Novice United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD)

Committee Profile

The UNCSTD committee, or the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development, focuses on discussing and solving issues pertaining to the scientific, technological and developmental state of participating countries, and the world at large. As a subsidiary body of the ECOSOC, or the Economic and Social Council, UNCSTD also focuses on global challenges relating to our social, economic and environmental standing. As a subsidiary, these issues are taken into account through a more specified lens of technology and science. This committee focuses on coming to conclusions and solving problems in relation to these specified fields to then work to advise ECOSOC on how to proceed thanks to the knowledge collected. Delegates should focus on working together to discuss and conclude the best possible solutions for the future of our world’s scientific and technological advances through complex discussions and collaboration. 

The two topics discussed within this committee at BruinMUN 2024 are as follows:

Topic A: Promotion of STEM Education for Girls and Women in Developing Countries

Topic B: The Use of AI in Healthcare

Topic A: Education for young girls and women has been a controversial topic throughout history. The discussion surrounding the right for women to have access to education, as well as the movements surrounding it, have shed light on the issue in our recent history. As our world slowly moves towards a more gender equality based society, it is this committee's job to discuss the importance and relevance of this matter and how it could impact our society in years to come.

Topic B: As AI becomes more and more prominent in everyday life, arguments have arised debating whether or not the use of AI is more beneficial or detrimental to our society. AI’s growing capacity to learn and evolve has made it both a beneficial tool, as well as something people are afraid of. It's this committee's job to weigh the pros and cons of integrating AI into medical and healthcare spaces and what the outcomes of their decision would look like as our world, and AI, evolves. 

Chair Letter

Hello Delegates!

My name is Sahiti Vallabhaneni, and I am thrilled to be your chair for the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD) at BruinMUN 2024!

I’m a second year student majoring in Applied Mathematics here at UCLA, hoping to minor in statistics and data science and earn a specialization in computing. I am passionate about research, and after graduation, I aim to pursue a career in data science, focusing on applying machine learning to solve real-world problems. I am an international student - born in India, raised in Kuwait, settled in Dubai - as a result, I can converse comfortably in more than 4 languages. In my free time, you will find me playing badminton, trying new boba places with friends, or catching up on my 193 webtoons (all of which update weekly!).

My journey with Model UN began in the 8th grade when I volunteered at my school's conference. In high school, it introduced me to some of my best friends, and made me part of a wonderful community which I eventually went on to serve as President. So far, in college, I have had the opportunity to work as a crisis staffer for both BruinMUN 31 and LAMUN XIX (our collegiate conference) and compete at conferences across the country as a member of the UCLA travel team. As the UNCSTD is a novice committee, I anticipate that several of you may be new delegates, and I am so excited to be introducing you to the wonderful world that is Model UN.

This committee will discuss how recent advancements in science and technology are shaping our world. Delegates will come together to create and regulate innovations that ensure a safe, sustainable and innovative future. Collaboration is key! Your efforts will be instrumental in shaping the world of science and technology.

Welcome to the UNCSTD! All the best!

Sahiti Vallabhaneni | Chair, UNCSTD | BruinMUN 32

uncstd@bruinmun.org