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.
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 to Intermediate
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 comprise representatives from all AU member states, along with representatives from NGOs.
Delegates participating in this committee will need to adopt a comprehensive approach to address the challenges and opportunities faced by the youngest continent in the world. Strengthening health infrastructure in rural areas and addressing health inequities and social determinants of health are vital for achieving inclusive prosperity and enhancing quality of life. It’s essential that humanitarian and health issues do not overshadow the rich cultural heritage of Africa, which can play a significant role in societal progress. Delegates are encouraged to integrate indigenous healing practices into discussions about healthcare development. Through presentations from experts, participants will gain insights into public health policies while exploring the interplay between culture, health, and development. This will enable them to assess the feasibility of the resolutions they propose.
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
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: Advanced
Women, Gender, and Youth
Political Affairs, Peace and Security
Topics: Forever or Forgotten: Peace-finding in the Central African Republic, Escalating crises in the Horn of Africa
Chair: Anping Zhu
Topic: Institutional Barriers to Maternal and Reproductive Healthcare
Chair: Faith Maritim
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: Intermediate
Topic: Green Growth: Balancing Industrial Progress with Climate Goals
Chair: Yasmina Traoré