My name is Joshua Lu, and it is my distinct privilege to welcome you to West Lake Model United Nations as your Deputy President for the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD). My journey in Model UN has taken me across nearly every corner of the circuit. Having sat in the delegate’s seat in a wide array of forums, from expansive General Assemblies like ENV, WHO, and HRC, to the highly specialized environments of Disarmament, CCPCJ, the Security Council, and fast-paced Ad Hoc simulations—I have experienced firsthand the unique rhythm, strategy, and intellectual demand of each format.

 

I still vividly remember my very first conference. Standing in front of a full committee, heart racing, terrified of messing up or saying the wrong thing, I wondered if I even belonged in the room. If you are feeling any of that anxiety now, know that it is entirely normal. Fear is just part of the process, and every confident speaker in this room started in that exact same seat. I have been through the nerve-wracking first speeches, the chaos of unmoderated caucuses, and the quiet doubts, and I promise you that pushing through that initial discomfort is where the real growth happens.

 

Now, sitting on the other side of the room, I want to bring those experiences into how I chair. UNCSTD sits right at the center of where rapid technological growth meets policy and human impact, which makes for incredible debate. My goal for our committee is simple: create a space where you can wrestle with these complex issues, test out big ideas, and actually enjoy the process.

 

As your Deputy President, my expectations for this committee are straightforward. I value substance over volume. I want to see delegates who are willing to dive deep into the technical nuances of our agenda while never losing sight of the human impact. I challenge you to prioritize genuine collaboration over pure competition. The most impactful resolutions are rarely the product of the loudest voice in the room; they are forged by delegates who listen actively, negotiate in good faith, and bridge ideological divides.

 

I strongly encourage you to step outside your comfort zones. Do not be afraid to float unconventional ideas, champion innovative frameworks, and take risks during debate. Whether this is your first conference or your fiftieth, I expect you to come thoroughly prepared, remain adaptable as debate evolves, and above all, treat your fellow delegates with unwavering respect.

 

I am here to support your growth, maintain a seamless flow of debate, and ensure our sessions are intellectually vibrant. I truly look forward to meeting you all and seeing what we can accomplish together this November at West Lake MUN!