• The question of implementing privacy rights and informed consent on the use of genetic data in medical research

My name is Julian Danailov-Benguernane, and I have the honor of serving as your Head Chair for the SDG 9 Committee, as well as the Secretary General of the April 2025 Middle School Model United Nations Conference. It is a privilege to guide you through this conference as we tackle one of the most pressing ethical and legal dilemmas of our time: What ethical guidelines and legal measures should govern the use of genetic data in medical research to balance innovation with individual human rights, privacy rights, and informed consent?

This topic stands in the middle of science, ethics, and law. While the potential of genetic research to revolutionize medicine is immense—from preventing disease to personalizing treatment—there is an equally critical need to protect the rights of individuals. Data breaches, discriminatory practices, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations are not distant possibilities—they are real risks. Our challenge in this committee will be to find a path that upholds innovation while ensuring no one's autonomy or dignity is compromised in the process.

This debate will require more than strong rhetoric. It will demand research, critical thinking, respect for nuance, and most importantly, diplomacy. Delegates, you are not just representing your assigned countries—you are representing the principles of international cooperation, dialogue, and justice. As you draft resolutions and engage in debate, I urge you to remember the human lives at the heart of this issue. Ask yourselves: Are the solutions we’re proposing inclusive? Are they enforceable? Do they reflect a fair balance between progress and protection?

As someone with experience both as a delegate and as a chair, I understand the pressure of speaking, negotiating, and leading within a formal setting. I also understand how transformative MUN can be—how it can sharpen your thinking, strengthen your voice, and expand your global awareness. I expect each of you to come prepared, speak respectfully, and engage constructively. The success of this conference lies not in who speaks the most, but in who listens the best, thinks the most deeply, and works the most collaboratively.

Alongside my co-chair, I am committed to creating an environment that is inclusive, intellectually stimulating, and representative of the values that MUN strives to instill. We are here not only to oversee procedure but to support you—whether this is your first conference or your fifth.

I look forward to hearing your insights and seeing how you approach this complex challenge. Let’s strive to make this committee one that stands out—because of its rigor, its professionalism, and its willingness to tackle hard questions with clarity and courage.

Sincerely,

Julian Danailov-Benguernane

Head Chair, SDG 9

Secretary General, April 2025 MS MUN Conference

Hello Esteemed Delegates! 

I’m Mia Le-Whatley, your Deputy Chair. It is with immense pride and gratitude that I stand before you today as the Deputy Chair, representing the vital Committee on Sustainable Development Goal 9 in this upcoming April 2025 conference. This is my first year doing MUN, this is my second conference, and this is my first time chairing. This role is not just an honor; it is a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly. I am excited to learn your perspectives on the topic: What ethical guidelines should govern the use of genetic data in medical research to balance innovation with individual privacy rights and informed consent? And look forward to engaging and thoughtful debates. 

As we gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding sustainable industrialization and innovation, I am reminded of the power we hold to shape a more equitable future. Our committee’s focus on promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, fostering innovation, and building resilient infrastructure is crucial for achieving sustainable development. We are tasked with finding solutions that not only drive progress but also ensure that no one is left behind.

I want to address this pressing issue that embodies the intersection of innovation and ethics: the use of genetic data in medical research. As we advance in our understanding of genetics and its potential to revolutionize healthcare, we must navigate this terrain with caution and integrity.

We must keep in mind, at the heart of ethical medical research lies the principle of informed consent. Protecting individual privacy is paramount, and genetic data should be used solely for the intended research purposes outlined during the consent process. We must ensure that the benefits of genetic research are equitably shared but that ethical governance does not end with initial consent

My goal for this meeting is to foster an open dialogue where we can collaboratively draft a resolution that prioritizes informed consent and privacy while encouraging scientific progress. With the potential that this issue has to change our futures, it raises significant ethical questions. I can’t wait for our discussions and the different stances on this topic! But most importantly, have fun with it! MUN is a great learning experience in which I am proud to watch delegates embark on. I am excited to collaborate with all of you, to share ideas, and to develop solutions that honor our ethical commitments and drive us toward a sustainable future.

Best regards,

Mia Le-Whatley

Deputy Chair, SDG 9

Deputy Secretary General, April 2025 MS MUN Conference