Overview
This is an novice committee, it is recommended that delegates without prior Model UN experience compete in this committee.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized body dedicated to building peace and collaboration through offering expertise in science and education. Additionally, the organization is responsible for facilitating cultural exchange and protecting and preserving culture globally. One of the subsets of UNESCO is the World Heritage Convention, which is responsible for dedicating and protecting World Heritage Sites, areas with extreme natural or cultural importance. These sites naturally generate tourism, and while there is much to gain economically from tourism, there are significant environmental and preservation risks posed by tourism in World Heritage Sites.
Topic: Impacts of Tourism on World Heritage Sites
The topic of this committee will be managing the impact of tourism in World Heritage Sites. This committee will be tasked with dealing with the balance between the costs and benefits of tourism, and finding new and innovative ways to protect World Heritage. Additionally, delegates will have opportunities to introduce new and innovative ways to increase the profitability and accessibility of world heritage sites in a sustainable manner. As this is a novice committee, there will be no agenda setting and the committee will only have one topic.
The Dais
Maddie Skopicki - Chair
Madeline Skopicki (she/her) is a sophomore at Boston University studying Computer Science with a minor in Education and Human Development. She is thrilled to serve as the Chair for the UNESCO committee at BosMUN XXV, having previously served as a Vice Chair for SPECPOL.
With experience as both a delegate and observer, Madeline emphasizes that delegates are capable and encourages combining logic with learning to expand horizons. She values clear communication and believes strongly that collective success outweighs individual effort.
Her hobbies include a love for all board games (especially social deduction), playing badminton and tennis, and traveling to explore different interests and cultures.
Madeline's core advice is to utilize the conference time to learn about yourselves and others. She stresses that the true reward of BosMUN lies in the experiences and memories made, rather than just the awards. She looks forward to seeing delegates achieve their full potential.
Contact: msko24@bu.edu
Imaad Tahir - Vice Chair
Imaad Tahir (he/him) is a sophomore at Boston University majoring in Biology and currently on a pre-med track. He is extremely pleased to serve as the Vice Chair for the UNESCO committee at BosMUN XXV.
This conference marks Imaad’s first official experience with Model UN, allowing him to relate to any delegates who may be feeling nervous. He emphasizes that the "drive in your chest" is what will push delegates higher throughout the weekend.
Outside of academics, Imaad's life revolves around stories: reading, writing, and creating them through games with friends. He views new experiences as opportunities to create new stories.
Imaad encourages delegates to work hard for the awards they covet, viewing them as a testament to their skill and effort. However, he advises those without a title not to despair, as the experiences and lessons learned during the weekend are a lasting treasure. He looks forward to seeing everyone over the course of the conference.
Contact: imaadtah@bu.edu