World Health Organization

Approximately 80 Delegations - Single Delegate
Topic A: Global Inequities in Training Health Professionals
Topic B: Combatting the Illegal Organ Trade

Welcome to the World Health Organization (WHO) for ILMUNC XLI! In this vital committee, delegates will address two critical global health issues: tackling inequities in the training of health professionals and combatting the illegal organ trade and harvestation. Delegates will explore the disparities in healthcare education and workforce development, seeking solutions to ensure all regions have access to well-trained medical professionals. Additionally, they will confront the ethical, legal, and humanitarian challenges posed by the illegal organ trade, working to develop strategies that protect vulnerable populations and promote global health equity. Through collaboration, delegates will craft impactful policies to safeguard public health worldwide.

Dear Delegates, 

Welcome to the 41st Ivy League Model United Nations Conference! My name is Krish Shah and I am thrilled to be your chair for WHO! I look forward to seeing how you tackle the challenges that this unique committee proposes, and am excited to facilitate the discussions surrounding the issues. 

A little bit about myself, I am a senior in the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business, with concentrations in strategic management and marketing & operational management. I previously served as the Secretary General of the University of Pennsylvania Model United Nations Conference, Penn’s collegiate conference. On campus I am also involved in Intercol (Penn’s travel team), Wharton Retail Club, Wharton Undergraduate Finance Club and my involved in Greek Life. As a native New Yorker I enjoy exploring cities, making Philadelphia a great place to be for college! Outside of exploring, I enjoy playing soccer and learning new recipes. 

Specialized Committees like this one are extremely fast paced, and so I encourage all of you to be curious, ask questions, and work with each other. I look forward to seeing you all in Philadelphia very soon and making this the best ILMUNC possible for you! If you have any questions feel free to email me at shahkris@wharton.upenn.edu. 

Best Regards, 

Krish Shah 

Chair, World Health Organization

DEAR DELEGATES,

I am excited to welcome you to the World Health Organization Committee (WHO) at ILMUNC XLI! My name is Michael Merolla, and as the co-chair, I look forward to facilitating and supporting engaging and productive discussions and debate on the fascinating world of global health policy. 

The WHO is a United Nations agency that is geared towards delivering healthcare and medical relief around the world. Guided by science, the WHO seeks to help people of all nations live healthier lives. The agency relies on a unique blend of politicians, medical experts, and health care workers to solve crises. Operating under finite resources to solve endless emergencies, the WHO is governed by the World Health Assembly which makes crucial decisions with the power to save lives. I look forward to seeing your collaboration and hard work over the course of the conference. 

A little bit about me: 

I am from Long Island, New York and a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences. I am currently studying political science on a pre-law track. I had a great time staffing Penn's collegiate conference last year, and I am ecstatic to be a senior staffer for my first ILMUNC conference! Outside of the classroom, I write for the Penn Undergraduate Law Blog, mentor in West Philadelphia K-9 programs, and play on the rugby team. When I am back home, I spend most of my time playing with my puppy or rooting on my new sports teams. 

Matt, Krish, and I are all looking forward to working with you in the WHO committee. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the committee. 

Michael Merolla 

Co-Chair, World Health Organization 

mmerolla@sas.upenn.edu

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the World Health Organization Committee at this year’s iteration of ILMUNC. My name is Matthew Kadaev, and it is an honor to serve as your Chair for this exciting and important committee. Just a bit of background on me: I am a sophomore majoring in both Computer Science and Economics here at Penn. I am also a Vice President of the Undergraduate Finance Club, a member of INTERCOL (the traveling MUN team), and part of UPMUNC (Penn’s college-level tournament). I am particularly excited about the intersection of technology, economics, and health policy, which will undoubtedly shape our discussions and debates in this committee. Having competed in ILMUNC during high school, even though it was online during COVID, I can personally attest to how impactful this conference can be, and it is a big reason why I am at Penn today. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been at the forefront of global public health efforts for decades, addressing issues ranging from disease eradication to health equity. In this committee, we will tackle some of the most pressing health challenges that the world faces today. Whether it is responding to global pandemics, managing the impacts of climate change on public health, or ensuring equitable access to vaccines and healthcare, the topics we will debate are crucial to ensuring a healthier and more just world. I look forward to hearing the interesting debates and creative solutions that you all have to offer over the next few days of conference. 

Sincerely, 

Matthew Kadaev

Moderator, World Health Organization