• Question of digital division in technological advancements

• Question of ethical standards in illegal trade

• Transparency and integrity within infrastructure development among business corporations

Phuong Doan is the founder of U-Expeditions, a dynamic travel agency dedicated to crafting meaningful learning journeys for students worldwide in Asia. With 17 years of experience in the tourism industry, including extensive work with a global Destination Management Company, Phuong has been deeply involved in Community-Based Tourism (CBT) across Southeast Asia and the Americas.

Her work spans from identifying and training local communities to developing sustainable tourism products that empower locals while preserving their cultural heritage. By working closely with communities and travelers alike, she ensures that tourism remains a transformative and responsible force that benefits both visitors and hosts.

Trained in counselling and conflict resolution, Neichu worked in health and humanitarian sector

for over 20 years, of which 17 years was with various agencies of the UN. Her professional work

involved setting up programs for the prevention and treatment of HIV, TB, Malaria, and Drug

abuse/use. Much of her work involved setting up of community health programs and

promoting access to health services as a human rights issue. She spent much of her life

advocating for civil society engagement and community led programming in different global

health initiatives. She worked with Bill & Gates Foundation in India, UNAIDS in Nepal, UNOPS in

Myanmar, World Vision and UNODC in Cambodia, as a consultant for WHO’s STOP TB

partnership program, and as a conflict resolution trainer in Taiwan, Samoa, Rwanda and

Uganda. She also served as a civil society representative in the board of the Global Fund for

HIV, TB and Malaria and facilitated Global Fund board meetings in Kunming (China), Sao Paolo

(Brazil) and Geneva. Besides these, Neichu is involved in a global network called Initiatives of

Change (IofC) which is based in Caux, Switzerland through which she took part in several

national, regional and global programs in India, SE Asia, Australia, Samoa, East Africa and in

parts of Europe. Presently, she is part of the IofC’s support team for the Mekong Youth

Dialogue. She is also working as a consultant for an NGO in India called Entrepreneurs

Associates (EA). Her other current commitment is supporting health programs in Thailand –

Myanmar Border focusing on refugees and internally displaced people from Myanmar.

Although I have engaged in MUN for 2 years now, this was my first time being granted the opportunity to work with diverse committee mentors and receive professional support. For this conference, I was lucky enough to have Mr Taggart as one of my 3 mentors. He is an MSHS Math teacher and an enrichment coach, both of which are perfectly suited to help me throughout the MUN process. During our interview, I was not only able to learn about his influence on becoming a teacher, but I also gained an insightful understanding of the March conference theme. 

Although Mr. Taggart's field and expertise aren’t relevant to the topics we will be discussing, he offered a valuable perspective on the theme of this conference. I began by asking him what he believes this question means, “What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?” To this, Mr Taggart recognized the importance of not just demonstrating honesty towards a community but following through with your words. He highlighted how engaging with people through your values is extremely beneficial to the growth of a country. 

In more depth, we had a conversation about the specific issues in SDG 9. Mr. Taggart was put in the spotlight, however, he gave a purposeful answer which influenced my mindset and helped me gain a better understanding of the issue. The question we discussed was “Digital division in technological advancements,” Mr. Taggart identified its advantages and disadvantages along with providing credible examples that are applicable today. He justified why technology can aid people and cause unwanted harm as well. 

To conclude, speaking with Mr. Taggart was extremely obliging and gave me a clearer overview of the issues that we will discuss during the March Conference. I learned through another perspective while constantly being reminded of maintaining an open mind. I appreciate all the help Mr Taggart provided me with and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with him. 

Thank you for your patience and support, Mr Taggart! 

As the procedural chair of SDG 9, I had the privilege to meet Mr Nguyen, who helped guide me to gain a deeper understanding of the topics for the March conference. Mr. Nguyen is the MSHS counselor; giving him a lot of experience working with different students. He’s also been an engineer, exploring a variation of career paths. During our interview, we engaged in a compelling conversation which provided me with more context and perception of the issues that will be discussed in my committee, SDG 9. 

Even though Mr Nguyen doesn’t devote a lot of time to research global issues, he still demonstrated a solid understanding of the current issues that are affecting our environment; defining one of the many focuses of Model United Nations. I was also able to ask him about what he believes the theme of the conference means, “What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?” To this, he replied, “Defining integrity is not just following through with your commitments, it’s building trustworthy relationships among your community and being a reliable person.” This answer helped me think more deeply about the theme. 

Along with this, Mr Nguyen shared his views on the specific issues my committee will tackle. His thoughts were invaluable; especially when he pointed out how technology isn’t completely trustworthy and as literal as pictured online. Mr Nguyen’s attentiveness to smaller factors transformed my thought process. 

Overall, learning more about Mr. Nguyen’s perspective on this topic was extremely beneficial because I learned more about my issues and was introduced to newer and more profound points relating to the topics. I look forward to working with Mr. Nguyen in the future and appreciate the effort he put into this!

Thank you for your assistance and time Mr Nguyen!     

