Welcome to the Economic and Social Council!
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) was established in 1945 and is one of the six main organs of the United Nations. It is responsible for coordinating the UN and Specialized Agencies’ economic and social work. The council makes recommendations and fosters debates related to sustainable development, industrialization, technology, international trade, and social welfare, among other topics.
Dear Delegates,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 42nd annual Ivy League Model United Nations Conference! My name is Olivia Roman, and I am honored to serve as an Under-Secretary General of General Assemblies & Specialized Committees. The entire Secretariat has dedicated immense time and effort to ensuring this conference provides an enriching experience filled with meaningful debate and creative resolutions that you can carry with you for years to come.
A bit about me: I’m a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences studying Economics with a minor in Consumer Psychology. I grew up just outside of Chicago, IL, where I was deeply involved in my high school's Model UN team. Outside of class, I am part of the Jewish Heritage Program, TAMID, and Greek Life. In my free time, I enjoy walking around with friends, listening to music, or trying new restaurants in Philly.
As an experienced delegate myself, I understand the range of emotions that come with a conference of this scale. There is excitement and anticipation, but also anxiety, and that is completely normal. Our goal is to provide a space where you can showcase the effort and research you have put into your topics while collaborating to develop innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues. Whether you’re a seasoned delegate or attending your first conference ever, know that you will get out of the experience what you put into it. I encourage you to always speak up during moderated caucuses and within your blocs, even if it feels intimidating. This weekend will be filled with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
As an Under-Secretary General of General Assemblies and Specialized Committees, I am excited to have the opportunity to oversee the many dynamic and engaging committees that will be taking place at this conference. These committees offer a unique and invaluable experience to delegates, as you all will be diving deeper into specific topics and areas of interest. Each committee offers a unique perspective and set of challenges that will test your skills.
As we kick off this weekend, I encourage you to approach the conference with both an open mind and a commitment to excellence.The issues you will be debating are real and affect countless lives; during a time in which the world faces unparalleled challenges, your innovative ideas are key to driving positive change. But amidst the hard work, don’t forget to have fun! Make lasting memories, forge new friendships, and take in everything this conference has to offer.
On behalf of the entire Secretariat, we are thrilled to welcome you to ILMUNC this year. It is the spirited and engaged delegates such as yourself that make ILMUNC one of the premier Model United Nations conferences across the country, and I look forward to celebrating all that you accomplish this weekend.
Best,
Olivia
Under Secretary-General of ECOSOC
The 42nd Ivy League Model United Nations Conference
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
