the committee, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Best, 

Aditya Govindraj

Co-Chair

aditya.govindraj@emory.edu

Wendy Avilés

Co-Chair

wendy.stephany.aviles@emory.edu

Aditya Govindraj is a junior in the business school from Bangalore, India, majoring in Finance. He has been involved in Model UN, particularly simulating the GA and SC, since his high school years. At Emory, Aditya has chaired two Crisis Committees in the past MUNE Conferences, and has been present in the college circuit as well traveling to multiple MUNs. 

Wendy Avilés is a sophomore from the Dominican Republic, majoring in International Studies and Linguistics. MUN became a lifestyle for her since the beginning of high school. At Emory, she served as the Chair of China in the 21st Century Crisis Committee for MUNE VII, and is currently MUNE VIII's USG of Media & Design. Wendy is also an official volunteer for the United Nations Association of the Dominican Republic (UNA-DR), in which she collaborates with UN and EU-related workshops, summer programs, leadership and Model UN conferences. Some of her other passions include having political rants in her social media stories or Twitter, taking photos, writing poetry, and listening rock.