Honorable chairs, distinguished delegates, fellow guests, and directors,

Hello everyone! I’m thrilled to be here today. My name is Yifan, but you may call me Tete, and I am honored to serve as your chair. I have a deep passion for sustainable development, innovation, and infrastructure, which I believe are pivotal in shaping our future. With a background in international relations and substantial experience in Model United Nations (MUN), I aim to engage meaningfully with the critical issues surrounding Sustainable Development Goal 9.

This year’s theme, “What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?” is especially pertinent to our work on SDG 9. Integrity is essential in ensuring that innovation and resilient infrastructure are developed responsibly, with a focus on social equity and environmental sustainability. Without integrity, the very foundations of development can crumble, leading to inequalities and environmental degradation.

As your chair, I recognize the significance of our topics: first, “the question of digital division in technological advancements,” which underscores the necessity for equitable access to technology to drive innovation across all sectors; second, “the question of ethical standards in illegal trade,” which highlights the critical need to protect industries and ensure fair practices to promote sustainable economic growth; and finally, “transparency and integrity within infrastructure development among business corporations,” vital for preventing corruption and fostering trust in public projects.

I encourage each of you to engage passionately and uphold integrity in your debates. Together, we can strive toward impactful solutions that promote a balanced and sustainable future for all. Thank you!

Honorable chairs, distinguished delegates, fellow guests, and directors,

My name is Phillip Yoon, and I am currently a sophmore at Seoul Foreign School. It is to my pleasure to serve you as your deputy chair for SDG 9 during the UNISMUN March 2025 conference. This conference will mark my 3rd year participating in MUN, and this will be the first time I will serve as a chair. I look forward to engaging in proactive debates and creating fruitful and everlasting memories and discussions.

“What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?” —  this theme is key to demonstrating and understanding the role of integrity in our world. Integrity is able to manage economic growths while maintaining the safety of us global citizens.

Being a chair for SDG9 will be a memorable experience for me. This conference focuses on developing resilient and international infrastructure, supporting and celebrating innovation, and maintaining peace and stability while development happens. I believe that thse conditions are imperative for a better future. 

We will cover 3 topics during the conference: The digital division in technological advancements, ethical standards in illegal trade, and transparency and integrity within infrastructure development among business corporations. The first topic is key to enriching our understanding of equal and equitable development of key technologies. The disparity of technological R&D could lead to devastating results, one that could create a clear and unjust barrier between developing and developed countries. The second topic addresses issues that cannot be solved in the status quo and, thus an issue we must concede to and make the most equitable and safe environment out of. I believe it is imperative to discuss the second topic for a safer world. The last topic covers the transparency of corporations on technological developments. I believe that this is an imperative to maintain communication between civilians and corporations. When corporations aren’t transparent, there no longer exists a check-and-balance system to maintain the integrity and accountability of corporations. If so, corporations no longer have barriers and criterias to maintain ethical and humane standards. 

I hope to assist and support all those attending UNISMUN 2025. Similar to how my chairs at my very first conference were key to my self confidence and and skills in public speaking, I wish to be an open and supporting chair for you all as well. I look forward to our many memories to come!

Best regards,

Phillip Yoon

Honorable chairs, distinguished delegates, fellow guests, and directors,

My name is Sarah Bagaria, I am currently a freshman at the United Nations International School of Hanoi. It is my honor to serve you as procedural chair for SDG 9 during the UNISMUN March 2025 conference. This conference will mark my 2nd year participating in MUN, this being the first time I serve as chair. I look forward to engaging in proactive debates and creating unforgettable memories. 

The theme for this conference is, “What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?” This theme is extremely important because it emphasizes the need to demonstrate integrity to manage economic growth and maintain the safety of citizens. 

Chairing for SDG 9 will be an insightful and valuable lesson that I am eagerly anticipating. This goal focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization, and encouraging innovation; all of which are suited to my interests. This is why I believe this committee is essential to international development. 

The 3 topics that we will discuss during this conference are the “Question of digital division in technological advancements,” "Question of ethical standards in illegal trade,” and finally “Transparency and integrity within infrastructure development among business corporations.” The first topic is significant both personally and globally. It dictates the accessibility to essential resources needed to prevent poverty and exclusion; these can be provided through technology. This topic also addresses the inequalities between developed and developing countries, which is crucial for ensuring everyone is equipped with technology that benefits them. The second topic, "Question of ethical standards in illegal trade,” can influence the minds of those involved in illegal activity and convey the complexity behind illegal trade, which can be driven by factors such as poverty. Our last topic is “Transparency and Integrity within Infrastructure Development among Business Corporations.” This is important because corporations can avoid problems like corruption and mismanagement, which helps them operate better. Moreover, by verifying that data is reliable, governments can enhance the quality of infrastructure, satisfying everyone.  

I hope to assist everyone attending the conference by guiding delegates. I will also work alongside the other chairs to ensure that the conference is meaningful and enjoyable. I am excited to meet everyone and wish you the best of luck throughout the conference. 

Thank you, 

Sarah Bagaria