Dear teachers, sponsors, delegates, ladies and gentlemen.

“A country that destroys its soil destroys itself.”

     – Franklin D. Roosevelt

In a world where critical thinking is paramount, tackling the most urgent environmental challenges has rightly taken center stage. The preservation of our environment is not just a priority—it is vital to our very survival. It is with immense pride that my co-president and I introduce ourselves as leaders of the esteemed Model United Nations team at the Fundación Bilingue de Valledupar, where we have the honor of serving as presidents of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

There is no doubt that we are currently living in a reality where complex challenges demand decisive action. We are facing an unprecedented climate crisis, marked by rising temperatures, decreasing biodiversity, and pervasive pollution, all of which threaten the stability of our ecosystems. The impact of these challenges goes beyond the environmental sphere, profoundly affecting the lives of millions, deepening poverty, food insecurity, and endangering vulnerable communities

As president, I am committed to leading with transparency, fairness, and determination, ensuring that every perspective on the committee is considered and that our decisions reflect a global consensus. I am convinced that each delegate will approach their role with dedication, contributing their utmost to this collective effort. 

Being part of this committee fills me with enthusiasm and a deep sense of  responsibility. I am confident that through discussion, we will develop policies and strategies that not only contemplate the protection of our planet but also promote sustainable and equitable development for all. 

I extend a warm invitation to you to take full advantage of these opportunities, using this environment to share your ideas and foster meaningful connections with others. I encourage you to create your own space, feel secure in the company of others, and take the time to get to know each other. Finally, I welcome you to the UNEP Committee.

Leonel Ustariz Aragón 
UNEP President

Dear Academic Advisors, Sponsors, Delegates, and Distinguished Guests,

“Critical thinking is the tool that allows us to question accepted truths and discover new ways of seeing the world.”

– John Dewey

In a world filled with complex challenges, both social and environmental, the true protagonists are those critical thinkers who, through their daily endeavors, contribute meaningfully by rigorously evaluating information, arguments, and ideas, and forming well-reasoned judgments in response to the demands of our modern era. It is, therefore, a profound honor for me, María Victoria Martínez Calderón, to have been entrusted with the distinguished position of President of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Committee at the twenty-third edition of the BIMUN Model.

Throughout my academic journey, I have long admired this exceptional event, which provides an unparalleled platform for the application of critical thinking and highlights the vital role of youth in advancing human knowledge and improving the structures that govern our societies. This model exemplifies the very essence of what it means to engage in meaningful dialogue, to challenge the status quo, and to innovate solutions that address the most pressing issues of our time. To all present, I urge you to give your fully effort, to set aside preconceived notions, and to contribute solutions that will enrich the debates within this committee. The topics we will address are not merely academic exercises; they are real-world issues that demand our most thoughtful and creative contributions. 

To the esteemed delegates, know that I hold the highest confidence in your abilities. I am certain that with dedication, diligence, and a genuine passion for the goals you pursue, you can leave an indelible mark on this committee’s proceedings. I encourage you to demonstrate your capacity to confront and mitigate the environmental challenges that threaten our planet, the future of countless species, and humanity as a whole. My co-chair and I are fully at your disposal for any concerns or difficulties you may encounter throughout this conference.

As we embark on this intellectual journey together, I also encourage you to take full advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to connect with others, to step beyond the familiar, and to embrace diverse perspectives and ideologies. Without further ado, it is with great pleasure that I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to each of you to the UNEP Committee.

Maria Victoria Martínez Calderón
President of UNEP