About Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM)

SOCHUM

The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) is the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly. SOCHUM addresses social, humanitarian, and cultural issues including human rights, social development, protection of minorities and indigenous peoples, refugees and migration, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The committee plays a key role in promoting human dignity and protecting vulnerable populations across the globe.

Committee Topic

Protecting Human Rights and Cultural Heritage in the Digital Age

SOCHUM's mandate centers on promoting and protecting human rights and addressing humanitarian and social issues worldwide. The committee examines social development challenges, discrimination and racism, refugee protection, and the safeguarding of cultural heritage in times of conflict and change.

The committee's work encompasses several key areas:

  • Promotion and protection of human rights, including combating discrimination and xenophobia
  • Social development, poverty alleviation, and access to education and healthcare
  • Protection and assistance for refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons
  • Rights of the child, women, minorities, and indigenous peoples
  • Preservation of cultural heritage and the social impacts of technological change
Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee

Delegates in SOCHUM must navigate complex political landscapes while working towards consensus on sensitive international issues. The committee's work requires careful consideration of historical contexts, current geopolitical realities, and future implications of proposed solutions. Through diplomatic dialogue and negotiation, delegates will address contemporary challenges while upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The committee's role in addressing both traditional and emerging political challenges makes it one of the most dynamic and relevant committees in the United Nations system. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage with critical issues affecting international peace and security while developing their diplomatic skills and understanding of global politics.

Get Ready For SOCHUM

Read the backgrounder, write position papers, and prepare for constructive, rights-focused debate!

Please send position papers to spamundelegateinquiries@southpointe.ca. Include your surname, forename, and delegation in the subject.

View the Committee Backgrounder
View the Committee Backgrounder

Meet the Dias

Thomas Chen
Thomas Chen
Chair
Entering Grade 11 at St. George’s School, Thomas is excited to serve as the Chair of SOCHUM at SPAMUN 2026. Since attending his first conference in Grade 9, he has been captivated by the uniquely calm yet intense atmosphere that Model UN creates. What began as an intimidating experience quickly developed into a passion that not only cured his boredom, but also revived his once-dormant fascination with politics. Whether it’s spending hours researching the most trivial details or crafting lackluster speeches, Thomas is grateful for the memories this one-of-a-kind, non-spectator sport has given him. Outside of the committee room, Thomas can be found being moved to tears by Chopin and Rachmaninoff, performatively reading the Wall Street Journal, or spending time with his dog. He looks forward to meeting all the delegates and hopes they have an enriching experience at SPAMUN.
Erin Sweeny
Erin Sweeny
Director
A Grade 11 student at McMath Secondary School, Erin is ecstatic to serve as the director of SOCHUM! Her MUN journey began when she picked countries based solely on their Eurovision songs, a strategy she will defend to this day. Since then, her passion has turned into crafting speeches (with handwriting even she can’t read) full of references that maybe 3 delegates will recognize. Outside of committee rooms, Erin can be found perpetually failing to lock in on academics, exploring random rabbit holes, and eating her way through Metro Vancouver alongside her friends. At SPAMUN, she looks forward to a conference of fruitful debate, meaningful discourse, and hopefully a few delegates who actually get her references.
Cayden Wang
Cayden Wang
Assistant Director
Entering Grade 11 at Southpointe Academy, Cayden is excited to serve as the Assistant Director of SOCHUM. Since getting involved in Model UN, he has been drawn to the fast-paced environment, strategic thinking, and the challenge of turning complex global issues into compelling debates. What began as a new experience quickly took his interest in international affairs and politics to a whole new level, along with an appreciation for the unpredictable situations each committee session has to offer—from being overly prepared for a topic to creating last-minute improvised speeches. Outside of the committee room, Cayden spends much of his time indulging in music as the number one Malcomm Todd fan or eating out at new restaurants. At SPAMUN, he looks forward to supporting all delegates in every way and ensuring they have a once in a lifetime experience that won't be anything less than splendid.

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