Important Reminders and Dais Introductions

Welcome to the BMUN LXX SPECPOL blog - be sure to check this page frequently for any and all updates regarding deadlines for committee, how to engage with our topics, and best tips for succeeding in Model UN! An important detail to remind you all of is the BMUN-wide position paper deadline on 2/5 EOD to be eligible for our committee's Best Paper awards, and the second deadline on 2/12 EOD to be eligible for in-committee awards, such as Best and Outstanding Delegate, as well as commendations.

Be sure to submit your position papers via Huxley, drawing from your own research as well as prior knowledge from our Topic Synopsis. More information about how best to shape your position papers is coming soon! The topic synopsis is not meant for delegates to draw information from for their papers, but rather to guide towards areas for research!


Hello all - your dais for BMUN LXX are overjoyed to help prepare an engaging and explorative committee session for you all this March. My name is Ryan, and I am beyond excited to put into practice the learning-focused themes of BMUN into our joint conference experience. I am currently in my last semester at Berkeley, majoring in Society and Environment and Political Economy with an academic focus in development economics and financialization - if these topics interest you, feel free to discuss with me outside of committee!

Model UN provides high schoolers with such a unique experience to interact with topics outside of most traditional forms of education - my hope is that from attending SPECPOL in March, you gain a greater understanding of the state of the world and feel enticed to engage further with international relations, in or outside of your professional goals.

Outside of academia, I love to journal, brew tea, or talk with my roommates at home, and run or picnic outside of the house! Berkeley is an amazing campus to experience that provides such a different style of living than where most students call home, so I really enjoy doing as much as I can in the city! If you all have any questions about our topics, Berkeley, or BMUN as a whole, feel free to email or comment your thoughts on any post in the blog. Best of luck - see you all soon!

My name is Diego, I am one of your vice chairs for SPECPOL this year! I am a first-year from El Salvador intending to major in Computer Science. Apart from being an aspiring Software Engineer, I enjoy discussing international relations and policy. I’m excited to listen from you guys at this year’s conference!

For fun, I can spend hours listening to music, and occasionally mix. I enjoy the outdoors, especially when it’s surfing or going for hikes. 

Feel free to reach out at . See you in committee!


Hello! My name is Subaita Rahman, and I’m a senior at UC Berkeley studying Political Economy with a minor in Global Poverty & Practice. I was born and raised in the Bay Area, and I went to high school in Fremont, but I still love exploring and finding new places around the Bay. In my free time, I also love reading, cooking, and baking, and I’m always down to try new cuisines and food. And of course, I enjoy the opportunity to get to meet all of you!

I wasn’t involved in Model UN until I got to Berkeley, so I totally understand if you’re nervous for your first conferences. SPECPOL is handling important issues revolving modern day imperialism and decolonization that can seem daunting at first, but they’re very relevant to global issues today and you may find yourself resonating with more than you think. I’d advise to keep an open mind to new perspectives and approaches to decolonization, and what that looks like in the modern era with so many new actors involved. Most importantly, challenge and enjoy yourself, and you’ll have a great time.

Karishma Patel, SPECPOL LXX Vice Chair

Hello! My name is Karishma Patel and I will be one of your Vice-Chairs for SPECPOL! I am a first year student at UC Berkeley studying Sociology and Legal Studies! I am from Cerritos, California and have been involved in Model United Nations for 7 years.

In my free time, I love to explore new cafes and restaurants and the abundance of them in Berkeley is what made me fall in love with the campus and location! Additionally, I enjoy attending concerts with friends, reading, and re-watching The Office over and over again.

Being a part of Model UN has shaped the individual I have become and I am really grateful to be a part of BMUN this year to share my love for Model UN with you all. I am really excited to hear all of your ideas regarding the topics as decolonization is an ongoing issue that needs to be tackled. Overall, I hope that you all have a wonderful experience at BMUN 70 and enhance your speaking and research skills through the topics that will be discussed in committee! Good luck and I cannot wait to see you in March!

Hello! I'm Emma, and am a senior studying Political Economy with a concentration in Economic Development and Econometrics, and a certificate from the Haas School of Business Summer Program. I have worked at the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament in Panama and worked in consulting in Spain this past summer. Outside of MUN, I love dancing, traveling, and finding the best food places around the Bay area. I have been doing Model United Nations style conferences since I was 11 and am so excited that you have decided to start or continue your MUN debate journeys in BMUN 70’s SPECPOL Committee. 


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