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“The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) considers a broad range of issues covering a cluster of five decolonization-related agenda items, the effects of atomic radiation, questions relating to information, a comprehensive review of the question of peacekeeping operations as well as a review of special political missions, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the Report of the Special Committee on Israeli Practices and international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. In addition to these annual items, the Committee also considers the items on Assistance in mine action, and University for peace biennially and triennially, respectively.”
– United Nations
This year's SPECPOL committee will be addressing the following topics:
- Space Debris and its Danger to International Satellites
- Improving and Ensuring the Safety of Atomic Energy Production
SPECPOL Co-Chair - David DeWallace
Dear Distinguished Delegates,
Hello everybody! My name is David DeWallace. I am a sophomore from Connecticut and I am studying video, television, and film for a BS degree. This will be my fifth year participating in Model UN and I couldn’t be more excited to be your co-chair for this year’s SPECPOL committee.
I was the vice president of my high school’s Model UN club and we participated in Yale University’s annual conference. In my first year at YMUN, I was a delegate from Peru in UNESCO, in my second year I served as a delegate from Austria in ECOFIN, and in my last year I was the director of the FBI during a historical crisis simulating the Iranian hostage crisis. We had some unforgettable experiences trying to solve the problems of the world and made a ton of friends.
I chose the topic of Space Debris and its Danger to International Satellites because I have always been interested in how the space beyond Earth is governed. Also, due to more and more satellites being launched up into orbit every year, I wanted to examine how the international community responds to the potential threats these satellites might cause and how to stop them.
Outside of school, I love to bike and run - cross-country to track and field. Due to my major, I am certainly a fan of movies and television. My favorites films include Apocalypse Now and Empire Strikes Back. My favorite television shows include Game of Thrones, Survivor, and the entire Bachelor franchise. It’s the best television has to offer. I share my passion with my friends from cross-country track, setting up outdoor movie nights to share recommended films. Although I have watched a lot, I know there is much more to experience, so in between breaks and sessions don’t hesitate to give me a recommendation!
My goal is to create an environment where we can have fun and find creative resolutions to the topic that we at SPECPOL have chosen this year. Let’s make this SPECPOL committee one for the history books. Hope to have a great time with you all this spring!
Sincerely,
David DeWallace
SPECPOL Co-Chair
HUMUNC 2021
SPECPOL Co-Chair - Rebecca Fulman
Dear Delegates,
I am a first-year neuroscience major on a pre-med track. Since participating in my high school Model United Nations (MUN), I loved the concept of being able to simulate what actually happens in world policymaking. I eventually became president of my high school’s MUN and learned a lot about leadership, public speaking, collaboration, patience, and maintaining a positive mindset. Seeing others debate current pressing topics is certainly stimulating and exciting!
Outside of school, my interests are widespread, with a focus on STEAM-related topics. I am currently participating in a campaign with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise money for cancer patients’ treatment. I’m a volunteer copy editor of two startup websites created by teens - Cittamind, which is focused on medicine and psychology, and EmpowHER Magazine, which is a female empowerment magazine. Furthermore, I am an associate director of an organization called Med Girls, where my role is website developer. Med Girls is a platform to help educate girls of all ages about the medical field and encourage them to pursue their career dreams/education goals. I also work alongside my best friend in creating our very random podcast called Chipping In where we share short stories, talk about our feelings, and discuss mental health. In addition to these interests, I pursue several hobbies, which include improvisational theater, watching dramas and anime, as well as playing tennis and badminton.
In SPECPOL, we will be debating the topic of Improving and Ensuring the Safety of Atomic Energy Production. I chose this topic because I think it's especially relevant today when regions worldwide continue to suffer from the effects of disasters that occurred years prior and resource management issues.
A word of advice to my lovely participants: When representing your countries, please portray their agendas as accurately as possible. Be in accordance with what resolutions they’ve supported in the past and continue to support today. Even though this year the conference will be held virtually, I am sure we can still have fun just as we would in person. I can’t wait to meet and work with everyone to facilitate debate, which will make this conference experience an exciting and memorable one!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Fulman
SPECPOL Co-Chair
HUMUNC 2021
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