The issue of affordable housing has become a pressing global concern as millions of people struggle to secure safe and affordable living conditions with over 100 million people homeless and 1.6 billion people living in inadequate housing worldwide. Affordable housing is defined as housing where the cost, including mortgage and rent, is less than 30% of the household income. The rapid decrease in affordable housing results from many factors ranging from financial crises and shortages in land and labor to climate change and natural disasters. As delegates debate this topic, they will need to examine the role of governments and international organizations in addressing the housing crisis. Issues such as land use policies, disaster preparedness, and economic stability will be central to these discussions. The primary purpose of this debate will be to provide an opportunity for delegates to engage with complex factors driving the lack of affordable housing and to explore potential solutions to this ongoing global challenge.

Child trafficking is a critical global issue that robs vulnerable children of their innocence and exposes them to exploitation. The “Child Trafficking” committee in Marist MUN seeks to develop effective policies to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and pursue legal actions against the perpetrators. To address this transnational crime, delegates must focus on building international cooperation, intelligence sharing, and resource allocation. Furthermore, the debate will discuss the actions of UNICEF, and UNODC in order to enhance the protection of children at a global level. The primary highlight of this debate will be to find common ground between nations to establish the most effective and accessible solutions to mitigate child trafficking. 

E-waste or electronic waste, is the fastest-growing category of waste in the international community. In the E-waste topical committee delegates will discuss E-waste strategies to manage E-waste while balancing societal, economic, and environmental needs. The delegates in this committee will examine society’s single-use “throw-away” culture, discuss planned obsolescence of consumer products, and be required to navigate conflicting national interests. Finally, delegates will need to be familiar with past actions and organizations related to E-waste.