The Organization of American States (OAS) is a regional union, founded in 1948, comprising nearly all states in the Americas. Originally created to combat communism in the Western Hemisphere, the OAS now promotes cooperation for four broad aims: achieve continental security, consolidate representative democracy, defend sovereignty, and protect human rights. Although the OAS struggles with political and financial crises within and between its member states, it remains a powerful multilateral tool that emphasizes collaboration.
This committee is specifically designed for intermediate and experienced delegates. 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 22, 2027, at 23:59 PST. More information about position papers can be found in the Position Paper Guide, on the Delegate Resources Page.
Topic A: Combatting Cross-Border Maritime Narcotrafficking (Click to show summary)
Cross-border maritime drug trafficking is one of the most critical security challenges in the global commons: economically, legally, strategically, socially, and humanitarianly. However, significant hurdles in securing open waters have emerged, demanding immediate international action. Rapid technological adaptations by cartels—such as semi-submersibles—alongside volatile geopolitical dynamics have turned international sea lanes into contentious zones, jeopardizing maritime order. At the same time, shifting trade flows and vast unmonitored coastlines have altered the effectiveness of traditional naval operations, intelligence sharing, and interdiction efforts. To respond to these evolving threats, coastal states and international bodies must engage in extensive multilateral cooperation to disrupt criminal networks and maintain the security of these vital trade corridors.
Topic B: Preventing Transnational Human Trafficking and the Exploitation of Minorities(Click to show summary)
Transnational human trafficking is one of the most pressing human rights crises in the modern world: socially, economically, legally, ethically, and humanely. However, persistent gaps in regional governance and border protection have presented themselves, demanding immediate global attention. Pervasive socioeconomic isolation and sudden displacement events have made vulnerable minority populations prime targets for predatory networks, jeopardizing fundamental human dignity and security. Conversely, shifting migration corridors and legal loopholes have hindered the effectiveness of conventional enforcement, victim protection, and humanitarian intervention. To respond to these systemic abuses, sovereign states and international organizations must engage in extensive cooperation to dismantle trafficking networks and uphold human rights across international borders.
Saoirse McDowell | Director
A Grade 11 student on Vancouver Island, Saoirse is thrilled to serve as your Director for the Organization of American States at Vancouver Model United Nations 2027. Since attending her first Model UN conference in Grade 7 as a nervous delegate, she has been captivated by the world of debate, diplomacy, and everything in between. Model UN has provided her with invaluable opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with incredible people from all walks of life. Beyond the committee room, Saoirse can often be found immersed in books, exploring new TV shows and movies to become emotionally invested in, or spending time over the phone with friends. She cannot wait to meet all the delegates and wishes everyone the very best on their journey to VMUN 2027!
Viki Herrera | Chair
As a struggling senior at Little Flower Academy, Viki is thrilled to serve as Chair of the American Organization of States at VMUN this year. Since giving her first, incredibly rushed speech two years ago, Viki has grown to love Model UN and all it encompasses. From hurriedly drafting directives to crafting idiotic speech hooks, there is not a committee session that goes by without leaving her both shocked and appalled by MUN’s engaging nature. In between conferences, she can be found winded while sparring at her taekwondo studio, procrastinating her latest chem assignment, or crashing out in Ticketmaster queues. She is looking forward to the weekend of debate, and wishes each delegate the best while preparing!
Kinjal Kaur | Assistant Director
A junior at Urban Academy, Kinjal is delighted to serve as the Assistant Director of the OAS at VMUN 2027. From attending her first conference in grade 8 and realizing she actually had to talk to other people, to being kicked out of Mao Zedong’s Cabinet for a false sabotage accusation – with an embarrassing first speech about red meat gone wrong somewhere in between – Kinjal has grown to love the chaotic memories and close friendships she has made in MUN over the past few years. Outside the committee room, she can be found binge-listening to Lana Del Rey, drafting the plan for her next overly ambitious side hustle, or doomscrolling through early 2000s rom-coms and dramas. Kinjal looks forward to meeting all delegates at VMUN 2027 and wishes them the best of luck in their preparation – she cannot wait for a weekend of chaotic, overly formal and caffeine-influenced debate!
You can contact the Director at oas@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.