Bridging the global digital divide: ensuring equitable access to digital technologies (MUN)

GIMUN/WSIS

Session 128

Monday, 6 July 2026 ∼ 09:00–18:00 (UTC+02:00) Physical (on-site) participation only Room G1, ITU Varembé Building Youth Track 1 Document

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Physical (on-site) participation only

Model United Nations (MUN) is an academic simulation in which participants (usually students) assume the roles of delegates representing United Nations member states and engage in structured debate on pressing international issues. Delegates are expected to research their assigned country's positions, negotiate with fellow representatives, and work towards the drafting and adoption of formal resolutions. The exercise aims to develop skills in diplomacy, public speaking, and international affairs. Beyond its educational value, MUNs can also serve as a valuable resource for international organisations seeking to understand the priorities and perspectives of today's youth.

Geneva International Model United Nations (GIMUN) is a non-governmental organisation, founded in 1999, having obtained special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in 2007. Run entirely by students, its aim is to promote the ideals and principles of the United Nations by giving students a platform to gain hands-on experience in diplomacy, rooted in the values of the United Nations and multilateralism.

The topic of the day-long MUN will be "Bridging the global digital divide: ensuring equitable access to digital technologies". Half of the world still lacks reliable access to the internet, and this gap is growing as new technologies emerge. This MUN therefore focuses on what it takes to close that gap, such as investments in infrastructure, affordable connectivity, and digital literacy, to make sure no one is left behind.

The session will be chaired by Ms. Elina LAMPI (President of GIMUN 2025-26) and Ms. Abril ORTEGA ANDRADE (Secretary General of GIMUN 2025-26), who will ensure that the debate is held according to the UN's Rules of Procedure. A maximum of 30 delegates will be able to take part in the MUN. The day will be divided into three sessions, each ranging from 1.5-2 hours. At the end of the day, delegates are expected to have produced a UN-style resolution, in which the ideas and measures discussed during the MUN regarding the committee's topic are formulated.

We kindly ask all participants to sign up via the Session website as well as the following GIMUN Registration Form: https://forms.gle/vhqY8iFCHNPUQMZd7. Please note that the information provided during registration will be used solely for organisational purposes, namely to confirm the number of attendees and to ensure the highest quality of debate. Your data will not be used for any other purpose.

Ms. Elina Lampi Student and Chair of the MUN GIMUN Moderator

Elina is a Finnish and French student, who is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations in Geneva.

As President of GIMUN during the mandate 2025-26, Elina has worked on fostering a professional environment within the organization, allowing students to gain first-hand experience in the world of international relations. Her work included the organization of multiple events at the Palais des Nations and the overall management of the student organization and NGO, thereby bridging the gap between academia and international diplomacy.

Ms. Abril Ortega Andrade Student and Chair of the MUN GIMUN Moderator

Abril is a Mexican-American Translation student at the University of Geneva who hopped over from Mexico City in hopes of one day becoming a conference interpreter. In 2016, she attended her first MUN at her local middle school and never looked back.

Since then, she has been a delegate, Chair, and organizer at international conferences across Europe. As the Secretary-General of GIMUN during the mandate of 2025-26, Abril co-organized GIMUN's flagship event, the Annual Conference. The Annual Conference is an MUN conference of five days, held in the heart of International Geneva, which hosts around 200 students from all over the world to foster multilateralism and youth engagement in diplomacy.

Topics

Cybersecurity Digital Divide Digital Economy Digital Inclusion Digital Skills Human Rights

WSIS Action Lines

C2. Information and communication infrastructure
C4. Capacity building
C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-government
C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning
C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-health
C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-employment

Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries

GDC Objectives

Objective 1: Close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals
Objective 2: Expand inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy for all
Objective 3: Foster an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space that respects, protects and promotes human rights
Objective 4: Advance responsible, equitable and interoperable data governance approaches
Objective 5: Enhance international governance of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity

Documents

Planning of the Day