African Union
Topic: Advancing Technological Innovation for Water Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa
Water scarcity and sustainability remain urgent challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, where over 400 million people lack access to basic drinking water services. Climate change, rapid urbanization, and inadequate infrastructure have intensified water stress across the region. In response, the African Union and its member states have increasingly turned toward technological innovation, such as solar-powered water pumps, remote sensing for groundwater mapping, and mobile applications for water monitoring, as tools to improve water accessibility and management. However, disparities in funding, infrastructure, and technical capacity continue to limit the scalability and sustainability of these innovations. Many of these technologies remain inaccessible in remote or underfunded regions due to high costs, limited infrastructure, and a lack of technical expertise. Bridging this technological divide remains a key challenge, requiring sustained investment, regional coordination, and efforts to integrate traditional water management practices with modern innovation.
The United Nations has long prioritized water sustainability through frameworks such as Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. Additionally, the UN Water Action Decade (2018–2028) emphasizes international cooperation and technological investment in water-related issues. Past resolutions, including UN General Assembly Resolution 64/292 (2010), which recognized access to clean water and sanitation as a human right, have laid the groundwork for international and regional efforts. The African Union's Agenda 2063 also underscores the need for innovation-driven development to achieve water security and climate resilience across the continent.
Dear Delegates,
My name is Marvel Hanna, a junior at Lowell House studying biomedical engineering. I am beyond excited to be your director for the African Union HMUN 2026 conference. As your director, I look forward to facilitating engaging debates, fostering collaborative problem-solving, and witnessing the growth and development of each delegate.
I was born and lived in Cairo, Egypt for seven years before my family moved to the sunny shores of Huntington Beach, California. I attended Huntington Beach High School where I was involved in Model UN for four years. I participated in several conferences such HMUN, National High School Model UN, and Berkeley Model UN.
From these experiences, if there is one piece of advice I could give it is to always approach every issue with an open mind and a willingness to listen. As we tackle pressing economic and social issues, I encourage each delegate to engage thoughtfully, collaborate effectively, and challenge themselves to think critically. Model UN is not just about debate and resolutions; it’s about understanding different perspectives, finding common ground, and building consensus.
Outside of Model UN, I am involved in The Harvard Undergraduate Research Journal where I review research papers to ensure their quality and contribute to the dissemination of cutting-edge academic work. I also enjoy volunteering in my community, which allows me to apply my passion for service and advocacy in a tangible way.
During my downtime, I love hiking, biking, binge-watching Turkish shows, hikimh, and spending time with family and friends.
I am eager to see the innovative solutions and dynamic discussions that this committee will bring forth. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to support you and ensure that your experience at HMUN 2026 is both educational and enjoyable.
Sincerely,
Marvel Hanna
Director, African Union
au@harvardmun.org
Harvard Model United Nations 2026