Image 1 of 1
Committee Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO), founded in 1948, is the UN’s main agency for global health. Its work is centered around the idea that health is not just the absence of disease, but a basic human right. WHO works with Member States to respond to health emergencies, strengthen healthcare systems, set international health standards, and address the larger factors that affect health, such as climate change, nutrition, tobacco use, and access to essential medicines.
WHO is funded through assessed contributions, which are required payments from Member States, and voluntary contributions from governments, NGOs, foundations, and other partner organizations. In theory, this system allows WHO to receive support from a wide range of groups. In practice, however, voluntary contributions make up a large portion of WHO’s budget, which means outside donors can have a major influence on which programs receive attention. This is especially true when funds are ‘earmarked’ for specific campaigns, such as immunization, malaria prevention, or polio eradication.
The topics before this committee reflect WHO’s growing focus on noncommunicable diseases, which are often discussed less urgently than outbreaks or pandemics despite affecting millions of people worldwide.
Delegates will debate ways to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease, while also addressing diabetes care through more equitable insulin access and the responsible use of GLP-1 treatments.
MEET THE CHAIR
KHUSHI SHARMA
Dear Delegates,
My name is Khushi Sharma (she/her), and I am thrilled to be your World Health Organization chair for this year's committee at BruinMUN! I am currently a 3rd year studying Physiological Sciences and Global Health at UCLA. Outside of classes, I am involved in research focused on the cardiac autonomic nervous system and work with global health organizations dedicated to delivering essential healthcare services to rural communities across South Asia. I also work as an EMT throughout the Los Angeles area!
When I'm not studying or working, you can usually find me pursuing one of my many hobbies. I love crafting and making random projects, the most recent being a Minecraft cat made entirely out of wooden blocks. I’m also an avid Formula 1 follower (feel free to ask me about my favorite team or how the season is going), and I enjoy baking, listening to music (mostly pop), swimming, and building LEGO sets. LEGO flowers are definitely my favorite. I am also a huge fan of sunsets and the beach (#OC)! I have accumulated well over 400 sunset photos over the years, and more often than not, I'll drive to the beach just to watch the sun go down. And if you're ever looking for a good acai bowl, I can probably recommend every worthwhile spot within a ten-mile radius.
I have been involved in Model United Nations since middle school, making this my ninth year in MUN. Over the years, I have participated in a wide range of conferences as both a delegate and secretariat member. What started as an extracurricular activity quickly became one of my favorite ways to engage with global issues, challenge my perspectives, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. MUN has played a significant role in shaping my confidence as a speaker and leader, and I am excited to share that experience with all of you as your chair!
I hope you are all as excited as we are for this committee. The topics we have selected, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, are among the most pressing global health challenges facing our world today. These are issues I have encountered in a variety of settings, from my academic studies to my experiences in healthcare and global health work. They affect millions of people across every region of the world and require innovative, collaborative solutions. I cannot wait to hear the ideas, policies, and perspectives that each of you brings to BruinMUN! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I am looking forward to meeting all of you and seeing the incredible discussions that unfold in committee! See you in November, Khushi Sharma
See you in November,
Khushi Sharma | Chair, WHO | BruinMUN 34