United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Intermediate Committee
Chair Introductions
President - Karen Wang
Greetings, delegates!
My name is Karen Wang, and I am a senior at Shanghai American School Puxi. This marks my tenth Model United Nations conference, and my third time serving as a chair. I am honored to serve as your President and to lead the discussion on "Addressing Illegal Mining, Trafficking, and Instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a Consequence of Increased Demand for Minerals," a topic of serious global concern.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is rich in valuable mineral resources, including gold, cobalt, and coltan; however, illegal mining operations, often controlled by armed groups, exploit local populations and perpetuate instability. I look forward to guiding delegates and listening to different perspectives in a collective effort to find ways to promote peace, human rights, and environmental protection in the DRC. Delegates should come prepared with thorough research and a willingness to engage in meaningful discussions and debates.
With that said, I am excited to meet you all in November!
Deputy President - Jing Wang
Greetings delegates.
My name is Jing Wang, a junior at SMIC. It is my pleasure to serve as deputy president of UNODC, a newly introduced committee in SMICMUN this year. SMICMUN IX marks my 5th conference and first time officially serving as a chair, a new chapter of my MUN journey.
My primary topic of focus for this conference is "Combatting the trafficking and abuse of controlled prescription medication." I anticipate engaging discussions and innovative resolutions that effectively address the complexities of this topic.
I look forward to meeting you all in November!
Deputy President - Isaac Lai
Hey Delegates.
My name is Isaac Lai, a junior at SSIS Shanghai, and I'm honored to serve as your Deputy President for SMICMUN IX's UNODC committee. My MUN journey may have started later than some, but it quickly grew into a defining passion that has shaped how I view global affairs, diplomacy, and debate. Personally, I believe that just as history teaches us the consequences of division and conflict, MUN provides us with a platform to explore the possibilities of cooperation and unity.
The UNODC stands at the intersection of some of the most urgent challenges of our time. From the ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking to the rise of transnational organized crime, from the spread of corruption to the growing threats of cybercrime, the issues under this committee's mandate cut across borders and demand collective action. These are not distant problems but pressing realities that affect human lives, test the strength of institutions, and call into question the resilience of justice systems worldwide.
I look forward to hearing your voices and seeing your ideas come together to shape meaningful resolutions in our committee.
Committee Topics
Combatting the Trafficking and Abuse of Controlled Prescription Medication
Combatting the illicit over-prescription, trafficking, and misuse of opioids and other controlled medications is a critical challenge to global public health, security, and the integrity of medical systems. Although vital for legitimate healthcare, these substances have triggered a devastating epidemic of addiction and fatalities due to unethical practices, fraudulent prescriptions, corporate malfeasance, and weak regulations. This crisis of misuse fuels organised crime, facilitates corruption, and overwhelms public health services, destabilising communities worldwide. The global community must prioritise strengthening pharmaceutical regulatory frameworks, enhancing real-time monitoring of prescription patterns, promoting ethical prescribing practices, and improving access to evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services. International cooperation is essential to disrupt trafficking networks, improve information sharing between health and law enforcement agencies, and ensure a balanced approach that prevents misuse without restricting essential medical access. A coordinated, multifaceted response is vital to end this epidemic and protect future generations from its profound harms.
Chair Reports Coming Soon
Addressing Illegal Mining, Trafficking, and Instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a Consequence of Increased Demand for Minerals
Addressing illegal mining, trafficking, and instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) driven by surging mineral demand is critical for achieving sustainable development, peace, and human rights protection. While mineral extraction offers potential economic benefits and is vital for commerce and production worldwide, illicit activities fuel conflict, finance armed groups, enable severe human rights abuses, and deprive local communities of vital revenues. The international community must focus on establishing and enforcing robust supply chain due diligence and traceability mechanisms, supporting formalization of the mining sector, strengthening governance and anti-corruption measures, and ensuring responsible sourcing by global industries. International cooperation is essential to provide technical assistance, support security sector reform, and hold companies accountable for their supply chains. Tackling this complex nexus ensures that the global transition to green and digital technologies does not come at the cost of perpetuating conflict and exploitation in mineral-rich regions like the DRC.
Chair Reports Coming Soon