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Committee SummaryThe global economy has always left most of the globe out. Just a few wealthy countries dominate trade, creating rules and regulations that benefit them, while excluding smaller and less developed nations. As a member of the UN Committee on Trade and Development, you have a unique opportunity to put the “global” in the global economy.
For two days, I will ask you to think outside of the box and resolve tensions that are highly relevant to today's world. We will focus on two key topics:
Regulating Trade of Critical Minerals: Topic A encourages you to think about how we can preserve our critical minerals, which do everything from powering Teslas to smartphones to clean energy grids. As the growing demand for clean energy and batteries grows, we must consider how developing nations with large critical mineral deposits are disadvantaged in the current market. We have to consider how we can protect all actors involved, from developing nations to workers and even the environment.
Global Trade Integration in Conflict Zones: Topic B asks you to find a solution to two processes constantly at odds → trade and conflict. In order for global trade to take hold in a country, it demands roads, a strong currency, and a trustworthy government. Oftentimes, these things don’t exist in conflict-ridden areas; therefore, trade seems to be nearly impossible. Trade can bring in revenue, jobs, and stability, but it can also invite powerful companies or foreign governments that take advantage of developing nations. Trade can save a country or exploit it. Your job is to figure out what we should do about this tension.
MEET THE CHAIR
SAM LYLE
Dear Delegates,
Hey Delegates!
My name is Samantha (Sam) Lyle, and I am stoked to serve as chair of the UNCTAD! I am a fourth-year political science and geography & environmental studies double major. I hope to one day protect our environment as an environmental lobbyist. While I treasure my time in LA, I am originally from Las Vegas (people do live there) and love to bring this up. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, taking my Labrador Lily on long car rides, going to the beach, and listening to live music.
I am a former congressional debate kid turned MUN competitor. I did debate at the state and national levels throughout middle school and high school. Coming to UCLA, I wanted to continue public speaking, and MUN seemed like the perfect activity (turns out it was)! Over the past four years, I have chaired many GA and Crisis committees, traveled to numerous states competing on the college MUN circuit, and served as our team's Director of Tech, Finance, and LAMUN Secretary General. I am so excited to round out my final year with you all at BruinMUN 34.
The United Nations Trade and Development Committee is uniquely positioned to tackle all things technology, commerce, and finance through the lens of developing nations. You will be debating topics that ask you to dig deep to consider the implications of trade on laborers, country relations, consumers, and more. Our key focus over the weekend will be on understanding how we can collaborate to bridge the gap between nations in different stages of development to ultimately mitigate inequality. I hope these topics encourage fruitful debate, and I can’t wait to see what solutions you cook up to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me!
Best,
Sam Lyle | Chair, UNCTAD | BruinMUN 34