Commission on Narcotic Drugs

 
 

TopiC: The International Fentanyl Crisis

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and has become one of the most significant public health threats in recent years. Initially developed for pain management in medical settings, fentanyl has found a dark path into the illicit drug market where it is often mixed with heroin, cocaine, and other psychoactive substances to enhance their potency. The widespread illicit use of fentanyl has led to a dramatic increase in overdose deaths, particularly in the United States and Europe. This crisis is further complicated by the synthetic nature of fentanyl, which allows for its production and distribution across borders with relative ease, exacerbating the challenge for international regulatory and law enforcement agencies.

As part of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, delegates will deal with key issues like the roles of production countries, like China, where regulations on chemicals can be lax, and the transit routes through countries like Mexico, where drug cartels have capitalized on the high profit margins associated with fentanyl. Delegates will have to address how the problem also touches on the societal impact of addiction and the burden on public health systems. Finding solutions requires a multifaceted approach involving international cooperation to tighten regulations, disrupt global trafficking networks, enhance public health strategies to reduce demand and provide support for addiction treatment, and improve public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.

 

Dear Delegates,

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you all to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs of HMUN 2025. My name is Juan Esteban Gallo, I am a Junior at Harvard College studying Applied Mathematics to Economics and Comparative Literature, and I will be your director for this conference.

Before we get into the actual content of the guide, I wanted to give you a little background about me. I was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, where I started my journey in MUN at the tender age of 14. Since then, I have had the opportunity of being a delegate, director, and member of the secretariat of various conferences including HNMUN-LA, HMUN China, HNMUN, and HMUN. Outside of MUN and class, I enjoy playing squash, watching soccer, traveling, and cooking. My Latin American heritage means the world to me, so I serve as social chair of the Harvard Organization for Latin America, and I am the Financial Vice President of the Harvard Colombian Student Society.

As I previously mentioned, I have participated in MUN for a long time now; in fact, this is not my first time directing this committee. I find the issue that we will be debating to be of uttermost importance to the modern order of world affairs; in particular, the United States. The Fentanyl epidemic is an issue that has taken countless lives, affecting millions in a direct and indirect way. However, while what we commonly see in the news is the tally of victims of these deadly drugs, the international aspect of the issue is commonly overseen. As a result, while dealing with the public health crisis faced in the US and other countries is fundamental to the debate, I look forward to you all getting to debate other facets of the issues like its production, shipment, ties to illegal organizations, and also the medical use of the drug. These are just but a few of the many potential debate topics that you all are welcome to explore.

My directing style is very fair. While I greatly value the rules of procedure, I also look for delegates who can adapt, think outside of the box, and propose creative solutions to the issues we have at hand. I understand that MUN is a very competitive activity, and you all are looking to be the best in the committee; however, I do not tolerate any form of unjust or unhealthy competition. Alas, after all my years in the program I truly believe that the most important part of it all is creating lasting bonds with the people you meet, developing your debate and research skills, and most importantly, having fun.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns as you prepare for the conference. I look forward to meeting you all in January, and wish you the best of luck in your research process.

Best regards,

Juan Esteban Gallo

Director, Commission on Narcotic Drugs

cnd@harvardmun.org

Harvard Model United Nations 2025