Dear Delegates,

Welcome to UPMUNC 58! I’m Priya Patel, and I’m excited to serve as your Chair for the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) throughout this conference.

ECLAC is a unique and vital regional body within the UN system, focused on advancing economic development, social equity, and sustainable growth across Latin America and the Caribbean. This year, our committee will explore two urgent and interconnected issues facing the region: strengthening climate resilience and coastal economies through sustainable tourism, and diversifying Latin America’s economy by reducing dependence on commodity exports. Both topics will require you to think critically, collaborate strategically, and propose bold, evidence-based solutions that address complex regional dynamics. We encourage you to think outside of the box, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with! 

As a delegate in ECLAC, you’ll be tasked not only with debating development policy but with shaping the economic future of an entire region. You’ll need to balance growth with sustainability, cooperation with national interest, and resilience with equity. Whether tackling the climate vulnerabilities of coastal tourism or charting paths toward economic diversification, we hope you’ll approach each session with creativity, critical thinking, and a commitment to inclusive progress.

I’m originally from Edison, NJ, and I’m currently a junior at Wharton studying Finance, AI, and Neuroscience. Beyond academics, I enjoy dance, fitness, traveling, and entrepreneurship. This will be my third year staffing ILMUNC, following four years of competing in high school, and I’m excited for another incredible experience with all of you.

Alisa and I can’t wait to see everything you accomplish in this committee! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions ahead of the conference.

Priya Patel
pdpatel@wharton.upenn.edu