United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)

Directed By: Rylee Gill

About Rylee:

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established in 1972 to lead the United Nations’ environmental initiatives and set guidelines. They work with the international scientific community and advisory groups to make informed policies and projects. By encouraging international cooperation, the UNEP is dedicated to promoting environmental policies and the sustainable use of resources.

The first topic will discuss the development and implementation of sustainable, renewable infrastructure. This includes building green cities, expanding renewable energy, and developing decarbonization strategies. Delegates should focus on building systems by considering natural climate solutions that will not only help the planet reach net-zero but also surpass that benchmark to become carbon-negative. Delegates need to balance ethics and utility to address the social disparities caused by climate change and find innovative solutions.

The second topic centers on rewilding, or rebuilding indigenous ecosystems to their natural function through the restoration of environmental systems and the reintroduction of native species. Rewilding efforts have been shown to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve ecological function. By learning from previous rewilding efforts, delegates should propose thorough and effective solutions that support independent environmental function and ensure protection for these ecosystems.

My name is Rylee Gill (she/her), and I am a third-year Business Management major with a minor in Sustainability Studies and Economics. I was born in Toronto and have lived in various places, from Kansas to Jamaica. I have been involved in Model United Nations throughout high school and have continued at university. I am currently serving as the Director General of SunMUN, the University of Florida’s collegiate Model United Nations conference.

Sustainability is something I have always been passionate about. We live at a pivotal point in history, and it will fall on our shoulders. I hope that everyone gets to learn more about our unique planet and ways to protect it!

Committee description: