Dear Delegates,
Our world is changing. Amid a strong resurgence of armed conflicts, a rise in political extremism and turmoil in the global economic order, we are faced with a task of great difficulty: the task of looking at the world, acknowledging the places where it is broken, and choosing which piece we need to build a new world order.
It is often in times of crisis that people look to authoritarian leaders, seeking a simple answer to the complex problems the world is facing. It is therefore exceedingly important to establish and maintain a so-called rules-based order, ensuring that universal standards on a variety of issues are upheld by all nations, regardless of political or economic position.
One of these values, equality, is also a core premise of our committee topic this BERMUN, which reads “Ensuring the fair and prosperous economic development of LEDCs”. Less economically developed countries start at a distinct disadvantage on the international stage. Often weakened by the exploitative legacy of colonialism and facing insurmountable debts, they are often more vulnerable to a variety of crises, both economic and political. It is essential, therefore, that we level the playing field and ensure that LEDCs have the opportunity to grow while respecting their independence, empowering them to chart their own course towards development.
On a more personal note, I am a junior at the John F. Kennedy School in Berlin. My passions include the violin, which I have been playing since the age of 6, playing lacrosse, and spending time in the great outdoors. I have been part of the BERMUN program for three years, making this conference my eighth overall and my fifth as a chair. I’m excited to see all the challenges and successes you will traverse in search of equitable solutions.
See you in November!
Sincerely,
Keyo Casper
