The World Health Organization was established in 1948 and is composed of 193 member states. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the organization’s role is to serve as the “authority for health within the United Nations system,” and to provide “leadership on global health matters.” Current objectives of the WHO are laid out in a Six-Point Agenda aimed at responding to the challenges of an “increasingly complex and rapidly changing landscape” of global public health. The points on the agenda are: (1) promoting development; (2) fostering health security; (3) strengthening health systems; (4) harnessing research, information and evidence; (5) enhancing partnerships; and (6) improving performance.
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 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: Strengthening Global Emergency Response Systems for Future Pandemics (Click to show summary)
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical fractures in global health security, highlighting severe inequities in vaccine distribution, fragmented early-warning surveillance, and supply chain vulnerabilities. As emerging zoonotic pathogens present continuous risks, the international community must modernize its collective emergency response infrastructure. Strengthening global systems requires updating the International Health Regulations, establishing binding mechanisms for equitable medical countermeasure sharing, and funding regional pathogen sequencing hubs. Furthermore, sustainable financing mechanisms are essential to support low-resource nations in building resilient public health networks. Addressing these challenges demands unprecedented multilateral cooperation, balancing national sovereignty with collective security to ensure the World Health Organization and Member States can rapidly detect, contain, and mitigate future health emergencies.
Topic B: Addressing the Global Shortage of Healthcare Workers (Click to show summary)
The World Health Organization projects a deficit of 10 million health workers by 2030, primarily affecting low- and lower-middle-income nations. This crisis is exacerbated by systemic burnout, underfunded domestic training programs, and aggressive international recruitment driving a severe “brain drain” from vulnerable health systems to high-income states. Without adequate clinical personnel, universal health coverage remains unattainable, leaving healthcare infrastructures fragile against routine diseases and public health emergencies. Member States must collaborate to strengthen the WHO Global Code of Practice on International Recruitment, formalize community health worker programs, and construct bilateral skills partnerships. Addressing this deficit requires aligning sovereign labor demands with global health equity to build a sustainable, resilient workforce worldwide.
Alice Zhu | Director
A junior at Crofton House School, Alice is thrilled to serve as the Director of the World Health Organization at VMUN 2027. With three years of Model UN experience under her belt, Alice has learned to read all kinds of handwriting and project her voice to reach the back of any committee room. A special place in her heart will forever be reserved for the diplomacy and connection that MUN has brought her. Whether seasoned or new, Alice hopes all delegates will seize the opportunities for diplomacy and friendship. Outside the committee room, Alice can be found preparing for speech tournaments, listening to her extensive music collection, and gaming. She looks forward to meeting all the delegates at VMUN 2027!
Bernice Ko | Chair
Entering her Grade 12 year at Vancouver Christian School, Bernice is overjoyed to serve as the Chair of WHO at VMUN 2027. Bernice’s MUN journey started in Grade 10 when she nervously represented Saudi Arabia. One raised placard turned into many, earning her a Best Diplomat award, which quickly grew into a lifelong passion, leading her to become president of her school’s MUN club. To Bernice, the joy of MUN lies in its unique ability to bring diverse minds together through creative problem-solving. Beyond MUN, you will likely find Bernice following current events on the Vancouver Sun and CBC while looping Gracie Abrams on Spotify, practicing her figure skating footwork and spins, or sharing a table at Big Way Hotpot with her friends. Bernice cannot wait to connect with all the delegates and foster a committee environment filled with meaningful, actionable debate.
Ethan Leung | Assistant Director
As a junior at Vancouver College, Ethan is delighted to serve as the Assistant Director for the World Health Organization at VMUN 2027. Ever since stuttering through his first MUN speech three years ago, Ethan has quickly developed a passion for Model UN, particularly enjoying the competitive and diplomatic aspects of it. Over the course of numerous conferences, MUN has fostered many great memories for Ethan, from dancing for @kpop_gavelhunters, to struggling to wake up after late nights of fun and eating Chipotle at every conference. He hopes to provide delegates with the same great experiences he had. Outside of the committee room, Ethan can be seen annoying his neighbours practicing the clarinet, playing sports with his friends, or mindlessly scrolling on his phone. Ethan wishes all delegates a fun weekend of passionate debate at VMUN 2027!
Gemma Shen | Assistant Director
A Grade 10 student at York House School, Gemma is delighted to serve as the Assistant Director at VMUN 2027! Entering MUN in the seventh grade, Gemma has grown to appreciate how formal diplomacy and dynamic debate work in tandem to create such memorable weekends. Since then, she has continued to pursue global diplomacy through impassioned speeches and, at times, chaotic bloc formation. Through these experiences, she has come to cherish the MUN community alongside the rigorous debate. Beyond committee walls, she can be spotted taking multitudes of photos with her camera, crafting to-do lists with great enthusiasm, and living a thousand lives on Roblox. Gemma looks forward to the 2027 iteration of VMUN and to welcoming all delegates!
You can contact the Director at who@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.