United Nations Children’s Fund
Advancing Early Childhood Development in the Global South
Topic Description
Founded in 1946, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has long served as a leading advocate for the rights and well-being of children across the globe. UNICEF works to protect and promote access to healthcare, nutrition, and other essential services, especially in regions where children are most vulnerable. This ECOSOC committee will focus on: Advancing Early Childhood Development in the Global South, with a Focus on Healthcare and Nutrition Access.
Despite international commitments to global health and sustainable development, millions of children, especially in rural, historically underserved, and conflict-affected areas, continue to suffer from preventable illnesses, malnutrition, and poor developmental outcomes. The consequences of early inequality can persist throughout a child’s life, continuing cycles of poverty and social exclusion. Delegates in this committee will explore how UNICEF, in collaboration with national governments and global partners, can expand access to imperative early childhood healthcare and nutrition services.
In order to address this challenge, delegates will be tasked with designing innovative policy proposals that include potential partnerships with NGOs, creative uses of technology (i.e. mobile health platforms), and sustainable funding mechanisms. There will be special attention on the unique contexts of rural communities across the Global South, especially in the MENA region, where barriers like political instability, geographic isolation, and resource scarcity require community-focused solutions.
Delegates are encouraged to think boldly and outside of the box, rigorously collaborate, and prioritize the voices of children from underrepresented areas in their pursuit of equitable healthcare access and global development.
Hanley Poyer - Director
Hanley is a sophomore at Harvard studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Government. Originally from the vast farmlands of Deansboro, New York, she brings a deep appreciation for community and resourcefulness to everything she does. At Harvard, Hanley is an active member of the Model UN community, competing on the intercollegiate team and serving as a director at both HMUN Boston and HMUN’s global conferences. Beyond MUN, she leads pre-orientation trips through the First-Year Outdoor Program and works as a student associate with Harvard Recreation.
Hanley is incredibly excited to serve as your Director for ECOSOC: Advancing Early Childhood Development in the Global South. With a deep passion for expanding access to healthcare and education, she’s thrilled to see how delegates engage with the unique challenges posed by this committee, whether that be balancing cultural nuance, regional disparities, or long-term development goals. She encourages every delegate to approach debate with creativity and collaboration at the forefront. Hanley can’t wait to see the bold solutions delegates craft to support young children and families in under-resourced communities. She is so excited to be on this journey with you all!