Dear Delegates, 

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Joint Crisis Committee on Dune at this year’s UPMUNC. My name is Ben Binday, and I will serve as your moderator throughout this committee. Together, we will step into the world of Arrakis, a desert planet whose unforgiving landscape, scarce resources, and immense strategic importance make it one of the most contested realms in science fiction, and the entire Dune universe — ranging from Caladan to Giedi Prime to the Spacing Guild. 

Unlike a traditional committee, a crisis committee is dynamic, fast-moving, and full of unexpected twists. As delegates, you will shape events in real time, making choices that can alter the balance of power across empires and houses. The fate of spice — the most valuable substance in the universe, essential for space travel and political dominance — will rest in your hands. Rival noble houses, interstellar powers, religious factions, and covert operatives are all vying for control, and every decision you make may have immediate and unforeseen consequences. This setting requires you to balance short-term survival against long-term strategy, adapt quickly as crises unfold, and use creativity, persuasion, and tactical skill to achieve your goals. Above all, you will experience the chance to test your leadership in a rapidly evolving, unpredictable environment. 

Allow me to share a little bit about myself. I am currently a senior in the Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics with minors in History and Spanish. I am the President of Penn’s International Affairs Association, and am therefore involved with both Penn’s competitive Model UN team and was formerly a member of UPMUNC’s secretariat. I’m a New York City native (and hate Philadelphia sports teams). I’ve had a great time working at UPMUNC throughout my college experience, and can’t wait to do so again this year. Outside of Model UN, I enjoy writing and journalism, playing tennis, and traveling. 

My fellow chairs and I are looking forward to a thrilling and immersive weekend with you. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions as you prepare for the conference. 

Sincerely, 

Benjamin Binday 

bbinday@sas.upenn.edu