World Health Organization (WHO)

Directed By: Alexander Georgiev

About:

Topic A:

Equitable and Ethical Access to Human Genetic Enhancement Technologies

Advances in genetic engineering have made it increasingly possible to prevent inherited diseases and potentially magnify human traits beyond traditional medical treatment. While these technologies offer avenues for improving health outcomes, they also raise concerns regarding equity in access, affordability, discrimination, and the potential resurgence of eugenic practices. Without international cooperation, unequal access to genetic enhancement could widen existing health disparities within and between nations. Delegates will discuss strategies to promote equity, protect human rights, and establish ethical principles for the responsible use of human genetic enhancement technologies.

Topic B:

Biosecurity-Oriented Governance of Gene-Editing Technologies

The same gene-editing technologies that have revolutionised medicine also possess significant “dual-use” potential, creating risks extending beyond public health. Advances in biotechnology could enable the development of engineered pathogens, unsafe laboratory practices, or genetic modifications intended for militant purposes. As biotechnologies become more accessible globally, the international community must strengthen biosecurity measures while preserving scientific collaboration and innovation. Delegates will discuss the role of the World Health Organisation in promoting international standards, improving global preparedness, and reducing the risks associated with biotechnological misuse.

Committee Description:

I am a senior at the University of Central Florida pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry with a minor in Disaster Management and Homeland Security. After graduation, I plan to earn a Master’s in Public Health in Germany, where I hope to study the confluences of biotechnology, global health, and public policy. My academic interests include emerging clinical technologies, biosecurity, and improving health outcomes for underserved populations, particularly migrants and women. Outside the classroom, I conduct undergraduate research on the chemical ageing of biomass-burning aerosols and their impacts on air quality and climate. As your Chair for the World Health Organization, I look forward to guiding productive discussions on two key issues: the ethical and equitable governance of human genetic enhancement technologies, and the biosecurity challenges posed by rapidly advancing biotechnology. While gene-editing innovations offer unprecedented opportunities to prevent disease and improve health, they also raise concerns surrounding equity, discrimination, eugenics, and dual-use risks such as engineered pathogens and malicious applications. In this committee, delegates are tasked with developing solutions balancing scientific innovation with ethics, human rights, global security, and international cooperation.