Organization of American States

Approximately 75 Delegates - Single Delegate
Topic A: Democratic Backsliding in the Americas
Topic B: Combating Transnational Organized Crime

Welcome to the Organization of American States (OAS) for ILMUNC XLII! In this committee, delegates will tackle two critical challenges facing the Americas: democratic backsliding and transnational organized crime. Participants will explore the erosion of democratic institutions, threats to civil liberties, and the rise of political instability, while also addressing the cross-border networks and criminal activities that undermine security and economic development. Through dialogue and collaboration, delegates will work to propose solutions that strengthen governance, uphold human rights, and enhance regional cooperation to promote stability and prosperity throughout the hemisphere.

Dear Delegates, 

My name is Corey Rudman and I will be serving as one of your chairs this weekend. I am incredibly excited to welcome you to ILMUNC this year, and am looking forward to all that will come out of this committee. A little bit about myself: I am a current Senior at the University of Pennsylvania, studying Political Science, with a focus in comparative politics, and American History. I am originally from Chicago, IL, and grew up in a downtown neighborhood of the city. I am a Vice Director of INTERCOL, or the University of Pennsylvania’s Model United Nations Competition Team. This will be my third year staffing ILMUNC, but I have competed and staffed Model UN conferences for eight years. I love to compete in JCCs, and anything fun and a tad outlandish, which I hope will be the atmosphere of this committee. Outside of Model UN I love to try new coffee shops in Philly, go to museums, and grab dinner with friends. 

We are very excited for the topic to be focused on the prevalent democratic backsliding occurring in the Americas, as well as the efforts to combat transnational organized crime. We hope this topic will inspire thoughtful and respectful debate, as well as cause you all to think outside the box. This is an issue that many political scientists have attempted to comprehend in recent years, thus, this topic is very incredibly interesting for me, and I hope for you as well. 

Pilar, Marta, and I are looking forward to welcoming you all to the City of Brotherly Love in the fall, and cannot wait to jump right into it! Please feel free to email either of us if you have any questions.

Corey Rudman 

Chair, Organization of American States

crudman@sas.upenn.edu

DEAR DELEGATES,

Welcome to ILMUNC XLII! My name is Pilar Wingle, and I am honored to be chairing this year’s Organization of American States (OAS) committee. Over the weekend, we will engage in spirited debate, develop creative yet pragmatic solutions, and work together to craft creative and innovative solutions to current issues and debates across the Americas. My Co-Chairs and I are committed to making this weekend both enjoyable and debate-filled. Having previously debated in mock OAS, my advice to you is to stay true to your assigned role, think critically yet realistically, and collaborate effectively with both allies and rivals. 

A bit about me: I’m a junior from Boston, MA, studying International Relations with minors in French and American Public Policy. I am particularly passionate about diplomacy and the role of the United States in Latin America and the broader Americas. My thesis is looking into the diplomatic relations between post-colonial states and their metropoles, which certainly ties to this committee as well. At Penn, I am a member of the Model U.N. team, where I met Corey, your co-chair, and I also serve as Chief of Conference Relations for the team. Outside of MUN and academics, I am President of the Club Water Polo team, love traveling (I was abroad in Paris last year), and enjoy exploring restaurants in Philly and beyond! 

I look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to Philadelphia! Please feel free to reach out via email if you have any questions about the committee or the topics. 

Pilar Wingle

Chair, Organization of American States

pwingle@sas.upenn.edu

Dear Delegates,

I am excited to welcome you to the Organization of American States of ILMUNC XLII! My name is Marta Zapata Escondrillas and I am eager to guide you through thought-provoking and impactful discussions on important issues pressing the world today. 

Democratic backsliding in the Americas threatens the stability and civil liberties of nations across the region. Coupled with the rise of transnational organized crime, these challenges pose serious risks to democratic institutions. As we explore these issues, it is essential to consider how international cooperation, foreign policy, and domestic legislation can help strengthen democratic resilience while effectively addressing organized criminal networks. These questions have far-reaching implications for the future of governance and regional security and I look forward to hearing your perspectives on how we can craft policies that uphold democratic values while confronting these complex transnational threats. 

A little bit about me, I am a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences double majoring in Economics and Political Science with minors in Legal Studies and History and European Studies. I am originally from Madrid, Spain but I moved to Miami, Florida when I was 7 years old. I joined my high school’s Model UN club my freshman year, and here at Penn, I have been involved in ILMUNC for the past 3 years. I am very excited for this year’s conference and hope that you all have an enriching experience! Outside of ILMUNC, I am in the Kite and Key Society, the tour guiding group at Penn, Wharton Latino, and Pi Sigma Alpha, The National Political Science Honor Society. I love traveling, playing sports, and hanging out with my friends. 

Corey, Pilar, and I are all looking forward to meeting you and working with you in committee! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Marta Zapata Escondrillas

Chair, Organization of American States

martazap@sas.upenn.edu