SDG 10: Reduce Inequality Within and Among Nations
The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM)
The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) is the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly. Established in 1945 in response to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As one of the committees of the General Assembly, it focuses on various social, humanitarian, and human rights concerns that impact populations worldwide. Created to promote fundamental freedoms and improve the human condition, the committee plays a vital role in facilitating international cooperation and developing policies that enhance international social and cultural well-being.
Within SOCHUM, delegates will debate the first topic of linguistic preservation. Of the approximately 7,000 languages spoken in the world, it is estimated that one language dies every 14 days, typically with the passing of its last fluent speaker. This alarming rate of language extinction is causing regions with high linguistic diversity to adopt a single common language, most frequently English. This trend significantly undermines linguistic diversity, leading to the loss of unique cultural identities and heritage embedded in these languages. Moreover, the dominance of languages of former imperial powers reflects a past that continues to diminish diversity in several countries. Preserving linguistic diversity is crucial for maintaining cultural richness and developing a deeper understanding of diverse societies. Addressing this issue effectively is a critical agenda for SOCHUM.
In addition to linguistic preservation, the committee will tackle the equally contentious second topic of cultural property and its rightful ownership. Cultural property, which includes arts, artifacts, and other historical items, is often at the center of debates due to disputes over rightful ownership. Many museums in former imperial states display cultural property frequently acquired through unethical and immoral means. This practice strips many nations of their ability to accurately share and represent their history, thereby impeding their capacity to educate their citizens about their cultural heritage and historical narratives. SOCHUM, therefore, aims to create a comprehensive framework that addresses the ethical, cultural, and logistical aspects of repatriating cultural property. This framework seeks to promote equitable repatriation of cultural heritage and foster international cooperation and knowledge. Through these efforts, SOCHUM endeavors to safeguard cultural diversity and heritage for future generations.
Please note this is a double delegation committee.
