Overview
This is a double-delegate committee.
The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) is the Third Committee of the General Assembly, and addresses issues relating to human rights, social issues and humanitarian affairs. SOCHUM deals with all issues examining potential violations of human rights, and receives reports from the UN commission on Human Rights. SOCHUM’s mandate is to promote and protect the rights of all people, especially those currently marginalized. In particular, SOCHUM’s mandate deals with the protection of rights for women, children, and other underrepresented groups. In this spirit, this committee will center around expanding access to quality healthcare for all.
Topic 1: Maternal and Child Health
The first topic of this committee is dedicated to strengthening global efforts to improve maternal and child health, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions. Maternal health refers to the health of a pregnant person during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. Maternal health refers to physical and mental health. Access to healthcare during these phases can drastically impact maternal mortality rates, and currently there are many discrepancies in maternal mortality based on access to healthcare due to demographic factors such as race, income, and location. Additionally, maternal health problems also impact the child and infant and child healthcare is necessary after the birth. Delegates will be challenged to create a plan to help fund and distribute life-saving care to those in need, considering issues such as maternal death rates, food insecurity, and expanded social programs for health.
Topic 2: Expanding Access to HIV/AIDS Vaccines
The second topic will parallel the first, focusing on strategies to expand equitable access to healthcare, specifically treatment for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs can be deadly, and there is currently an epidemic of HIV facing the world, with tens of millions currently living with HIV. However, these numbers can be drastically improved with proper access to healthcare such as antiviral treatments, education about STIs and how to prevent them, access to testing, and vaccinations for certain STIs. Overall, STIs are a stigmatized subject, and similar to maternal and infant mortality rates, disproportionately affect underprivileged groups with poor access to healthcare due to discriminatory systems. Delegates will strive to break the stigma, expand access, and work with organizations to help protect at-risk populations.
The Dais
Omar Kannachankudy - Chair
Omar Kannachankudy (he/him) is a freshman at Boston University pursuing a dual degree in Biomedical Engineering and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He is honored to serve as the Chair for the SOCHUM committee at BosMUN XXV.
Omar has a three-year history with BosMUN as a competitor in the Double Delegate committee and is thrilled to be giving back to the event from the dais. Although he didn't start as a "typical MUN kid," he grew in confidence and speaking ability through guidance from talented individuals, a path he hopes delegates will replicate in his committee.
Outside of MUN, Omar loves exploring the "evergiving" city of Boston and playing the piano. He is passionate about food of all cuisines and enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee (which he confirms is a very real sport). He also attempts to cook, with varying success.
Omar emphasizes that while competition is natural, delegates should step back and cherish the entire experience: the problems, the solutions, the debates, and especially the unlikely friendships, memories, and conversations.
Contact: omarkan@bu.edu
Rain Wu - Vice Chair
Rain Wu (she/her) is a freshman at Boston University majoring in Political Science and International Relations. Originally from New York City, she is honored to serve as a Vice Chair for the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) at BosMUN XXV.
This is Rain's first year participating in Model UN, an experience she has found rewarding for learning about diplomacy, debate, and collaboration. Outside of academics and MUN, she enjoys reading, shopping, exploring new places with friends, and traveling. Her travels to France, England, Spain, and China have fostered a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and global understanding, which she looks forward to bringing to the committee.
She encourages all delegates to approach the conference with curiosity, confidence, and an open mind, hoping they will leave with new knowledge, deeper connections, and lasting experiences.
Contact: rainw@bu.edu
Kit Tullar -Vice Chair
Kit Tullar (she/her) is excited to serve as one of the Vice Chairs for the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) at BosMUN XXV. She is a freshman at Boston University's Pardee School of Global Studies, majoring in International Relations and considering a minor in Spanish. This marks Kit's first year participating in Model UN, including her first time serving as a Vice Chair, an experience she is enthusiastic about continuing.
Originally from New Hampshire, Kit enjoys exploring Boston, particularly its restaurants, and spending time with her roommates. She also likes going for runs and re-watching her favorite movies. An avid traveler, her favorite destination so far is Colombia, and she dreams of visiting Italy next.
Kit encourages all delegates to make the most of the conference by pushing themselves to learn and grow, embracing challenges, and acting with kindness and confidence.
Contact: ktullar@bu.edu