Committee Descriptions
Agriculture, Rural Development, and Sustainability
Topic: From Fields to Cities: The Impact of Agricultural Scarcity and Rural Flight in Africa
Chair: Aminata Kamara
The Economic Development, Trade, and Industry committee is responsible for fostering sustainable growth across Africa by addressing key challenges in industrialization, trade integration, and economic policies. With Africa contributing the least to global emissions yet being disproportionately affected by climate impacts, a compelling argument arises that African nations should prioritize industrial growth without being burdened by strict mitigation expectations. This committee will examine how countries can balance economic progress with environmental responsibility, promote fair trade practices, and encourage industrialization that benefits both local economies and the global community. How can green technologies be leveraged to fuel industrial growth without compromising the environment? What is the fair balance between pursuing economic development and adhering to climate goals in a continent that seeks growth and resilience? This session will explore these complex intersections, prompting delegates to rethink Africa’s role in the global climate dialogue and question whether the current climate narrative truly serves Africa's future. Additionally, delegates will analyze the role of regional trade agreements in unlocking economic potential, fostering cooperation, and bolstering Africa's position in global trade.
Level: Advanced
Education, Technology, and Innovation
Topics: Brain Drain in Africa: Retaining Talent in Science and Technology Sectors
Chair: Abyssinia Haile
The Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) committee is returning to the fourth edition of Yale Model African Union! As the standing decision-making organ of the African Union for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts, PAPS seeks to facilitate timely and efficient responses to crisis situations in Africa. Delegates will represent AU member-states, regional political factions, and international observers in these highly thoughtful and engaged discussions.
What should the role of the AU be in facilitating ceasefires and conflict resolution? How can member-states collectively exert influence on warring parties within and between nations? What parties deserve to be recognized, formally and informally, and what defines sovereignty? These represent only a few of the pressing political and security questions the PAPS committee will consider in session in parallel to current events. Together with powerful speakers and workshops devoted to similar topics, delegates will develop their ability to grapple with the African continent’s nuanced and interconnected political challenges in the 21st century.
Level: Advanced
Health and Humanitarian Affairs
Topic: Strengthening Health Infrastructure in Rural Areas, Health Inequities and Social Determinants of Health
Chair: Franziska Borneff
The Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD) of the African Union plays a vital role in advancing maternal and reproductive healthcare through its oversight of the AU Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (2018-2028). However, the AU’s lack of enforcement mechanisms has made it difficult to hold member states accountable, resulting in slow progress on critical issues like access to healthcare services for women, particularly in maternal and reproductive health. Why do some nations fail to prioritize reforms that improve the lives of women, and what factors contribute to this inaction? What incentives can be introduced to encourage African states to enforce laws addressing gender-based crimes? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this committee. The Women, Gender, and Youth Committee will consist of representatives from AU Member States and NGOs, working together to identify solutions for improving women’s healthcare and advancing gender equality across the continent.
Level: Beginner
As Africa faces increasing challenges due to climate change, land degradation, and urban migration, sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem conservation are more urgent than ever. The committee will explore solutions such as agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable land management to ensure food security and economic resilience for rural communities. Through collaborative dialogue, delegates will work to develop actionable policies that balance agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability, shaping the future of Africa’s rural development.
Level: Beginner
Economic Development, Trade, Industry
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela
The Committee on Education, Science, and Innovation replicates the structure of the Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Department of the African Union. This committee will consist of representatives from all AU member states as well as representatives from NGOs.
How can policy-makers bridge the gap between rural and urban access to education? How can NGOs and governments empower the African youth to innovate and collaborate all over the Continent? How can education systems better incorporate indigeneity and indigenous knowledge into curriculums? These are some of the questions that will be discussed in the Committee on Education, Science, and Innovation. Through their participation in this committee, delegates will craft a way forward for African education systems. They will also have the chance to meet with speakers who have experience shaping ecosystems that foster the advancement of knowledge and equal opportunities.
Level: Beginner
Women, Gender, and Youth
Political Affairs, Peace and Security
Mass Atrocity Prevention
Topic: Genocide in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Crimes Against Humanity in Burkina Faso
Chair: Yvonne Agyapong
The Infrastructure & Energy Committee is based on the Department of Infrastructure and Energy in the African Union and will convene representatives from all AU member states, alongside NGOs and development partners. Delegates will explore how to bridge Africa’s longstanding energy gaps while laying the groundwork for a continent-wide AI revolution. As AI-powered industries and services proliferate, so does the demand for resilient, high-capacity power networks. How can Africa balance large-scale hydropower mega-projects with decentralized solar microgrids to meet surging electricity needs, while still prioritizing equitable access? What are the trade-offs between swift industrial growth and sustainable resource management, and how can policymakers secure local data autonomy when much of the technology is foreign-built? Participants in this committee will not only delve into pressing questions of energy production and distribution but also debate how AI itself can be harnessed to optimize grid operations, forecast demand, and expand electrification to underserved communities. Through expert briefings and collaborative sessions, delegates will gain insight into the ways energy and emerging tech can converge to transform African economies. Ultimately, they will propose solutions that reconcile the pursuit of cutting-edge AI applications with the imperative to uplift rural regions and safeguard African interests in a rapidly evolving global tech landscape.
Level: Advanced
Topics: Forever or Forgotten: Peace-finding in the Central African Republic and Escalating crises in the Horn of Africa
Chair: Anping Zhu
Topic: Institutional Barriers to Maternal and Reproductive Healthcare
Chair: Faith Maritim
Topic: Green Growth: Balancing Industrial Progress with Climate Goals and Harnessing Regional Trade Agreements for Economic Growth
Chair: Yasmina Traoré
The Committee on Mass Atrocity Prevention is focused on tackling the war crimes, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and genocides ravaging the African continent and the innovative solutions that will put them to an end. Delegates in this committee will look broadly into what constitutes a mass atrocity; the unique forms it can take within particular national contexts; and the historical, social, geopolitical, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to their proliferation. Special attention will be paid to atrocities known and unknown. What international forces outside of Africa are facilitating these mass atrocities? What does recovery for victims and the affected look like? Are the factors contributing to atrocities today preventable tomorrow or can they only be mitigated? Are the resources for prevention sustainable in the long term? The delegates of the Committee on Mass Atrocity Prevention will immerse themselves into some of the most aggressive human rights violations in Africa in order to create a vision of a safer, stable continent.
Level: Beginner
Infrastructure and Energy
Topic: GigaWatt Gamble: Scaling African Electricity Infrastructure for Continental AI Applications, Network Continent: Optimizing Ground and Digital Connectivity Infrastructure
Chair: Freeman Irabaruta
The Committee on Health and Humanitarian Affairs is based on the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development in the African Union. This committee will consist of representatives from all AU member states as well as representatives from NGOs.
Delegates participating in this committee will have to adopt a holistic approach to the issues and opportunities that the youngest continent in the world has to deal with. Improving resilience to contagious diseases and future pandemics is crucial in order to achieve inclusive prosperity and a higher quality of life. Humanitarian and health issues should not eclipse the tremendous richness of African culture and how its intrinsic value can help foster societal progress; delegates are highly encouraged to draw upon indigenous ways of healing in discussing healthcare development. Participants will not only learn about the intricacies of public health policies but will also gain an understanding of the interactions of culture, health and development. Through speakers’ interventions, delegates will be able to test the applicability of the resolutions they will propose.
Level: Advanced