United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
Approximately 70 Delegations - Double Delegate
Topic A: Sovereign Debt Relief for Developing Countries
Topic B: Supporting the AfCFTA
Welcome to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for ILMUNC XLII! In this committee, delegates will address two pressing issues shaping global economic equity: sovereign debt relief for developing countries and support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Both topics highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by developing economies in pursuing sustainable growth amid global financial pressures. Delegates will examine questions of debt restructuring, fair trade, and regional integration, while considering how international cooperation can promote economic independence and long-term development. Through negotiation and innovative policy design, delegates will work toward building a more just and resilient global economy.
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to ILMUNC XLII! My name is Tova Niles. I am honored to be chairing this year’s committee on UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). 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.
Sovereign debt relief enables developing countries to redirect limited resources from debt servicing toward essential investments in health, education, and infrastructure, fostering economic resilience. Supporting the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) has the potential to unlock intra-African trade, accelerate growth, and strengthen Africa’s position in the global economy through greater regional integration and market access.
To introduce myself, I am a Sophomore studying International Relations and Hispanic Studies. I am from Potomac, Maryland, and spent this summer in Santiago, Chile and La Paz, Bolivia. I am particularly interested in Latin American politics, a sphere that grapples with many of the environmental and economic issues we will discuss in this committee. At Penn, I help plan the collegiate conference, UPMUNC, and am a member of the competitive Model UN team. I love thrifting and upcycling clothes in my free time!
I look forward to meeting you all and welcoming you to Philadelphia! Please feel free to reach out via email if you have any questions about the committee or its topics.
Sincerely,
Tova Niles
Chair, UN Conference on Trade and Development
teniles@sas.upenn.edu
Dear Delegates,
First off, I would like to welcome you to ILMUNC XLII! My name is Anna Maria Flausino, and I will be one of your chairs for UNCTAD. Your chairs and staff are beyond excited about this conference and look forward to the robust discussions we will have on this committee.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established in 1964 as a permanent body of the UN General Assembly to promote inclusive and sustainable development through trade, investment, and technology. As a forum that bridges the gap between developed and developing nations, UNCTAD works to ensure that global economic growth translates into equitable opportunities for all countries. It provides policy analysis, facilitates negotiations, and supports capacity-building efforts aimed at integrating developing economies into the global trading system. The committee’s overarching goal is to create a fairer international economic order, one that enables nations to harness trade and investment as engines for development, reduce structural inequalities, and achieve the broader objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The topics discussed in this committee are incredibly complex and will require a thorough analysis of the various layers these issues entail. I suggest delving into the root of the problem by making connections between past and possible solutions. How can this committee make a substantial difference?
Regarding the background information of your chair: I am a Philadelphia native and a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, studying International Relations with minors in European and Latin American studies, on a pre-law track. I am co-director of the Academic Affairs branch of the International Affairs Association (IAA), community outreach chair of the Pre-Law Fraternity, board member for the Civic Youth Action Project, and Co-President of the Collegiate Ethics Bowl Team at Penn. When I am not running around Penn, I attend events at the Philadelphia Latvian Society, explore local thrift stores, and enjoy coffee at various cafes.
With all this being said, I am delighted to chair this committee this year. Your presence and active participation are greatly appreciated. Let's make this committee count and have a conference to remember! Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Anna Maria Flausino
Co-Chair, UNCTAD
flausino@sas.upenn.edu
