Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee
Topic I: Preventing Child Exploitation With the Growing Influence of Social Media
Topic II: Artificial Intelligence in the Global Workplace
The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) was established in 1948 as one of the six main committees of the United Nations General Assembly. Its origins are deeply rooted in the need to address pressing social and humanitarian issues following World War II. The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) that same year set the stage for SOCHUM to champion the protection and promotion of human rights globally.
Over the decades, SOCHUM has played a pivotal role in addressing various topics, including the rights of children, refugees, and indigenous peoples. Its resolutions have significantly influenced international human rights law and policy, often acting as a catalyst for broader legislative changes in member states. For instance, SOCHUM's work on disability rights culminated in the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2006, which has since served as a vital framework for advocacy and policy development.
The committee continues to adapt to emerging global challenges, including the rise of misinformation in digital media and the ongoing fight for disability rights. Through its work, SOCHUM strives to ensure that all individuals can enjoy their fundamental rights, promoting a just and equitable world.
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Alba
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Alba (she/her) is a junior at Yale University studying Computer Science and Political Science. She was born and raised in Galicia, a region in northwestern Spain. She began her Model UN journey as a first-year with MUNTY, Yale's collegiate Model UN team. Before that, she was an active member of the European Youth Parliament. In her free time, she loves writing poetry and repairing computers. She also helps students from underrepresented groups in computer science start their careers in tech.
She is looking forward to working with you all! Feel free to reach out to her with any questions at secgen@secsy.org.
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Hannah Engel
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Hannah (she/her) is a sophomore in Benjamin Franklin College studying Global Affairs and Human Rights. On campus, she currently serves as DG of Committees for YMUN Latam IV and USG of Crisis Committees for YMUN LIII. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, going on walks, baking, and learning languages! She is very excited to serve as SECSY’s DG of Operations. Feel free to send any questions or comments to dg.operations@secsy.org