Dear Delegates, Faculty Advisors, and Staff,

I am delighted to welcome you to the 32nd iteration of SSUNS! As the Undersecretary-General of Committee Affairs, I have been working hard alongside Rose Cioffi, the Deputy Undersecretary-General of GAs & ECOSOCs, Raphaëlle Muller-Feuga, the Deputy Undersecretary-General of Specialized Commitees, and Charlie Abbott, the Deputy Undersecretary-General of Crisis. Together we have crafted a diverse, innovative, and creative committee slate that we hope delegates will have an incredible time competing in.

In continuing with SSUNS’ commitment to diversity, inclusion, and education, this year we have topics spotlighting a large variety of regions from across the world, such as Prakash, Camera, Kriya!: India’s 70th Filmfare Awards, Old One, New Tricks: Côte d’Ivoire, Cabinet of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 1986, and the Forum of East Asia-Latin America Cooperation: Combating Organized Crime and Upholding Democratic Institutions. Additionally, whether delegates are interested in possible crises of the future or issues of the past, we have options for both, with the JCC Committee, The Sky is Not the Limit: SpaceX vs Blue Origin, 2030 and Cleo’s Chamber of Secrets: Cleopatra’s Ptolemaic Kingdom, 51-30 BC. Delegates will also be able to push the bounds of Model UN in committees like the ICJ or the Ad Hoc, both of which have unique Rules of Procedure and characteristics.

Furthermore, in both the GA/ECOSOC and Crisis portfolio, SSUNS offers beginner and advanced committees, this way whether it is your first conference or your fifth, there is a place for you to challenge yourself, step outside of your comfort zone, and develop your knowledge about various educational topics. The Specialized Agency portfolio has also worked to innovate what specialized committees look like on the model UN circuit, this year offering committees with a wider range of the level of crisis elements delegates can expect; committees will range from a low to high level. Overall, our goal is that every delegate feels inspired and that there is a place for them within the committees at SSUNS.   

I truly believe that SSUNS offers a unique experience for students to learn about complex issues and events which they may have little or no previous knowledge of. Additionally, it is an incredible opportunity to develop public speaking, debate, and collaboration skills as well as build your confidence in yourself. I am honoured to be part of a Secretariat that is so committed to inclusivity, equity, and accessibility, and is dedicated to hosting a conference that makes students feel welcome, inspired, and challenged. I hope you enjoy the important debates which you all will be engaging in, and that you walk away from SSUNS with new knowledge and skills, the confidence to pursue your goals, and of course, fond memories!  

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or one of my amazing deputies!

Cheers,

Ayisha Hilal 

Undersecretary-General of Committee Affairs, SSUNS 2024, 

committees@ssuns.org