United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

Directed By: Karina Garcia

About:

Committee description:

Karina Garcia (she/her/hers) is a second-year Economics and International Studies double-major with a specialization in the pre-law track. Within the UF Model UN Team, she has co-chaired both GatorMUN XXIII and SunMUN IV, and is now serving on the secretariat of our collegiate conference as Director of Finance. When she isn’t focused on the intricacies of foreign policy and international affairs, Karina works on campus as an Economics Teaching Assistant, off campus as a stylist for Kendra Scott, and interns at a local domestic abuse shelter here in Gainesville, FL. In her free time, she enjoys trying new hangout spots, collecting trinkets, and traveling the world (of course). From competing to chairing to directing, GatorMUN has been a foundational experience in her five-year Model UN career, and she cannot wait to meet you all at GatorMUN XXIV!

P.S. The other Karina is her roommate!

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was founded in 1946, directly following the end of World War II. After the destruction, displacement, and distraction caused by the global upheaval, UNICEF sought to safeguard the rights of every child across the globe, advocating for our youngest voices. As the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world, this committee synergizes innovation and action to protect children from violence, natural disasters, malnutrition, and disease.

While its headquarters lie in New York City, UNICEF operates within several diverse global centers. From Budapest to Geneva or Copenhagen to Brussels, the fund bridges international efforts and economic opportunity to reach effective solutions. Spearheaded by executive director Catherine M. Russellm, who once worked as an assistant under former U.S. President Joe Biden and advocated for women’s rights in over 45 countries, UNICEF believes in leadership that will advance equity and social progress. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund has always placed child protection at the forefront of international community discussions. Today, it continues to uphold its principles in over 190 countries worldwide.

This committee will be formatted to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which are aimed to be achieved by 2030. Topic A will focus on the intricacies of healthcare accessibility in SDG 3, while Topic B will address the provision of quality education in SDG 4. I encourage you all to use details, debate, and diplomacy to create long-lasting resolutions.