• The question of global sharing of technology

• The question of access to transregional and transcontinental infrastructure

• The question of the utilization of Artificial Intelligence

Ms. Thao is a dedicated professional who works as the Country Representative for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Vietnam. With over 15 years of experience in the organization, she has played an important role in promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development in the country. Ms. Thao began her career as an entrepreneur, working to support Vietnam's export industry. Recognizing the challenges that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face in achieving global competitiveness, she joined UNIDO, motivated by a strong desire to help the country's industrial development.

​

Throughout her time in office, Ms. Thao has been significant in spearheading initiatives to help Vietnamese industries, particularly SMEs, improve their competitiveness and sustainability. Her work covers many aspects of inclusive and sustainable industrial development, such as technology transfer, environmental sustainability, and energy efficiency. Ms. Thao has successfully led numerous projects and programs aimed at driving economic growth while ensuring environmental stewardship, owing to her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the Vietnamese industrial landscape.

​

Ms. Thao's commitment to leaving no one behind is closely aligned with UNIDO's mission, making her a staunch advocate for supporting society's most vulnerable segments through sustainable industrial development. Her expertise in this field, combined with her genuine commitment to fostering positive change, makes her an invaluable asset in driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Vietnam. As she prepares to speak with delegates at the upcoming event, Ms. Thao's insights and experiences promise to inspire and empower future leaders to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.

SDG 9’s first committee mentor is Mrs. Jennifer Hardie, who is an ES Homeroom Teacher at UNIS Hanoi. When asked about her past experiences with MUN, Ms. Hardie noted that although she did not participate in MUN conferences specifically, she was a part of the debate team when she was studying in university back in Ottawa, Canada.

During our interview, I got to learn more about some global/local issues that Ms. Hardie is passionate about. She stated that she was interested in the issue of sustainability–both on a personal and systematic level–as well as the issue of gender equality, typing back to the Sustainable Devleopment Goals of the UN. In order to inspire others about her passions, Ms. Hardie raises awareness about said issues through her classrooms, believing that small actions would eventually set off a series of events beneficial to the world. 

In the context of the question of global sharing of technology, Ms. Hardie states her belief that it could be hugely powerful if used appropriately, but the driving force and motivation behind this force must be monitored. The same was said with regards to the question of the utilization of Artificial Intelligence; Ms. Hardie admits that although she is “slow to the AI conversation”, she recognizes its benefits to the future medical workforce, but urges both chairs and delegates to consider the realm of ethics and security concerns regarding A.I.

Our committee’s second mentor is Mr. Brycen Davis, our MSHS Design Teacher at UNIS. When I inquired him about his past experiences with Model UN, he mentioned that though he had not participated in any conferences during his school years, he had experiences as one of our MUN mentors from our November 2023 conference. 

Looking at the March 2024 Conference theme of “How do we ensure sustainability through multilateral cooperation?”, Mr. Davis believes it is crucial to look at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 17 (Partnership for the Goals), to address this question. “We unfortunately try very year with multinational attempts at trying to solve world issues, and I don’t think it’s going as fast as it should or could. [...] SDGs is not enough of an underlying threat, so we’re not gauvanized towards a common mission. I think that’s my biggest concern, there’s no real driving force to push students and people to collaborate at a greater good.”

As for the topic of access to transregional and transcontinental infrastructure, Mr. Davis commented on the involvement of the World Bank, IMS, as well as major state actors (such as China) who took initiative to develop infrastructure and connect the world by trade. “They are actually doing a good initiative, it’s just whether or not the pay off is good, considering human rights violations, etc…” On the question of the utilization of Artificial Intelligence, he states his interest in the implementation of AI in the Western world compared to the East. 

I’m Heather, currently a junior at AISVN in HCMC, and I am thrilled to serve as your Head Chair for SDG9. I have a strong passion, actively participated in Public Forum and WSDC debates, and currently hold an executive position in my school’s debate club. My journey in Model UN over the past three years has been significantly shaped by my fervor for debate, no doubt. I’m currently enrolled in IBDP as well so feel free to strike up a conversation with me about it!

​

The theme of our conference, “How can we use multilateral diplomacy to surmount the challenges of rapid societal change?” resonates deeply with me. As a student of international relations and an active participant in Model UN, I have witnessed firsthand the power of multilateral diplomacy in addressing complex global issues. In the face of rapid societal change, it is more important than ever for us to harness this power. We must work together, across borders and cultures, to navigate these changes and build a future that is sustainable, equitable, and inclusive.

​

This year’s topics for SDG 9 are as follows:

1. The question of global sharing of technology

2. The question of access to transregional and transcontinental infrastructure

3. The question of the utilization of Artificial Intelligence

​

The global sharing of technology is a catalyst for innovation and growth, driving advancements in various fields. Meanwhile, access to transregional and transcontinental infrastructure is fundamental for facilitating international trade and movement of people. It’s about connecting communities, economies, and countries, enabling them to share resources and opportunities. Artificial Intelligence, on the other hand, is revolutionizing how we live and work. Together, these topics represent the core of SDG9’s mission - building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.

​

On a closing note, come to the conference prepared, read your chair reports and I can’t wait to see what you guys will cook up in the conference! 

Fellow chairs, esteemed delegates, directors, and guests,

I am Benediktus Ries and I will be the deputy chair for the committee regarding SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. I am currently in 10th grade at the Western Academy of Beijing and have participated in MUN for 4 years. I have spent time in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 

This year's UNISMUN theme is “How can we use multilateral diplomacy to surmount the challenges of rapid societal change?” The entire globe has seen instability and tension once thought the hallmarks of a bygone era. The rhetoric and actions of politicians and leaders has once again underscored ensuring open lines of diplomacy, forums for discussion, and responsible language as crucial for maintaining peace.

This SDG will explore  the mise en scène of the world's actors, big and small, the very concepts which define, or will define, our modern world.

This years topics in SDG 9 are as follows:

The question of global sharing of technology. This topic will explore the complicated political and economic choice of how and who each nation chooses to develop with or without. Who is pulled into the next century? Who is left behind? What is "fair"?

The question of access to transregional and transcontinental infrastructure. This question will decide the very arteries of which the world's economic blood travels through. Who owns it? Who accesses it? Who decides?

The question of the utilization of Artificial Intelligence. With the sudden leaps and bounds in artificial intelligence (AI),  the world is now forced to answer questions once thought centuries away: How will AI change our world? Will it be our greatest friend, building us economic opportunities and streamlining our lives? Or an unimaginable foe, replacing us and blurring the definition of what is human?

Ultimately, in the committee of innovation, industry, and infrastructure, I look forward to seeing innovative resolutions, industrious speeches, and other infrastructure of a great conference, which is what this will be!

Greetings, esteemed delegates, fellow chairs, and distinguished guests,

My name is Jenny Le, a current junior at the United Nations International School in Hanoi, and I am honored to serve as the Procedural Chair of the SDG 9 Committee at the UNISMUN March 2024 Conference. I am delighted to say that this marks my sixth conference in MUN, and my second time as a chair.

The theme of our March conference, “How can we use multilateral diplomacy to surmount the challenges of rapid societal change?”, calls attention to the significance of cooperation between nation-states in order to form said diplomacy. This, in turn, encourages delegates to think about the ‘rapid societal changes’ with different perspectives and feasible resolutions. That said, delegates will engage in fruitful debates with a variety of topics, all of with falls under the Infrastructure, Industry, and Innovation structure of the SDG 9 Committee. 

The first topic the committee tackles is the question of global sharing of technology, one aspect of globalization that has become an complicated aspect of geopolitical relations. With nation-states polarizing views on the ownership and morality of technology, I truly look forward to the discussions in the SDG 9 Committee for this topic!

The question of access to transregional and transcontinental infrastructure explores the impact that varying degrees of availability of international trade may have on nation-states, allowing our delegates to lead debates that target the multilateral diplomacy discussed in our conference’s theme.

The final topic in the SDG 9 Committee is the question of the utilization of Artificial Intelligence. Though the origins of AI dates back over half a century ago, it is now that the world truly see AI’s revolutionary capabilities and potential. With this, questions began to arise: what kind of potential? Will it prove to be any good? Limit risks? Or be the risk?

With all said, I firmly believe that this conference will provide immense opportunities for all delegates and chairs to foster growth diving into these topics and fruitful debates. I am looking forward to getting to know you all and making many memorable and meaningful experiences!