What's With All The Comm-Ocean? Pacific Islands Forum, 2025

What's With All The Comm-Ocean? Pacific Islands Forum, 2025

A Traditional Specialized Committee
(With a Hint of Fantasy)

PIF BACKGROUND GUIDE

About The 2025 Pacific Islands Forum

In 2025, the Pacific faces imminent danger. Thousands of years of rich history stand on the verge of erasure by pressing threats, such as climate change, the lingering impacts of colonization, and cultural assimilation. From entire nations facing submersion to mass migration away from the islands, Pacific communities are fighting for survival. A deep fear pervades among Pacific Islanders as they confront these daily challenges, desperate to preserve their livelihoods and heritage.

In this critical moment, magical legends of the Pacific are propelled into the future under the leadership of Moana to save the fate of the islands.

Indigenous activists assert that only they know the true path forward. However, corporate CEOs, motivated by profits from the exploitation of natural and cultural resources, seek to sideline these voices. Many politicians align with these corporate interests, creating significant tensions across island nations. Moana's team must demonstrate their unique capabilities while working with these stakeholders to develop solutions that incorporate indigenous traditions, wisdom and resilience, allowing islanders to lead the way forward.

Throughout this committee, delegates will introduce and approve directives in response to emerging crisis updates. The committee will culminate with a final resolution to be presented at the Pacific Islands Forum, addressing the alarming issues affecting Oceanian populations. This resolution should include specific measures and incorporate visual elements to effectively communicate a vision for creating a better future for the Pacific.

Chair

Noveen Bhattacharyya

Noveen Bhattacharyya (he/him) is a second-year student from Miami, Florida, majoring in Ecosystem Science and Policy at the University of Miami. While serving as chair, this will be his third semester serving on the Miami Model UN Team. Noveen has co-chaired and worked extensively on a Crisis Committee during MICSUN XII. Additionally, he served as a director (co-chaired) of GA committees during MDMUN, which is intended for high school students.

Outside of MUN, Noveen is a member of several organizations. He is in the process of establishing a new student organization called SAVE, which focuses on educating and empowering students with strategies to prevent violence on campus. Upon its recognition, he would like to serve as the president. Noveen’s love of film is exemplified by his membership in the Cinematic Arts Commission, a student-led organization that shows biweekly free screenings of popular movies at the University of Miami’s on-campus movie theater. For leisure, Noveen enjoys swimming, baking, and listening to several genres of music (from Taylor Swift to The Beatles!).

If there are any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the committee, please do not hesitate to contact Noveen at: nbb60@miami.edu. Noveen is looking forward to meeting you during 305 MUN!

Co-Chair

Jack Kimmel

Jack Kimmel is a first-year student at the University of Miami, studying Modern Artist Development and Entrepreneurship (MADE) at the Frost School of Music, with a concentration in electric guitar, and is pumped to be serving as co-chair for the 2025 Pacific Islands Forum committee at 305MUN! Alongside his passion for music, he cares deeply about social issues and politics, especially issues surrounding access to education, income inequality, and sustainability.  

He was active in Model United Nations for all four years of high school, an experience that gave him invaluable opportunities to debate, collaborate, and grow as both a delegate and a friend. Now, as he transitions to collegiate MUN, he is thrilled to bring his experience and enthusiasm to 305MUN and to help foster meaningful discourse throughout the committee. 

Outside of MUN, he loves sports and (painfully) roots for his New York Mets year after year. On Sundays, he can usually be found rooting for his favorite NFL team, which he is too embarrassed to name. Additionally, much of his free time is spent doing photography and attending as many car meets as he can. He is also a tattoo fanatic and hopes to add many more to his small collection of American traditional pieces. 

This committee will address issues that are both timely and critical, reflecting the challenges faced by nations across the Pacific Islands. He encourages all of you to debate with energy, creativity, and confidence, and he cannot wait to see the ideas and solutions you bring to the table. If you have questions, reach out to jsk243@miami.edu