Committee Summary
The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), established in 2000, brings together all United Nations Member States to protect forests and address the environmental challenges that threaten them. From the Amazon Rainforest and the Congo Basin to the forests of Southeast Asia, forest ecosystems cover nearly one-third of the Earth's land surface and help regulate the global climate while providing homes for millions of plant and animal species. As destructive wildfires become more frequent and climate change threatens ecosystems worldwide, governments face difficult questions regarding how forests should be protected and managed for future generations.
In this committee, delegates will explore global wildfire prevention strategies while also addressing ways to maintain biodiversity in the face of climate change.
As countries aim to grow economically, expand agricultural production, and develop critical infrastructure, delegates will determine how environmental protection can be balanced with the needs of growing populations. Whether debating conservation efforts in tropical rainforests, protecting endangered species from habitat loss, or strengthening international cooperation on climate resilience, delegates in UNFF will have the opportunity to shape how the international community responds to the growing threats on the world's forests.
MEET THE CHAIR
LAUREN TRAN
Dear Delegates,
My name is Lauren Tran (she/her), and I am thrilled to serve as your chair for Novice UNFF at BruinMUN 34! I am currently a third-year student at UCLA studying English and Communication, with hopes to earn my doctorate in the foreseeable future. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles is where I call home, and I enjoy rollerblading and reading on my free time. One fun fact about me is that I spent my summer studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, where I worked as a consultant intern through UCLA’s Global Internship Program.
I joined Model United Nations (MUN) at UCLA as a Crisis backroom staff member for both BruinMUN 33 and LAMUN XXI, and I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about MUN from behind the scenes. My favorite part about this club is the community, and I hope that I can make BruinMUN 34 as enjoyable as possible for you all. Outside of MUN, I serve as an Honors Ambassador at UCLA, conduct research on first impressions as an Undergraduate Research Assistant, and counsel high school students as a Matriculate Advisor.
In committee, we will have the opportunity to examine how forests are connected to issues such as climate change, biodiversity, economic development, and the well-being of communities around the globe. The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) is focused on promoting the sustainable management, conservation, and development of forests worldwide, and this committee will challenge you to think about how environmental priorities intersect with economic and social needs. Through debate, negotiation, and collaboration, you will work with fellow delegates to develop thoughtful and realistic solutions to global forest-related challenges while strengthening your skills in public speaking, diplomacy, and problem-solving.
Whether this is your first conference or you already have some MUN experience, I encourage you to approach committee with confidence and an open mind. I am excited to hear your ideas and watch you all grow as delegates throughout this conference. P
lease do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I cannot wait to meet all of you and see what you accomplish during committee!
Best,
Lauren Tran | Chair, UNFF | BruinMUN 34