Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee
About the Committee
Agenda Statement : Protecting Freedom of Speech in the Digital Age: Addressing Government Censorship and Platform Regulation
The internet is becoming increasingly accessible and open to all users- those who consume content, those who generate content. We are all, whether consciously or not, part of a vast web of information, opinions, controversies and more. Each issue or event, global, national or local comes with an avalanche of online content. One can only think of how much truth that content holds. Moreover, much of this isn’t inconsequential in nature-it comes in the form of hate speech that acts as a slow poison for an already dystopian society. Most importantly- expression of thoughts online is not indefinitely free and open in nature-due to the aforementioned reasons, online censorship is necessitated. However, the use of censorship isn’t just being carried out for such a noble cause, it is in fact being misused to silence people unrightfully. Our agenda and its following sub agendas address this deeply layered issue one step at a time.Letter from Chairperson
It is with great excitement—and just a bit of caffeine-fueled energy—that I welcome you all to the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) at this year’s Model United Nations conference. My name is Anay Mehta, and I’m thrilled to serve as your Chairperson.
I’m currently in 11th grade, studying PCM, and I plan to pursue computer science engineering. Outside of class, I love playing squash, yelling at football referees from my couch, and cheering for Ferrari in F1—even when they break my heart. I also enjoy reading fiction, pencil sketching.
Over the years, Model UN has been more than just an extracurricular for me—it’s been a journey. It’s taught me how to think on my feet, speak with purpose, and truly listen to perspectives far different from my own. Each conference has helped shape not just my skills, but also how I see the world.
SOCHUM, the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, is tasked with addressing issues related to human rights, social development, and humanitarian affairs. It stands at the intersection of international law, cultural norms, and moral responsibility, making it one of the most thought-provoking committees in any MUN. If the UN were a TV show, SOCHUM would be the season where things get thoughtful—focused on human rights, social justice, and the challenges that don’t always have easy answers. This year, we will delve into the agenda: “Protecting Freedom of Speech in the Digital Age: Addressing Government Censorship and Platform Regulation.” In an era where a single tweet can spark revolutions or unrest, and where governments and tech giants struggle over the boundaries of speech, this topic could not be more relevant.
I look forward to witnessing thoughtful debate, creative solutions, and respectful diplomacy over the course of the conference.
Thank You
Anay Mehta
Chairperson
