Novice United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)

Committee Profile

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is entrusted with overseeing humanitarian and economic issues within Latin America. Composed of all Central and Southern American countries, as well as most territories, the committee looks to thoughtfully resolve the most pressing issues of the region alongside some external global superpowers. The floor of the ECLAC provides a voice for all of the Americas, from Brazil to Antigua and Barbuda to be heard. With a complex history, the perspective of every nation in this committee is vital to generating the most comprehensive resolutions possible. Delegates should be prepared to collaborate and carefully consider the modern world from the Latin American perspective.

At BruinMUN 2024, Novice ECLAC will be tasked with generating collaborative and creative solutions addressing issues within two topics:

Topic A: Combating Deforestation

Topic B: Food and Nutrition Insecurity

Topic A: With the increasing attention brought to the climate crisis, this issue is especially pressing given the rich ecology and biodiversity of Latin America. Deforestation in the Amazon is reaching record highs annually, which millions of people depend upon for everything from commerce to the air they breathe. Over half of global deforestation is currently active in Latin America and poses a critical threat to the earth as we know it. Land is being cleared for the primary purposes of farm land which poses an issue for the growing food insecurity in Latin America. It is pertinent to devise plans that will both preserve the environments of the region, as well as allow for nations to continue making the most of their incredible natural resources – a delicate balance that must be achieved. 

Topic B: Food and nutrition are the most fundamental bases for human life, as well as a human right. Unfortunately though, about three quarters of Latin American residents are faced with food insecurity. This number is only rising every year as millions more struggle to afford enough food, let alone that of nutritional value. The effects of the pandemic have worsened the current situation, as well as crippling inflation in many nations. At its core, there are dozens of factors contributing to the growing crisis and comprehensive solutions are pertinent to combating the epidemic of hunger. However, it is also believed that the Latin American region has the greatest potential of any area to address food insecurity. With vast expanses of nutrient rich lands and labor force there is possibility for change that must be carefully executed.

Chair Letter

Hey Delegates!

My name is Leia Norton and I am thrilled to be your chair for Novice ECLAC at BruinMUN 32! I am a second year Computational Biology and Statistics major from the wonderful New Jersey. I am a bagel enthusiast and cheese connoisseur as well as a lowkey band and theater nerd. I spend my time listening to Italian jazz, embroidering, and watching video essays (open to recommendations).

In high school, I was an avid Model Congress delegate for both my own congressman and conferences in the northeast region. Even as a hardcore STEM kid, Model Congress conferences were always the highlight of my year. My favorite debate topics have always been on education access and sustainability, which I am looking forward to exploring at BruinMUN in the Latin American context. Fun fact about me: I ghosted the actual United Nations in New York City once my senior year. Coming into college, I wanted to keep up with public speaking and joined MUN at the start of the year. I decided to have a little fun with debate and became a crisis delegate which I am absolutely loving (highly recommend). I have found a family away from home within Model UN at UCLA from ice cream runs to all nighters during finals week. Staffing has no doubt been my favorite MUN experience so far and I am eager to chair for you all!

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is a regional subcommittee of the UN ECOSOC focussed on the economic, social, and environmental policy and development of Latin America. It is imperative for you to represent the complete goals of your allocated nation and work together to build solutions that will strengthen the region. You will be debating topics encompassing all parts of life at the forefront of the global mind – I look forward to seeing unique and creative solutions to pressing affairs. With a rich history, Latin America is a critical region I am sure you will find fruitful on the debate floor.

Please contact me with any questions, and I look forward to meeting you all!

See you in November,

Leia Norton | Chair, ECLAC | BruinMUN 32

eclac@bruinmun.org