Overview
The UNDP is the United Nations' lead agency on international development. This committee addresses the urgent need to protect the rights, traditions, and futures of indigenous communities across the globe. These groups often hold deep spiritual and ecological relationships with their lands, making them vital defenders of biodiversity. However, they face systemic marginalization, displacement, and cultural erasure. The committee seeks to promote indigenous sovereignty, cultural preservation, and sustainable development, while challenging exploitative models of conservation that exclude native voices. Delegates must work toward frameworks that respect indigenous agency, knowledge systems, and the diversity of their lived realities.
Topic 1: Approaching the Loss of Indigenous Language and Culture
At this conference, the first topic will be Approaching the Loss of Indigenous Language and Culture. Indigenous languages and cultural practices are rapidly disappearing due to colonial legacies, forced assimilation, urbanization, and lack of institutional support. The loss of language often results in the erosion of oral histories, rituals, and unique worldviews. Delegates should explore how to fund and implement bilingual education, community media, and intergenerational language transmission. What protections should be embedded in national constitutions or international agreements? How can indigenous peoples lead their own cultural revival efforts, rather than being passive recipients of aid? Revitalizing language and tradition is not just about heritage - it is about identity, sovereignty, and survival.
Topic 2: Empowering Economic Growth
Additionally, the second topic will be Empowering Economic Growth. While indigenous communities often face poverty and economic marginalization, development efforts that ignore cultural values can cause more harm than good. Delegates must discuss how to support indigenous-led enterprises—whether in ecotourism, sustainable resource management, or traditional crafts—while safeguarding autonomy and environmental balance. How can land tenure security and access to finance be improved without commodifying sacred spaces or reinforcing colonial economic patterns? Should international development banks and governments create tailored investment mechanisms for indigenous economies? Delegates must advocate for models of prosperity that honor indigenous identity and self-determination.
The Dais
Daphne Hulquist - Chair
Daphne Hulquist (she/her) is a freshman at Boston University studying International Relations and Economics. Originally born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area in California, she is excited and honored to serve as the Chair for BosMUN XXV’s United Nations Development Program (UNDP), marking her first time chairing a committee at this conference.
Daphne has been involved in Model UN since her freshman year of high school, where she served as a co-president of her school’s club her senior year. In college, she is a dedicated member of BU’s competitive Model UN team and previously served as a crisis staffer for BarMUN, BU’s collegiate conference. Additionally, she is an Assistant Director for the National High School Model United Nations Conference (NHSMUN) in New York City.
Outside of MUN, Daphne is a huge fan of the Golden State Warriors and loves spending time outside, whether hiking around New England or skiing. When she’s not at practice, she can be found studying in the Boston Public Library, drinking a Yerba Mate, or binging "Vanderpump Rules." A fun fact is that she has a twin sister and a younger brother who is also involved in high school Model UN.
Daphne believes MUN is an educational experience like no other and has no doubt that the delegates will excel in addressing their topics with debate, collaboration, and creativity.
Contact: dhulq26@bu.edu
Mariah Martinez - Vice Chair
Mariah Martinez (she/her) is a sophomore at Boston University, majoring in Architecture and minoring in Political Science—two areas she is extremely passionate about. Having lived in Manhattan, New York, a heavily urbanized city, her architectural interests are driven by a desire to address urban issues after completing her degree.
At Boston University, she is an active member of the Undergraduate Architecture Association (UAA), BU miXx, the Mixed Student Association (MSU), and Knitting Club, reflecting her diverse interests. She enjoys crafts of all kinds as they help with practicing patience, resolve, and perseverance, skills essential for committee work.
Before her time at BU, Mariah was a Photography Teacher at Brotherhood Sister Sol, a nonprofit organization that helps marginalized kids explore their passions. She also volunteered at the Good Place, a nonprofit providing free food to families in need, which allowed her to connect with and serve her own community members.
Mariah is extremely excited to serve as the Vice Chair for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), as it is her first position at BosMUN and relates heavily to her academic and personal pursuits. She looks forward to providing a satisfactory and productive environment for everyone and gaining valuable experience during the conference.
Contact: lvqmisu@bu.edu