United Nations Environment Programme

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a United Nations committee dedicated to protecting the environment and curbing climate change. Founded in 1972, this committee is responsible for preserving our common home. This includes protecting the atmosphere and the human race. Notably, this committee provides insights into what is harming our planet today, from coral reef safety to the meat packing industry. Delegates will get the chance to explore all walks of life. This wonderful committee will be led by the wonderful Lyla Hulse, and her team, Isaac Opoku, Jack Newhouse, and Paloma Hakansson, any delegate will for sure have a blast in this committee.

Background Guide

Topic A:

Sustainability in the meat industry

Addressing environmental impacts on coral reefs

Topic B:

  • Director

    Lyla is a senior at Bellarmine and is super excited to serve as director of UNEP for BELLARMUN 2026! Outside of Model UN Lyla plays on the softball team and works at Chick-Fil-A (and thoroughly enjoys the discounts). When not filling out college applications or doing homework, Lyla enjoys reading, painting, skiing, camping, listening to music, and spending time with her family. Lyla hopes BELLARMUN 2026 will be an amazing experience for all delegates and can’t wait to see everyone there!

Dais

  • Chair

    Isaac is a Junior at Bellarmine Prep and is ecstatic to serve as the chair of UNEP for BELLARMUN 2026! Outside of Model UN, Isaac enjoys his tutoring job at Kumon, running track at Bellarmine, and coordinating events for Key Club and BSU. Outside of school, Isaac enjoys listening to music, scrolling through Instagram Reels on his phone, spending time with family and friends, watching sports, and going for walks and hikes. Isaac anticipates an engaging and exciting experience for delegates at BELLARMUN X to welcome them to the wonderful world and community of Model United Nations.

  • Assistant

    Jack is a Sophomore and is very excited to serve as the assistant director of UNEP for BELLARMUN X! Outside of the world of Model UN, Jack plays violin for the chamber orchestra at Bellarmine and composes music. As for non-school related activities, he also enjoys skiing, sailing, listening to music, and collecting vinyl records. Jack wishes well on the delegates coming in and is excited to welcome new faces into the world of MUN.

  • Flex

    Paloma is a Freshman at Bellarmine and she is very excited to be a part of the flex staff team for BELLARMUN 2026! Outside of MUN Paloma participates in Volleyball and Flag football at Bellarmine! She can be found hanging out with her friends at lunch and she is always buying coffees in the cafe. Outside of school she loves to cook, play indoor and outdoor volleyball, and spend time with friends and family. Paloma hopes that BELLARMUN 2026 is a wonderful experience for everyone and she hopes to see everyone there.