Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee
Topic Summary
In the Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian (SOCHUM) Committee, delegates will address the role of foreign aid in promoting sustainable development and the impact of international institutions in shaping outcomes. Foreign aid remains a tool for development and political influence, making this problem essential when examining issues of sovereignty and sustainability in the international community. In the October session, delegates will evaluate the role of International Organizations and mechanisms of foreign aid to explore how current aid programs can create growth without dependency or undermine national autonomy. In the December session, delegates will examine the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and consider how humanitarian actors can strengthen local institutions while also aiding communities. Delegates will work to develop a framework for international development that promotes efficiency and sustainability.
Esteemed Delegates,
I am excited and privileged to welcome you to HMUN Online! My name is Adam Brown, and I will be your Director for the SOCHUM Committee. I am a junior at Harvard studying Social Studies, while pursuing a concurrent Master's degree in Middle Eastern Regional Studies. I'm originally from Saratoga Springs, New York (Upstate represent!).
I had no experience with Model UN when I arrived at college. I decided during my freshman fall to try out for our Intercollegiate MUN team (ICMUN), not really knowing what I was getting myself into. I've loved it ever since! Over the past two and a half years, MUN has taken me across the country and around the world. I have directed committees at HMUN China 2025, HMUN 2026, HNMUN 2026, and will direct at HMUN Dubai 2027. I have also been the USG Committees for HMUN China 2026 the Director-General of the inaugural session of HMUN Canada in May 2026.
I look forward to seeing you all engage with the topic of the distribution of foreign aid, a debate constantly in flux due to the worldwide acceptance of and embrace of the international community. I wish you all the best in your preparations for the conference!
Regards,
Adam Brown