Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the 56th University of Pennsylvania Model United Nations Conference! My name is Ria Jani and I am delighted to be your chair for the Economic Commission for Africa committee. I look forward to a weekend filled with engaging and insightful discussions.

To further introduce myself, I’m originally from Bergen County, New Jersey. I am a rising sophomore at Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences intending to major in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. I’m a part of Penn’s International Affairs Association (which hosts this conference), specifically working with the Community Outreach and Engagement Branch. I am also an active volunteer and Jr. Liberty Bell Classic Tournament Director for Penn for Youth Debate (a non-profit volunteer organization that teaches debate/public speaking to underserved schools). I fell in love with Model UN my freshman year of high school, and eventually went on to become president of my school’s MUN club. When coming to Penn, I wanted to stay involved with MUN specifically through working with UPMUNC. Last year, I chaired a crisis committee for this conference and am excited to be an ECOFIN chair this year.

Throughout the weekend, I’d like to foster an environment of learning, understanding, and encouragement. Regardless of whether you are a Model UN beginner or a seasoned competitor, you have a place in this committee and your voice deserves to be heard. Throughout the weekend, I hope you all have the opportunity to learn more about this important topic, each other, and yourselves. 

If you have any questions or concerns until then (or would just like to introduce yourself), please feel free to reach out to me at riajani@sas.upenn.edu. I can’t wait to meet you all in November!

Sincerely,

Ria Jani