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Committee Summary
The African Union is an intergovernmental organization that incorporates all 55 African countries as member states. This specialized regional body aims to promote intercontinental unity and collaboration on issues ranging from protecting human rights to economic development. In this committee we will be discussing the exploitation of Africa’s resources and the financial stability of infrastructure projects.
Exploitation of Africa’s vast resources has been a historical recurrence, but as global demand for critical minerals, metals, and gemstones expands, there has been an increased vulnerability of exploiting workers, vulnerable populations, and the environment in the region.
While mining extraction operations may allow for more economic activity, it has often largely benefited global corporations and the few, leaving the well-being of local communities and sovereignty over resources in question.
In the 21st century, Africa has been an investment hub for many foreign entities for massive infrastructure developments. Notably, global partnerships such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Gateway Initiative have funded development of Africa’s modern and public infrastructure such as roads, airports, and access to the internet. However, despite rapid economic development, long-term funding and rising debt from these initiatives have led to challenges surrounding Africa’s financial sovereignty and sustainability.
MEET THE CHAIR
ENIS FANG
Dear Delegates,
My name is Enis Fang, and I will be the chair of the African Union. I am from San Francisco and an incoming third-year here at UCLA, where I am pursuing degrees in psychology and global studies. In my free time, I enjoy keeping up with the political and financial news, participating in the stock market, and enjoying watching elections. On occasion, I also like to play video games, watch animated shows, and go for walks outside. As for academic activities outside of class, I also write for the Bruin Political Review and hope to pursue opportunities in academia by bridging my interdisciplinary interests.
My journey in MUN began around 5 years ago during my second year of high school, where I attended several conferences in the Bay Area and chaired a couple of committees at my high school’s conferences. Since coming to UCLA, I have had the honor of being a dais staff and chair at previous BruinMUN conferences. Similarly, I have also had the honor of being a crisis staff at the collegiate conference, LAMUN. During my time in MUN, I have been able to broaden my knowledge about the state of global affairs and gained new insights into a variety of contemporary issues, and I hope this committee, among others, will do the same for you.
In the African Union, we will be debating developments in the resource extraction industry and the financing of infrastructure projects across Africa. As a specialized committee, this committee will be focusing on aspects of labor protections, prevention of environmental exploitation, securing Africa’s economic stability, and several others as the region continues to develop. Given the various degrees of development and economic integration across Africa, I hope to see ideas that can engage with the many internal challenges that the African continent faces but also the many foreign actors that may impact Africa’s development. Ultimately, I am looking forward to seeing how you all approach these topics with creativity and nuanced perspectives! If you have any questions or concerns about anything, please feel free to reach out, and I will try to respond as soon as possible! Sincerely, Enis Fang
Sincerely,
Enis Fang | Chair, African Union | BruinMUN 34