United Nations Forum on Forests

Approximately 90 Delegations - Double Delegate
Topic A: Combating Deforestation in the Amazon
Topic B: Supporting Forest Financing

Welcome to the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Committee! In this essential committee, delegates will address two pressing issues concerning the world's forests: Combating Deforestation in the Amazon and Supporting Forest Financing. Delegates will explore comprehensive strategies and international cooperation mechanisms necessary to halt the rapid loss of the Amazon rainforest, a global ecological critical zone. Concurrently, the committee will deliberate on innovative financing models, investment, and public-private partnerships required to support sustainable forest management, restoration efforts, and the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities worldwide. Through dialogue and collaboration, participants will develop actionable solutions to protect and enhance forest ecosystems for future generations.

Dear Delegates,

I am pleased to welcome you to the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) ECOSOC Committee of ILMUNC! My name is Samara, and as the moderator I look forward to guiding you through engaging and impactful discussions that explore various aspects of international peace and security.

The UNFF is a body within the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The climate crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing the international community today. Deforestation and forest financing are highly pertinent topics, with impacts reaching far beyond the Amazon. As world leaders, you have the responsibility of balancing the desire to maximize profits, while also protecting the planet for future generations. I look forward to hearing your ideas about regulating deforestation, and managing sustainable forest financing!

A little bit about me, I am a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences studying international relations and French. I’m originally from Westchester, New York. I staffed ILMUNC last year, but this will be the first conference that I am chairing. I am very excited to make this an enriching and valuable experience for you all! Outside of ILMUNC, I am involved in the international affairs association, political advocacy clubs, volunteering in West Philly, and Greek life on campus. I also love baking, cooking, playing the New York Times games, and exploring the city with my friends!

Naija, Adam, and I are looking forward to working with you in the UNFF committee. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and see you soon!

Sincerely, 

Samara Laks 

Co-Chair, ECOSOC

slaks@sas.upenn.edu

Dear Delegates,

I am excited to welcome you to the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) within the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of ILMUNC! My name is Naija Agarwal, and as one of the co-chairs, I look forward to guiding you through engaging and impactful discussions revolving around forest conservation.

Often referred to as the functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the UNFF primarily focuses on advancing goals of conservation and environmental sustainability through the management of forests. With developing threats such as deforestation and climate change, it is increasingly critical that countries create adaptable frameworks to ensure the protection of biodiversity and land. I look forward to hearing your ideas and perspectives on the social and economic factors necessary to address these concerns, especially in ecosystems including the Amazon.

To introduce myself, I am a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences studying philosophy, politics, and economics. I’m from Secaucus, New Jersey and attended Secaucus High School, where I was a part of my school’s debate organization for four years. I previously moderated the

ECOFIN committee last year, and I am looking forward to chairing UNFF. As someone with an interest in sustainability and ESG, I hope this will be a valuable experience for you! At Penn, I am a part of Consult for America, the Daily Pennsylvanian, Penn Glee Club, and Wharton Women! I love listening to music and exploring new areas whenever I can!

Adam, Samara, and I are all looking forward to working with you in the ECOSOC committee. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! 

Naija Agarwal

Chair, ECOSOC

naija@sas.upenn.edu

Dear Delegates,

My name is Meklit Tedla, and I am honored to be able to welcome you all to the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF). As one of your senior staffers, I am excited to guide you all through discussions pertaining to pressing issues surrounding sustainability, energy conservation, and forest development.

Forests are not only home to at least 80% of terrestrial species of animals, plants, and fungi, but they also provide vital services to humans– regulating global climate, sustaining livelihoods, and supporting different cultural traditions. Despite their importance, deforestation, climate change, and land degradation negatively impacts their survival. The UNFF is tasked with strengthening long-term political commitments, globally, in order to ensure the safety and survival of the ecosystems that provide such important services to human survival.

At Penn, I am a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, studying Biology on the Pre-Med Track. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, but I attended all of middle and high school at The Agnes Irwin School in Bryn Mawr, PA. Last year, I assisted in the workings of DISEC, but this will be the first conference that I have helped to plan with ILMUNC. While I do spend the majority of my time working in a research lab and being the manager of the women’s lacrosse team, I adore reading, baking, and going on walks into the city whenever I can.

My co-chairs and I are looking forward to working with you all in the UNFF committee. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Meklit Tedla

Co-Chair, UNFF

mtedla@sas.upenn.edu