Formed in 1974, the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers is a global forum that discusses the petroleum industry and seeks to identify best practices to improve health, safety, and the environment. With IOGP members producing over 40 percent of the world’s oil and gas, they represent the mainstream interest within the industry. IOGP also often cooperates with other UN bodies such as IMO and World Bank to accomplish their goals.
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 23:59 PST. More information about position papers can be found in the Position Paper Guide.
Topic A: Oil Spills (Click to show summary)
With the increasing societal need of oil, the process of oil extraction continues at a blistering pace, opening an opportunity for oil spills to cause irreparable ecologically and environmentally disasters. These oil spills often cause significant harm to wild and marine life—to the point where they can offset the natural balance of ecosystems and drive species to the brink of extinction. Offshore drilling operations have been at the forefront of the issue, releasing abnormally high toxic pollutants into the air and water. These, as well as many neglected drilling sites, continue to work with extremely limited government repercussions and instructions. Unfortunately, government mandated clean-up crews and volunteer groups, with outdated and ineffective procedures, have been tasked with cleaning up oil spills, leaving little impact. The international community must act to address the problem of oil spills as the situation continues to become more dire.
Topic B: Diversification to a Green Economy (Click to show summary)
As the consequences of climate change become increasingly prevalent, promoting sustainability is paramount. The world is currently looking to transition into an environmentally friendly economy, away from their current reliance on carbon-intensive industries. In particular, large corporations in energy production, transportation, and agriculture are gradually making their operations more green. Yet this process is not easy or cheap, making it of the utmost importance that the global community comes together to achieve and reach a consensus to their approach. Nations must look beyond their current framework and policies that incentivize green practices and environmental stewardship. Only when the fundamental components of an economy can work together to pivot their strategy to tackle environmentalism can the world advance towards net-zero emissions by the anticipated goal of 2050.
Yasmin Kahkesh | Director
As a Grade 11 student at Crofton House School, Yasmin is excited to be serving as the Director of IOGP at VMUN 2024. Having embarked on her MUN journey in grade 8, Yasmin began to develop a fascination for the passionate debate and camaraderie fostered at conferences, which led her to return time after time. Yasmin is looking forward to a committee filled with fruitful discussions, thought-provoking debates, and cherishable friendships. At this iteration of VMUN, Yasmin hopes to engage novice and experienced delegates in all that IOGP has to offer. Outside of the committee room, Yasmin can be found cafe-hopping with friends, studying, or travelling around the world. Yasmin wishes you the best of luck with preparations and looks forward to meeting you all at VMUN 2024!
Jessica Wang | Chair
A Grade 11 at Semiahmoo Secondary School, Jessica Wang is honored to serve as the Chair of IOGP for VMUN 2025. Having joined MUN as a timid 9th grader two years ago to learn more about international diplomacy and the way our world works, Jessica has grown to love the thrilling atmosphere and dynamic debate characteristic of conferences. Outside of MUN, Jessica loves to bake double chocolate chunk cookies, aggressively annotate any book she can get her hands on, and fall asleep to medical documentaries. Jessica hopes to provide delegates with the same thrilling, engaging, and enthralling MUN experience that first drew her into the world of MUN, and she is looking forward to meeting everyone and can’t wait to see where the debate goes during this VMUN weekend!
Wilson Li | Assistant Director
Currently studying at St. George’s school and entering his Grade 10 year, Wilson is delighted to serve as the Assistant Director of IOGP. Transferring to Canada from Taiwan just a year ago, Wilson felt nervous to start his MUN journey in Saints even though he had plenty of experience in his old school. Nevertheless, he dove straight into it, and went from an average speaker to an extremely passionate one after a few conferences. He has made numerous friends, witnessed great speakers, and enjoyed every second of MUN; and Wilson wishes to bring the joy and excitement MUN has given him to the delegate in his committee. Outside of MUN, you can find him rowing with his crew, playing volleyball, and listening to his favourite bands. Wilson is looking forward to a weekend of great discussion and can not wait to meet all the delegates!
You can contact the Director at iogp@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.