Arctic Council (AC)
The Arctic Council (AC) serves as the foremost intergovernmental forum for addressing issues faced by Arctic governments and their Indigenous communities. Established on September 19th, 1996 and comprising eight member countries, the Council's mandate is dedicated to promoting sustainable development, environmental protection, and enhancing the well-being of the Arctic's inhabitants. While the AC covers a wide array of environmental, social, and economic challenges, it specifically focuses on fostering cooperation among its members, addressing common challenges like climate change and providing a platform for Arctic Indigenous communities. Notably, the Council does not address defense matters and functions as a body providing recommendations rather than enforcing laws.
AC is a dual delegation committee and is highly recommended for all delegates looking for a unique and memorable Model UN experience. Position papers are not mandatory, but highly recommended. However, to be considered for an award, delegates must submit one by 11:59PM PST on November 25, 2023, or November 17, 2023 for feedback from the dais team. Please read about Horizons’ Position Paper policy, which can be found below. Questions, inquiries, and position papers for this committee can be emailed to horizons-ac@cahsmun.org.
Yasmin Kahkesh | Director
Entering her sophomore year at Crofton House School, Yasmin is honoured to serve as the Director of the Arctic Council (AC) at Horizons 2023. Ever since Yasmin witnessed delegates deliver their charismatic and witty speeches at her first conference, she quickly developed an unparalleled curiosity for the intricacies of international affairs. From raising her very first placard to anxiously waiting in the closing ceremony, her unwavering appreciation for political relations has only grown. At Horizons 2023, Yasmin hopes to engage novice and experienced delegates alike in all that AC has to offer. Outside of the committee room, Yasmin can be found passing and hitting volleyballs, organizing her Google calendar, and eating copious amounts of dim sum. At the upcoming iteration, Yasmin awaits a weekend of fierce debate and wishes everyone the best of luck!
Kevin Zhou | Chair
Kevin, a sophomore at Port Moody Secondary School and a diplomat at heart, has discovered his vocation in the Model United Nations community. It is a privilege for Kevin to chair at the Arctic Council this year. Kevin was created in the committee room of the World Health Organization in 2021 and has since grown incredibly passionate about MUN. Outside of the complex web of diplomacy, discussion, and international cooperation, Kevin may be found putting his Hearts of Iron IV strategy abilities to the test, slogging through homework, or getting some much-needed rest. Kevin anticipates the insightful discussions and compelling debates at Horizons 2023!
Harjas Bedi | Chair
Harjas is a Grade 12 student currently studying at Pinetree Secondary. She is passionate about the theory aspect of debate as well as the connections that conferences foster between people. She feels that the core of an argument is strong only if the debater retains logic along with empathy. Planning a career in law, she retains passions dispersed through the creative domain. In her free time, she will be found hunched over in a dark corner of her room painting, or making her third cup of chai for the day.