United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Approximately 90 Delegations - Double Delegate
Topic A: Balancing Tourism and Preservation at World Heritage Sites
Topic B: Protecting World Heritage Sites in War-Torn Areas
Welcome to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Committee for ILMUNC XLII! In this committee, delegates will explore two vital issues at the heart of cultural preservation: balancing tourism and conservation at World Heritage Sites and protecting these invaluable sites in regions affected by conflict. As tourism continues to grow worldwide, delegates must consider how to promote economic benefits while safeguarding the cultural and environmental integrity of heritage locations. At the same time, they will confront the urgent challenges of preserving history and identity amid war and destruction. Through diplomacy, collaboration, and innovative policymaking, delegates will work to ensure that UNESCO’s mission to protect and celebrate humanity’s shared heritage continues for generations to come.
Dear Delegates,
Dear Delegates,
I am excited to welcome you to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) of ILMUNC! My name is Michael Parella, and I look forward to helping you improve your public speaking skills as you engage in constructive debate during this conference.
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the UN founded in 1945. With 190+ member states, UNESCO’s mission is dedicated to strengthening our shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication. UNESCO is best known for designating and preserving World Heritage Sites. World Heritage sites are areas deemed of having cultural, historical, or scientific significance on an international level. UNESCO protects these sites through legal protection by administering an international treaty. Heritage sites include the Taj Mahal, Acropolis, Independence Hall (right here in Philly!), and over a thousand more! In this committee we look forward to you using new, creative solutions to solve difficult and evolving problems regarding the protection of these Heritage Sites.
Now to introduce myself to you all, I am a sophomore in the School of Nursing. I was born and raised in the Philly suburbs (Go Birds) and went to Radnor High School where I served as the head delegate of my Model UN team. As far as chairing is concerned, I served in the backroom and as crisis director in a Survivor committee in UPMUNC, and I chaired UNESCO at ILMUNC just last year! Outside of ILMUNC, I serve on the Class Board in Penn’s Student Government, I conduct psychiatric and genetic research, I captain Penn Mock Trial, I am involved in Greek life, and I serve on the executive board of the Penn Psychedelics Collaborative. Other than that I just say as long as I’m outside and with friends I’m happy!
Atiya, Michelle, and I are all looking forward to watching you engage in lively debate, resolution writing, and diplomacy in UNESCO this January. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding the committee.
Michael Parella
Honorable Chair, UNESCO
Parella@upenn.edu
Dear Delegates,
I’m Atiya Hasan, a sophomore at Penn and one of the chairs on the UNESCO committee! I’m super excited to talk about all things cultural this spring. UNESCO covers a super wide range of topics so I’m thrilled to focus on heritage sites and tourism this year. Especially with the conditions of modern warfare, this committee will cover hugely important global issues.
A bit about me, I’m studying Earth and Environmental Sciences on the pre-law track. I’m from Boulder, Colorado and participated in policy debate in high school. This is my first time chairing but my second year working at the ILMUNC Conference. Outside of MUN, I’m on the Moot Court team, a member of the Philomathean Society, and in a pre-professional STEM sorority. I’m excited to meet you all, feel free to reach out with any questions!
Atiya Hasan
Chair, UNESCO
atiyaah@sas.upenn.edu
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at ILMUNC! I’m Michelle Shi, your moderator, and I’m so thrilled to spend the weekend discussing current international issues with you and drafting proposals to strengthen international peace and security.
As a specialized agency of the United Nations, UNESCO advances peace by promoting international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. In committee, we’ll consider how global and regional institutions can work together to protect cultural heritage. The role of UNESCO has become especially relevant on a global scale as we discuss the increasing popularity of tourism and war-torn political conflicts that can damage world heritage sites.
Here’s a little about me! I’m a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences studying Biology and Spanish. I’m from Moorestown, New Jersey, where I served as president of Model Congress and as crisis chair for my high school’s Model UN team. This is my first ILMUNC conference on the planning side, and I hope it can be an enriching and memorable experience for you. Beyond ILMUNC, I’m Chief of Staff for Penn Model Congress (where I help train our chairs for MOCO), campus education chair for Penn Reproductive Justice, a cellist in the Penn Symphony Orchestra, and an EMT with the Medical Emergency Response Team. When I’m not in committee, you can usually find me running, swimming, or café‑hopping, so don’t hesitate to ask me for food and coffee recommendations!
My co‑chairs, Michael and Atiya, and I can’t wait to meet you and see your creativity in committee. If you have any questions about preparation or the agenda, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Warmly,
Michelle Shi
Moderator, UNESCO (UNESCO Committee)
micheshi@sas.upenn.edu
