Dear Delegates, 

Welcome to UPMUNC! My name is Leanne Griffiths and I’ll be your Crisis Director for the JCC Dune Committee. On behalf of me and your staffers, I would like to express how excited we are to welcome you to the conference! 

The desert planet of Arrakis, long regarded as the fulcrum of galactic power, now stands at the heart of conflict and transformation. Control over its spice, the most valuable resource in the universe, has fueled centuries of competition, violence, and fragile alliances. Yet this struggle is not merely about wealth, but about survival, faith, and the legitimacy of rule in a volatile empire. The fragile balance between great houses, the native Fremen, and the imperial throne is beginning to unravel, exposing tensions that threaten both political order and ecological stability. What was once framed as a contest of dynasties has become an existential test for the galaxy itself. As delegates, you will be tasked with navigating questions of sovereignty and exploitation, mediating disputes over resources, and confronting the intersection of power, environment, and belief in charting the future of Arrakis and beyond. 

In regards to my background information: I’m currently a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences studying History and Political Science, concentrating in International Relations. Additionally, I intend to minor in French and Legal Studies on the Pre-Law track. I’m also Co Chief of Staff in INTERCOL, the University of Pennsylvania’s collegiate Model UN team. Outside of MUN, I am an executive member of the Kite and Key Tour Guide Society, Penn Chorale, Director of SPEV (special events branch of the International Affairs Association, and a member of a panhellenic sorority. On weekends and after class I can be found taking the beloved trolley into center city to get to Trader Joes on 22nd street, walking the Schuylkill River trail or around Rittenhouse Square, and going on endless dinner dates with friends, thanks to the INSANE food scene here. 

Originally from the Princeton area of New Jersey, I thoroughly enjoy my new home-city of Philadelphia (except for the Sixers), and have quickly grown to love attending Penn. Hurrah, Hurrah! I’m incredibly excited to extend a warm welcome to you all at UPMUNC this November . Please feel free to email me or your chair regarding questions about committee. We’ll see you in November! 

Leanne Griffiths 

leanneg@sas.upenn.edu