Welcome to the Specialized Agencies!
The Specialized Agencies are unique committees that combine the intricacy of the General Assemblies with the creativity and innovation of the Crisis Committees. Specialized Agencies will require delegates to be highly familiar with the substantive context of their topic while being prepared for dynamic changes in the situations at hand. These committees encourage an approach to topics from different perspectives, as well as a collaborative and creative take to developing a stable path for the future.
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to the 42nd Ivy League Model United Nations Conference! My name is Julie Sidana, and I am honored to serve as an Under Secretary General of Specialized Committees and an Under Secretary General of ECOSOC. Our secretariat has put so much effort into creating an experience that not only fosters insightful and impactful debate, but also encourages connections between participants from all over the world. It is such a pleasure to have you all here for the forty-second iteration of this conference. On behalf of the entire secretariat, we eagerly look forward to the commencement of this exceptional conference.
A little bit about myself – I am a sophomore originally from Palo Alto, California. I study Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics at Penn. Outside of ILMUNC, I work at a nonprofit student research group building a rotating detonation rocket engine. I also love pilates, running, and going on walks. In my free time, I love checking out new restaurants and coffee shops in Philly, reading, and listening to country music. While I didn’t participate in MUN during high school, ILMUNC has allowed me to join such a vibrant and meaningful community that I am honored to be a part of.
I am excited to oversee the various committee discussions that will occur during this conference. Each committee has its own distinctive characteristics and presents a diverse range of issues and solutions to explore from a global perspective. Particularly in specialized committees and ECOSOC, delegates will have the chance to explore specific topics and areas of interest in greater depth. The topics of our committees will allow you to do a deep dive into a new perspective or challenge and I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
As we embark on this week's journey together, I want to encourage you to approach each topic with an open mind and a willingness to think critically. Whether you're a seasoned MUN (or ILMUNC!) veteran or a first-time delegate – we care about your unique perspective. Don't be afraid to speak up, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone or cordially disagreeing with your peers. I hope you will find this experience both enjoyable and enriching, as you not only hone your public speaking skills but also forge new, meaningful connections with your fellow delegates. We are looking forward to celebrating your accomplishments throughout the week and hope that you have a memorable experience here. Welcome to ILMUNC!
Warm regards,
Julie
Under Secretary-General of ECOSOC
The 42nd Ivy League Model United Nations Conference
DEAR DELEGATES,
I’m thrilled to welcome you to the 42nd Ivy League Model United Nations Conference. My name is Molly Lang, and as the Under-Secretary General of General Assemblies, I’m here to ensure you have an engaging and memorable experience. The team and I have been working diligently to make this year’s conference extraordinary, and we’re excited to see the discussions, debates, and innovative solutions that will emerge.
A bit about me—I’m a sophomore majoring in International Relations, originally from Silver Spring, Maryland. Outside of ILMUNC, I’m actively involved in Chi Omega and Penn Dems, which have given me opportunities to connect with inspiring peers and explore causes I care deeply about. In my free time, I love spending time with friends, exploring new places to eat, and reading a good book.
This conference is an incredible opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, collaborate across diverse perspectives, and develop creative solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Whether this is your very first Model UN experience or you’re a seasoned delegate, I promise that the skills you build and the perspectives you gain here will stay with you long after the weekend ends.
In my role, I look forward to facilitating the specialized committees, where you’ll have the chance to dive deeply into pressing global issues with nuance and sophistication. These sessions are designed to challenge you, sharpen your analytical abilities, and broaden your global outlook.
As we begin this weekend, I encourage you to bring an open mind, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to making the most of every moment. The world faces complex and urgent issues, and it’s your passion, creativity, and determination that will drive the thoughtful solutions we need. Alongside the hard work, I also hope you’ll take time to enjoy the journey—forge lasting friendships, make memories, and take in all that ILMUNC has to offer.
The Secretariat and I are ecstatic to see your dedication and brilliance in action at ILMUNC this year. It’s your energy, ideas, and leadership that make this conference one of the premier events in the Model United Nations community. I cannot wait to celebrate your achievements and the impactful discussions you will bring to life.
All the best,
Molly
Under Secretary-General of Specialized Agencies
The 42nd Ivy League Model United Nations Conference
Dear Delegates,
I’m so excited you’ll be joining us in Philadelphia for the 42nd iteration of the Ivy Model United Nations Conference! My name is Jesse Van Doren, and I’m one of ILMUNC’s Under Secretary Generals for Crisis and Specialized committees. Since the close of last year’s conference, our entire Secretariat has been working tirelessly to make ILMUNC XLII as welcoming, engaging, and intellectually stimulating as we always strive for it to be.
I hope to get the chance to speak with you all personally during conference, but here’s a quick introduction to me: I’m a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania studying Political Science and Environmental Science hoping to pursue a career in environmental law. I’m originally from Towson, MD (right outside of Baltimore), and was an avid MUN kid helping to plan my high school’s own conference and even competing at ILMUNC my senior year. While I love staying connected to the MUN community, I also spend my time in college competing on the Penn Mock Trial team, giving campus tours, writing for Penn’s student news paper, and researching coral reefs in a biology lab! When I’m not in class or club meetings, you can find me rock climbing, failing at spikeball, or caring for my dormroom betta fish.
Between committee sessions, exploring Philly, the delegate dance, and more, this will certainly be a fun and likely hectic weekend. Throughout it all, I want you to keep a core ILMUNC value in mind: respect. In our eyes, the most impressive delegates are those who arrive at conference full of great ideas yet still take a step back to listen to others. We especially value those who encourage their peers and actively work to ensure that everyone has a positive experience. Moreover, many of the issues you will be debating are of real importance and genuine significance. Keep this in mind as you engage in debate, and approach every topic with openness, thoughtfulness, and a spirit of constructive dialogue.
Oh– and please don’t forget to enjoy yourself! While ILMUNC is of course about gaining experience in diplomacy, the most rewarding part will likely be meeting passionate students from around the world. With that, I, along with the entire Secretariat, extend a heartfelt welcome to ILMUNC XLII. We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish this weekend!
Warm regards,
Jesse
Under Secretary-General, Crisis Simulations
The 42nd Ivy League Model United Nations Conference
