United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD)
APPROXIMATE COMMITTEE SIZE: 40-60 delegates
topic: Rural Connectivity and Internet Access in Underdeveloped Regions
Access to the internet has become an essential part of meaningful engagement in an increasingly digital world. As a vital tool for education, communication, and economic growth, the lack of internet access in many underdeveloped regions poses a poignant challenge. Connectivity, especially in rural areas, remains a significant barrier affecting billions of people, preventing them from fully participating in global systems and accessing both economic and social opportunities.
COMMITTEE DETAILS
This committee will explore how to bridge the “digital divide” and bring reliable internet access to rural and underdeveloped regions. Delegates will examine strategies to expand connectivity, from investing in satellite networks and community Wi-Fi programs to improving infrastructure such as electricity and cell towers. The committee will also consider how governments, private enterprises, and local communities can collaborate to make internet access both affordable and sustainable. In addition, delegates are encouraged to discuss topics such as digital literacy, the role of technology in economic development, and equitable access to ensure that new technologies benefit all populations. Through collaboration and diplomacy, delegates will work toward developing actionable and sustainable solutions that close the digital divide and promote inclusive global progress.
CHAIR: MARK Manaois
ABOUT THE CHAIR
Mark Manaois is a member of the Class of 2027 in the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He is majoring in International Politics with a concentration in International Law, Institutions and Ethics. Championing the Pacific Northwest from the other Washington, Mark was born and raised in Tacoma before moving across the country.
Model UN has been a central pillar of his academic career, having joined his freshman year in high school and attending various conferences across North America. This will be Mark’s 7th year of Model UN; he could not be more thrilled staffing another conference! Last year, Mark staffed DistrictMUN V as a member of the Logistics and Security Team. He continues to pursue this passion for organization as the Executive Director of NAIMUN LXIII.
Mark is ecstatic to be one of your Chairs for the Committee on Science, Technology, and Development at DistrictMUN VI. Feel free to reach out to Mark with any questions at m.manaois@modelun.org. Mark cannot wait to meet everyone this Spring!
CHAIR: Solène DEGAYNOR
About the chair
Solène DeGaynor is a member of Georgetown’s Class of 2027 studying Business & Global Affairs, a joint degree between the Walsh School of Foreign Service and the McDonough School of Business. She was born in Paris, France, but spent the majority of her childhood living in Michigan.
At Georgetown, she is currently the Chief of Staff for NAIMUN LXIII, Georgetown’s Highschool Model UN Conference. In this capacity, she works to bring together over 250 staffers to make the conference come to life. She also had the best time staffing DistrictMUN V last year!
When she’s not in committee, you can find Solène running to the monuments, picnicking on the lawn, or hunting down D.C.’s best coffee spots. She’s absolutely thrilled to welcome this year’s DistrictMUN delegates and can’t wait to meet and connect with everyone!