The VMUN 2025 Secretariat application is now open.

United Nations Environment Programme

The United Nations Environment Programme is an organization that convenes, facilitates, and provides scientific assessments, analyses, and projects in order to stimulate international policy responses. It partners with and leads major programmes such as REDD+ and the GEF. The UNEP is the lead body on climate change, sustainable development, biodiversity, environmental governance, harmful substances, and resource efficiency. Perhaps most notably, the UNEP has assisted in creating guidelines and treaties on issues such as the trade of harmful chemicals, transboundary air pollution, and contamination of international waterways.

This committee is designed for both beginners and experienced delegates alike. Position papers, although strongly recommended, are not required. However, delegates who wish to be considered for an award must submit their position papers by January 22nd, 2024, at 23:59 PT. More information about position papers can be found on page 3 of the Background Guide.

Topic A: Carbon Pricing (Click to show summary)

An economic tool used to reduce carbon emissions, carbon pricing aims to deter polluters from releasing harmful pollutants and helps incentivize more sustainable alternatives. Carbon pricing mechanisms mainly encompass carbon credits and carbon taxes. For example, carbon credits allow polluters that exceed permitted emissions levels to fund projects, such as reforestation, that reduce greenhouse gases in the air, while taxes aim to deter polluters from releasing large amounts of emissions. Many countries around the world have already adopted some form of carbon pricing as a way to address global warming.

Topic B: Sustainable Travelling (Click to show summary)

Sustainable travelling refers to travel that considers its economic, social, and environmental impacts, including addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities. Travelling unsustainably not only leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions but can also lead to overuse of water, degradation of natural habitats, and improper waste disposal; the tourism and transportation industries are responsible for approximately 8% and 28% of the world’s total carbon emissions each year. While the wellbeing of the environment is of utmost importance, it is also necessary to balance it with tourism and economic growth.



Audrey Chan

Audrey Chan | Director

A Grade 12 from Little Flower Academy, Audrey is incredibly honoured to serve at VMUN’s twenty-third iteration as the Director of the United Nations Environmental Programme. Despite tripping on a cord on her way to speak during her first conference at VMUN, all the unique, pivotal solutions she has crafted with her friends (old and new) have only inspired her passion for the multifaceted art of international affairs and diplomacy to continue evolving. Beyond Model UN, Audrey loves nothing more than inhaling ramen and bubble tea with her best friends, bawling over Korean dramas from midnight until dawn, and attempting to invent new pasta recipes. Audrey wishes delegates all the best in preparation for the conference. Moreover, she looks forward to a fruitful debate and all the indelible memories yet to be made.


Yeonsoo Lee

Yeonsoo Lee | Chair

Yeonsoo is a Grade 12 student at Crofton House School and is excited to serve as the Chair of the United Nations Environment Programme for VMUN 2024. Ever since she stepped into her first committee session three years ago, Yeonsoo has been captivated by the diplomatic yet fierce discourse that can only be found in the MUN universe. Additionally, MUN has inspired Yeonsoo to develop a keenness for international relations and public speaking. In her spare time, Yeonsoo can be found painting, struggling to make simple decisions, and staying up late eating. Yeonsoo believes that this iteration of VMUN will be a memorable experience and wishes all delegates a fun time!


Eddy Zhou

Eddy Zhou | Assistant Director

Going into his Grade 11 year at St. George’s School, Eddy is beyond excited to serve as Assistant Director for the UN Environmental Programme at VMUN 2024. Ever since his singular speech at VYMUN 2020, Eddy has been captivated by the intense discussions, double edged agreements, and unique resolutions that MUN has to offer. On top of all that, MUN offers Eddy a space to connect with others, and further develop his interest in international affairs and diplomacy. Outside of MUN, Eddy spends his time running around outside after frisbees and soccer balls, while also tediously balancing music, school, and the consumption of bibimbap. Eddy looks forward to a wonderful weekend and getting to make memories with all the amazing delegates.


You can contact the Director at unep@vmun.com. Any questions regarding the committee or its debate procedures will be answered by email. Position papers must also be submitted to this address.

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