The United Nations Children’s Fund is an international organization that works to promote and protect the rights and well-being of children worldwide. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates under key principles outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. These objectives include: (1) Child Survival and Development; (2) Basic Education and Gender Equality; (3) HIV/AIDS; (4) Child Protection; and (5) Policy Advocacy and Partnerships. UNICEF approaches these goals through 20 different divisions including the UNICEF Division of Data Monitoring, the Emergency Response Team, international policy advocacy branches, and many more. The scope of UNICEF’s objectives has been far reaching, establishing involvement in over 190 countries and directly engaging with an estimated 7 million children worldwide.
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: Malnutrition and Food Insecurity (Click to show summary)
Malnutrition is defined as the deficiency or excess in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients, or impaired nutrient utilization. It can cause numerous health challenges and hinder development in children. Exacerbating this crisis is food insecurity that plagues countries worldwide and perpetuates the cycle of malnutrition, leaving a devastating impact on generations to come. The root causes of malnutrition and food insecurity are complex, stemming from war and conflict to climate change and poverty. Nevertheless, when such challenges associated with malnutrition and food insecurity arise, it leaves already fragile countries at risk of famine and mass starvation while hindering any rebuilding efforts.
Topic B: Access to Education (Click to show summary)
In many countries worldwide, the lack of access to education persists as a significant challenge and hinders both social and economic progress. The consequences of limited education are far-reaching: it can limit children’s potential, reduce social mobility, deepen economic divisions, and hamper a nation’s development. Many factors, such as economic disparities, inadequate infrastructure, cultural norms, and gender bias contribute to this issue. As this crisis continues to be left unaddressed, generations of children are left lost, deprived of essential skills and knowledge. Addressing these multifaceted challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach that involves governments, international organizations, and local communities working together to ensure equitable access to education, empowering future generations to break free from the shackles of poverty and inequality.
Caleb Jang | Director
Caleb Jang is a Grade 12 student at Stratford Hall IB School and is ecstatic to be serving as the Director for UNICEF at VMUN 2024! Ever since discovering Model UN as a shy eighth grader, Caleb’s passion for global affairs and diplomacy has blossomed. During these five years in Model UN, Caleb has created memories and friendships that he will cherish for a lifetime. From 2am crisis committees to countless Starbucks runs, Model UN has found a special place in Caleb’s heart. Outside of the conference room, Caleb can be found driving around Vancouver to catch sunsets and stargaze with friends, biking along the seawall, searching for new restaurants in Vancouver, or walking his dog. Caleb is excited to meet all of you and hopes to create an unforgettable experience.
Airah Virani | Chair
A Grade 12 student at Interlake High School, Airah Virani is overjoyed to be serving as your Chair of the UNICEF at VMUN this year! She has made memories and built friendships in this program which she will forever cherish and is eternally grateful to the incredibly welcoming MUN community for the opportunity to learn and grow over the last few years. Outside of MUN, Airah loves baking, playing soccer and piano, and endlessly complaining about the IB programme like many other students at her school. She also loves spending time on vibe calls and debating the use of Apple Music or Spotify with her fellow staff and Secretariat members. Airah cannot wait to see the excited delegates and vibrant debate at VMUN 2024 and hopes to help make the conference a memorable experience for all delegates!
Albert Guo | Assistant Director
Entering his fifth and final year of Model UN, Albert is honoured to be serving as the Assistant Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund at VMUN 2024. Stepping into his first committee session, he was overwhelmed by a world of placards and improvised one-minute speeches. Although he may have been forced into raising his placard a few times in that pivotal first conference, he grew to love the intricacies of debate and diplomacy. Albert is overwhelmingly grateful for the friendships, shared laughs, and positive experiences he has had at every conference. Outside of Model UN, Albert can be found obsessing over bikes, procrastinating over university applications, or going for a jog at his local park. No matter the stage they may be in their Model UN journey, Albert hopes that the experience of all delegates in this committee may be formative and engaging.
You can contact the Director at unicef@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.