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TOPIC A - Natural Disasters and Food Insecurity in the Dry Corridor

The Dry Corridor, a region comprising El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, faces great issues of food insecurity as a result of severe drought and rain events. These weather events not only have environmental implications but also socioeconomic impacts on indigenous communities and small-scale farmers. One of the UNDP's primary goals is to improve environmental resilience and natural disaster relief efforts in areas affected by environmental crises. I envision committee members collaborating on solutions to improve farmland, protect the biodiversity of region-specific crops, monitor migration away from these regions, and diminish the number of families selling their household goods and animals just to put food on the table. Delegates may also consider preventative measures to mitigate the impact that natural disasters will have on the Dry Corridor in the future.

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TOPIC B - The Healthcare and Longevity Crises in Lesotho

According to the Times of India, the average life expectancy in Lesotho is 57 years. A strong national healthcare system is integral to increasing a country's average life expectancy, and Lesotho struggles to maintain a sufficient number of qualified health professionals and medical supplies available for its citizens. The spread of diseases, including but not limited to HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, and the lack of access to antiretroviral medicine exacerbate this issue. I envision committee members collaborating on solutions to improve healthcare quality and medical resource distribution, especially in Lesotho's rural and remote areas. Delegates may also consider educational measures to strengthen Lesotho's doctor-to-citizen ratio or transportation solutions to more readily move patients to medical facilities.

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CHAIR: Shaila Man

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Shaila Man is a sophomore planning to major in Public and International Affairs with a minor in Quantitative and Computational Biology. She fell in love with MUN as a delegate and chair at conferences in her hometown, Rochester, NY, and she is eager to chair at PMUNC for her second consecutive year. Outside of MUN, Shaila enjoys coxing and volunteering with the Princeton Women’s Openweight Rowing Team, dancing, and playing the piano. She is also involved in women’s rights advocacy with the Girl Up North Atlantic Coalition. During her free time, Shaila can be found grabbing a coffee with friends, reading, or listening to music. Shaila is incredibly excited for this year’s conference, and she can’t wait to meet you all!