Letter from the Secretariat

Dear Esteemed Delegates and Faculty Advisors,

 It is my pleasure to welcome you all to Kennesaw State University’s 41st Annual High School Model United Nations Conference! My name is Naomi Williamson and I have the honor of serving as your Secretary-General for this year's conference. Alongside me this year is my Undersecretary-General Justin Smith Jr. and Director-General Nick Browning. The conference staff and volunteers have been working hard to ensure that this conference will be an engaging and insightful experience that inspires you to expand your knowledge and challenges you to put forth your best effort.

 As you all prepare for this upcoming conference, we ask that delegates remain mindful of the theme in your research and discussion. Our theme this year is based on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being. The United Nations (UN) SDGs are a universal call to action for all Member States to address the world’s most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. These challenges are discussed by both developed and developing Member States in order to build a more sustainable future for all. Goal 3 specifically focuses on promoting universal access to healthcare, access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, preventing premature deaths, reduction of health inequalities, climate-related health risks, and addressing emerging non-communicable diseases. Following the United States government's recent major funding pause, millions globally are left in medical jeopardy as United Nations agencies warn against increased maternal deaths and disrupted services in crisis zones. These funding cuts are also weakening pandemic preparedness and immunisation coverage, while drug-related infections spread through areas with fragile health systems. Member State also suffer from a global shortage of health workers, leaving billions of people without access to essential health services. Specifically, children across many Member States lack access to safe surgical care while surgical disease makes up 30 percent of the global burden of disease. Families often travel long distances for care, leading to further health complications. As far as reproductive healthcare is concerned, maternal mortality remains high with the leading cause being lack of follow- up care during pregnancy, rooted in a history of sexism in healthcare. Violent conflicts around the globe also severely impact maternal health. In 2024, the UN reported that two mothers were killed in Gaza every hour as well as a staggering number of miscarriages due to destruction of healthcare infrastructure, harsh environmental conditions, and shortages of medical supplies. By advocating for the health needs of all Member States, developed and developing, this conference can continue the conversation surrounding solutions to these issues.

 Returning delegates, we ask that you please reflect on your past experiences at KSU HSMUN. Push yourself to be diplomatic and engaged in the current issues at hand. Collaborate respectfully with your fellow delegates and remain open to all ideas. New delegates, we ask that you prepare for this experience by researching your topics extensively and studying procedure. Our intention is for this conference to help you learn the necessary skills to engage in debate, negotiation, and diplomacy.

 Please check our website for updates from the Secretariat, details concerning registration, position paper submission, and delegate preparations. Please direct any questions, comments, concerns, and feedback regarding the 2027 KSU HSMUN conference or MUN in general to the Secretariat at ksuhsmun2627@gmail.com.

 I, the KSU HSMUN staff, the Kennesaw State University School of Government and International Affairs, and the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences look forward to seeing you all in March, 2027. We hope that you all will find this conference to be a positive experience among many in the new year.

Sincerely,

Naomi Williamson, Secretary-General

Justin Smith Jr. Undersecretary-General

Nick Browning, Director-General