The International Review Board (IRB) was created by the UN in 2040 to advance research for global benefit. Genetic engineering offers great opportunities to humanity, with the ability to stop harmful mutations or diseases, treat immune deficiency and disabilities, and even the potential to enhance certain genetic traits in embryos to improve physical, mental, or personality qualities. However, in the year 2050, concepts of genetic engineering are under heavy debate, as the ethics of therapy versus enhancement are scrutinized. Genetic therapy is generally associated with the treatment or prevention of a disease in order to preserve or return the body’s functionality to normal levels, while genetic enhancement is change made to improve functioning, appearance, and health beyond the normal range through scientific intervention. This leads to arguments that intentionally altering human traits goes against nature and what is meant to occur. Further, another risk of genetic modification is the breaching of information, with research having a risk of leakage of personal information and manipulation of genetic data with malicious intentions. Additionally, there is concern of transhumanism, or the idea that those with enhancements may develop a sense of superiority over those without, widening pre-existing economic and social gaps between individuals, communities, and whole countries. Some argue that genetic enhancement sends a message that persons with disabilities are less valuable than others, with enhancement reaching beyond legitimate medical concerns and instead preventing the creation of people with certain genotypes. These concerns leave many questions surrounding ideas of genetic therapy and enhancement, such as how genetic engineering should be defined legally, what the ethical boundaries for it are, and how governments or regulatory bodies should be involved.

Globally, access to reproductive technologies is incredibly unequal, highlighting a critical issue in healthcare and social policy. While certain technologies are more widespread and available in wealthier nations and high-income areas, they are often inaccessible or very expensive in areas of lower income. This disparity leaves a highly unjust system in which only the privileged are able to benefit from advances in science, leaving many populations behind. Access to these reproductive technologies is further limited by legal and cultural restrictions, with some countries having laws limiting who is able to utilize certain services. Further, government control over reproduction has long been ethically controversial, with reproductive technologies historically being used as a means of population control. This ranges from forced sterilization to restriction of access to contraceptives and abortion, which, in the era of advanced biotechnology, could become dangerously invasive and has the potential to extend to mandated genetic screening or forced genetic editing. Additionally, there is a clear lack of an international legal framework to govern the use of reproductive technologies, and without cohesive policy, boundaries can easily be crossed. Discourse surrounding embryo gene editing has only intensified with the emergence of tools such as CRISPR, which allows scientists to alter the genetic makeup of human embryos before birth. In 2050, debates between regulation for the safety of the people and the advancement of scientific research and development have remained persistent. These issues leave many questions unanswered, such as how to ensure equal access to reproductive technologies, what ethical boundaries or regulations should be placed on embryo gene editing, how cultural and religious perspectives can be respected while still preserving individual rights, and how misuse can be prevented internationally. 

Shreeya Patel, a senior at Maggie Walker, is so excited to be your co-chair this year. She has been a part of Model UN for four years and has been in multiple conferences. Previously for GSMUN, she has been a vice chair for WHO and a chair for ICRC. Outside of MUN, Shreeya is part of the track and field team and loves to do art. She is thrilled to see what creative solutions delegates bring to the conference!

Siya Johar is a sophomore at Maggie Walker, and has been an active member of Model UN since seventh grade. She has chaired a crisis committee and served as Vice-Chair of the specialized agency on the NBA at GSMUN. She is more than happy to be a co-chair for the IRB committee this year. Outside of Model UN, Siya loves to debate, play tennis, be outside, and volunteer. She knows this committee will be both engaging to chair and a valuable learning experience