REEXAMINING
GLOBAL NORMS & VALUES
SOCIAL, HUMANITARIAN, AND CULTURAL COMMITTEE
The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) is the United Nations’ third committee, offering delegates a platform to engage with the normative foundations of the international system. As a General Assembly committee, SOCHUM centers debate on principles, accountability, and the role of states in shaping global standards that influence behavior far beyond the conference room. It is a forum where diplomacy is driven not by power alone, but by legitimacy, persuasion, and moral authority.
At HarvardMUN Canada 2026, SOCHUM provides delegates with the opportunity to explore how international norms are constructed, contested, and applied in practice. Rather than prioritizing strategic rivalry, SOCHUM emphasizes academic rigor, coalition-building, and the careful navigation of competing values. Delegates must consider how international commitments translate into real-world obligations, particularly when political interests conflict with humanitarian expectations.
This committee challenges delegates to think critically about the limits of international action and the responsibilities that accompany influence. Via structured debate, SOCHUM encourages delegates to refine their advocacy and is ideal for delegates interested in the ideas and evolution of norms.
TOPIC A: Child Labour in the Cocoa Industry in the Ivory Coast
HONORARY CHAIR
HONORARY CHAIR
TOPIC B: Reforming Global Refugee Resettlement and Integration Systems
COMMITTEE DAIS
Becca Faber
Alexander Belyakov
DIRECTOR
Becca Faber
My name is Becca Faber and I am a current sophomore in Quincy House studying Government and Japanese. I started participating in Model UN last year and have absolutely loved my time competing on the college circuit. I have also directed committees at HMUN and HNMUN in Boston and am excited to direct for HMUN Canada this year. Aside from Model UN, I enjoy sewing and thrifting (as a combo) and also love to hike in my hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. So excited for HMUN Canada this year!
SENIOR AD
Jianyu Yu
JUNIOR AD
Emma Fan
Alexander Belyakov, PhD, Certified Sustainability Excellence Professional, is a consultant, strategist, and educator based in Toronto, Canada. He has worked with the United Nations Secretariat and several agencies, including UNEP, UN DESA, FAO, and UNDP.
At UN DESA’s Financing for Sustainable Development Office, he supported development cooperation and edited the Russian edition of the UN handbook Managing Infrastructure Assets for Sustainable Development. With the UN Environment Programme and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Montréal, he implemented the Peace and Biodiversity Dialogue Initiative and served as a focal point for the “Peace Park Development and Management” Massive Open Online Course. As Strategy Development Consultant at FAO, he drafted a climate-smart livestock strategy for Central Asia and Azerbaijan. Earlier, with UNDP in Ukraine, he focused on urban environmental governance and sustainable development.
Alexander has advised clients in North America, Asia, and Eastern Europe, with a strong focus on sustainability. He has taught at leading institutions, including Singapore Management University, Toronto Metropolitan University, the University of California, Berkeley, and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
In 2026, he was recognised as an Environmental Peacebuilding Champion by the Environmental Peacebuilding Association for his contributions to the field.
Erika Doulton
Erika Doulton is a partnerships and philanthropy professional whose work spans global advocacy, strategic communications, humanitarian engagement, and international collaboration. Based in Toronto, she works with UNHCR Canada, where she contributes to the design and execution of initiatives that strengthen cross-sector partnerships and advance support for refugees and displaced communities around the world. Her experience includes coordinating international forums and conferences focused on philanthropy, innovation, education, and global displacement.
With a background in law and alternative dispute resolution, Erika brings a structured, solutions-oriented approach to building and executing complex partnerships and engagement strategies. She is recognized for her ability to translate ideas into action, manage multi-stakeholder initiatives, and drive impact in fast-paced, global environments.
Alongside her professional work, Erika is an accomplished pianist certified through Trinity College London. She holds a Master of Management from Trent University and an LLB from Savitribai Phule Pune University, India.
JUNIOR AD
Charlie Massa