[MUNUC 34] United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization UNESCO
GROUP: ECOSOC
- Topic A: Endangered Languages
- Topic B: Food Access and Exploitation of Indigenous Crops
TOPIC A Endangered Languages
TOPIC B Food Access and Exploitation of Indigenous Crops
EXECUTIVES
- Emma Kugelmass
- Helen Wei
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) promotes peace and international cooperation, using the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for its projects. In particular, this committee will focus on SDGs 8, 12, and 16 (Decent Work and Economic Growth, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). To successfully achieve its aims, UNESCO relies on the cooperation and participation of its member states, as well as the support of other UN agencies.
Topic A: Endangered Languages
Language is a critical not only important for communication and culture, but it is also indicative of social movements, resistance, history and lifestyle. Throughout the world, over 5,000 languages are recognized, spoken and passed down within communities. However, in an internationally globalizing society, the prevalence of lingua francas (common languages) has endangered many culturally-significant languages. This issue is rarely voiced as a topic of concern among nations who have profited from streamlined mass communication that is made possible by linguistic assimilation. As delegates balance globalization with community identity, they will discuss topics including linguistic genocide, lingua francas, and loss of indigenous languages.
Topic B: Food Access and Exploitation of Indigenous Crops
The incorporation of indigenous crops into mainstream diets is not only a culinary cultural exchange, but a concern of climate and economics as well. Traditional foods that are absorbed into dominant culture often rely on their continued cultivation by indigenous communities, unfairly distributing growing and production demands. Furthermore, environmental concerns continue to become increasingly pressing for indigenous communities who often rely on certain climates for growing conditions. Delegates will be challenged to think critically about where their foods come from and the communities that rely on or live in spite of these demands.