The Association of Southeast Asian Nations

Committee description:

BEGINNER COMMITTEE

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established to promote regional peace, stability, and economic growth. This committee operates within a landscape of shifting geopolitical dynamics and complex economic challenges that test the unity and goals of ASEAN. Through strategic dialogue and cooperative efforts, delegates are tasked with developing innovative solutions that enhance stability and prosperity for ASEAN member states in the face of these challenges.

Topic 1: Expanding Financial Access for Asian Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of economic growth in ASEAN, yet many small business owners—particularly women and those in rural areas—struggle to access financial resources and the knowledge necessary to scale their ventures. Limited financial literacy, bureaucratic lending policies, and a lack of investor confidence in small-scale ventures create significant barriers to success. In this session, delegates will examine how ASEAN member states can work together to improve financial education, streamline access to capital, and foster cross-border investment in startups. Key discussions will explore the role of microfinance, digital banking, and fintech in democratizing financial access and ensuring that the next generation of ASEAN entrepreneurs can thrive.

Topic 2: Confronting Myanmar’s Military Regime

Myanmar has spiraled into violent unrest, with mass protests, civil disobedience, armed resistance, and a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over two million people. ASEAN’s response, centered around the Five-Point Consensus, has drawn both praise and criticism for its measured, non-interventionist approach. In this committee, you’ll explore how regional actors should navigate the tension between respecting sovereignty and protecting human rights. How can ASEAN remain true to its founding principles while responding meaningfully to a crisis that threatens both regional stability and democratic norms? Delegates will discuss the limits of diplomacy, the role of global allies in regional conflicts, and what accountability could, and should, look like.

ABOUT YOUR DIRECTOR:
Jayanti Gupta

Jayanti Gupta (she/her) is a junior in Berkeley College from Michigan, majoring in Global Affairs and Statistics & Data Science. She’s thrilled to serve as USG of Committees for YMUN South Asia and is excited to help lead her first YMUN Conference! At Yale, Jayanti is the President of the Dwight Hall SRI Fund, the nation’s oldest and largest student-run socially responsible investment fund. She also volunteers through CityStep, teaching dance to kids at IRIS, and leads entrepreneurship programming at the Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking. In her free time, you’ll find Jayanti doing Just Dance with friends, browsing vintage stores, going on long hikes, or watching Bollywood movies. Feel free to reach out to her at committees@ymunsouthasia.org with any questions!