United Nations Children's Fund
Committee description:
INTERMEDIATE COMMITTEE
Welcome to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)! This committee will center on the protection and empowerment of children in some of the world’s most vulnerable and rapidly evolving contexts. With a focus on modern forms of exploitation and access to education during times of crisis, delegates will be asked to think critically and compassionately about how international cooperation can safeguard the rights of children. As digital innovation and global conflict continue to reshape childhood experiences, UNICEF remains uniquely positioned to act. Your chairs are passionate about fostering an engaging, thoughtful, and inclusive environment where all delegates feel empowered to speak, debate, and collaborate.
Topic 1: Combating Child Labor and Exploitation in the Digital Economy
As the global economy increasingly shifts online, new forms of child labor and exploitation have emerged—often outside the scope of traditional regulation. From children creating monetized content on social media platforms to being exploited in online gig work or trafficked via digital marketplaces, the digital economy has introduced complex challenges to child protection. Many of these forms of labor occur in legal gray areas, making enforcement and prevention difficult. Delegates will explore how UNICEF and its partners can adapt existing labor frameworks to the digital sphere, push for child-centered digital policies, and promote ethical corporate accountability—all while considering the broader socioeconomic factors that lead children into these spaces in the first place.
Topic 2: Safeguarding Access to Education in Conflict Zones
In areas affected by armed conflict, access to safe and continuous education is often one of the first casualties. Schools may be destroyed, occupied by military forces, or deemed unsafe due to ongoing violence. Children are forced to flee their homes, teachers are displaced or threatened, and entire communities may lose access to vital educational infrastructure. Delegates will be asked to evaluate how UNICEF can protect children’s right to education amidst conflict—whether through mobile schooling, digital learning solutions, partnerships with local communities, or international pressure on parties to conflict. Key issues will include gender equity, infrastructure rebuilding, and long-term support for students whose learning has been severely disrupted.
ABOUT YOUR DIRECTOR:
Matthew chen
Matthew Chen (he/him) is a sophomore in Davenport College from San Francisco, California, majoring in Ethics, Politics, and Economics. He is excited to take part in his first YMUN conference with the first iteration of YMUN South Asia as Under-Secretary-General of Branding. Currently, he is also involved with the Yale College Council, the Yale Glee Club and the Yale Daily News! In his freetime, Matthew enjoys traveling, eating out at restaurants, listening to music, and shopping. Feel free to reach out to him at branding@ymunsouthasia.org!