Founded in 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organization is the oldest Specialized Agency of the United Nations. Tasked with addressing food security and resolving world hunger, the FAO primarily focuses on the agricultural aspects of the issue, including the committee often relies on research, technical assistant programs, and training projects to solve forestry, fishing, and natural resources problems.
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 21, 2025, at 11:59 pm. More information about position papers can be found in the Position Paper Guide.
Topic A: Genetically-Modified Organisms (Click to show summary)
Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMOs) are plants or animals engineered by scientists to express desirable traits such as pest resistance and enhanced nutritional value, offering a new opportunity to promote food security and agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability. However, their use is subject to contentious debate due to the environmental and safety risks they may pose, requiring careful evaluations and strong regulations. In addition, economic challenges attributed to corporate dominance over the genetically modified seed market have further constrained the market. Thereby, countries have expressed varying opinions on GMOs, and regulations for these organisms differ drastically from state to state. This poses a significant risk to international markets, and it is the responsibility of the committee to address the risks of GMOs to avert future disaster. As biotechnology continues to advance along with a volatile climate, this method to secure the safety and abundance of food is one of the great challenges of the 21st century.
Topic B: Environmental Impacts of Livestock (Click to show summary)
Livestock contributes significantly to environmental degradation by consuming substantial shares of global resources and emitting vast amounts of greenhouse gases. The dramatic harms of their impact to air quality, land, soil, water, and biodiversity constitute a major hurdle to international climate action. Damaging practices such as overconsumption are often subject to poor management on livestock farms, exacerbating the harms. Alongside this, governments frequently prioritize economic interests over environmental consciousness and further expand agriculture industries without taking proper safety measures. By leaving a large footprint on the environment, livestock not only undermine the sustainability of agriculture overall but also perpetuates unsustainable practices in the food sector. Hence, the transition to greener livestock systems is a dire need, especially as the demand for animal products grows. However,
such a process faces significant contention on the international stage in the face of growing consumer on one hand cultures and food insecurity on another. Therefore, it is critical that the committee address the varying perspectives on this pressing issue and secure both environmental and economic aims.
Yihang Li | Director
Currently a Grade 11 at Dover Bay Secondary School, Yihang is honoured to be serving as the Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization at VMUN 2025. Ever since stumbling upon her first conference in grade 7, where she delivered a few rushed and barely audible sentences over Zoom, Yihang has cultivated a profound passion for the world of debate and diplomacy. MUN has left her with a plethora of unparalleled experiences, from fervent table knocking to late-night resolution writing to lasting friendship building. Outside of the committee room, Yihang can be found indulging in long strolls at the beach, delving into the latest scientific breakthroughs, and losing her voice while attempting to sing along to her Spotify playlist. Yihang is looking forward to connecting with delegates and witnessing a weekend of vibrant discussions!
Jonathan Zu | Chair
A current Grade 11 at Archbishop Carney, Jonathan is honoured to serve as Chair of the Food and Agriculture Organization. Jonathan entered his first MUN conference (virtually) as an eager eighth grader, unsure of what to do and rambling whenever he could. Throughout his time engaged in the MUN circuit, Jonathan has grown a passion for diplomacy and learned to be as open minded as possible. After four years in the debate space, Jonathan is beyond excited to help foster a memorable weekend of diplomacy while educating delegates on important current affairs. Outside of MUN, Jonathan loves to hang out with friends, eat hotpot, ski in the winter, and travel in the summer. He is looking forward to meeting you all and listening to your fierce debates at VMUN 2025!
Vincent Zhao | Assistant Director
As a Grade 10 student from St. George’s Senior School, Vincent is beyond thrilled to be serving as the Assistant Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization. Ever since nervously stepping into an in-school Model UN committee in seventh grade and only delivering one speech throughout the entire day, he has since been captivated by the intense yet fascinating world of political discourse and international relations. From passionate debates early in the morning to spending time with friends in the vibrant city at night, Model UN has become an integral part of Vincent’s high school experience. Apart from Model UN, Vincent can be found playing badminton at school during lunch, watching sports with friends, and self-studying topics in STEM. Vincent looks forward to another year of invigorating debate and wishes all delegates the best of luck.
You can contact the Director at fao@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.