Dear Delegates,
I am honored to be co-chairing the Economic and Social Council at this year’s BERMUN2 conference. The theme of the conference, Decolonize., is very relevant today because it addresses the long-lasting political, economic, and cultural effects of colonialism. It also brings up the necessary conversation of neocolonialism. The theme is a sensitive one, so I hope we can all approach it with respect and an open mind, while recognizing its significance. A topic that contributes to the efforts to “Decolonize.” is Combating Wealth Inequality, our committee's topic.
Wealth inequality is often a consequence of colonialism or neocolonialism. Historically, there were structures set in place that exploit labor and extract resources that mainly benefit the colonizers. These structures influence and affect the accessibility to education and economic opportunities, only further keeping the cycle of poverty and inequality in the affected countries. This is why we must recognize the present-day systems and historical consequences that contribute to wealth inequality. As a committee, I hope we can have a collaborative and constructive debate to find solutions to this issue.
On a personal note, I was born in New York and lived there for five years before moving to Germany. I have attended the John F. Kennedy school since the Entrance Class, and I am currently in 10th grade. I have visited a lot of countries, so I had the privilege of seeing different cultures and environments, which is part of the reason that I enjoy hearing perspectives of society that are different from my own. This will be my first conference chairing and my second MUN conference altogether. I have been a part of the MUN program for less than a year, but it has already taught me so much about politics and has prompted me to educate myself even more in my free time. It has impacted my view on the world, which further proves to me how important this program is for young minds. Besides MUN, I have tried many sports and hobbies in the past, but recently I have been dedicating my time to badminton and running.
I am looking forward to meeting you all at the conference!
Sincerely,
Marina Leitner
