Quake Me Up, Before You Go-Go: UN Security Council, 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami
Dual Delegate Crisis Committee
unsc@uclamun.org
Committee Summary
The trauma of catastrophic events lingers long after the immediate destruction, and the aftermath does not always signal a return to normalcy or peace. This was starkly illustrated by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. On December 26, 2004, a massive undersea earthquake measuring 9.1-9.3 struck off the coast of Sumatra, triggering a powerful tsunami that affected coastal regions of 14 countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and India. The devastation was immense, claiming over 230,000 lives and displacing millions more. For the countries affected, the immediate aftermath was filled with shock, grief, and uncertainty, as people struggled to find loved ones, rebuild their lives, and recover from the profound loss.
As the international community, it is crucial to recognize that recovery from such a devastating disaster requires more than just material aid. The psychological trauma experienced by survivors often lasts much longer than physical rebuilding efforts. While many countries, NGOs, and international organizations mobilized quickly to provide aid, the true challenge lay in long-term rehabilitation—helping communities rebuild not just homes but also their sense of stability, safety, and hope for the future. The 2004 tsunami highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness, international collaboration, and long-term support to help nations recover fully. The scars of such tragedies may never completely fade, but the lessons learned in the aftermath continue to shape global responses to natural disasters today.
Meet The Staff
Joey Sinigiani
Chair
Dear Delegates,
My name is Joey Sinigiani and I will be serving as your chair for the UNSC at LAMUN XX. I’m so excited to see you all in LA and to witness the invigorating debate you’ll initiate throughout the weekend.
To start, I’m a second-year political science student at UCLA, concentrating in International Relations. I previously served as the Under Secretary-General for the General Assembly at UCLA’s high school Model UN conference, BruinMUN, and have also dias-staffed LAMUN XIX’s UNSC session on the West Papua Conflict. When I’m not staffing, you can find me traveling and competing across the circuit, sometimes even in other UNSCs. I also serve as president of the United Nations Association at UCLA and as a staff writer for UCLA’s foreign affairs magazine, The Generation.
As the only body with authority to issue binding resolutions on member states, the UNSC is an organ that bears extreme responsibility and deals with many geopolitical considerations. In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the international community was faced with the immense task of not only providing immediate humanitarian aid but also addressing the long-term psychological and social recovery of affected populations. The trauma experienced by survivors, as well as the complex challenges of rebuilding communities and infrastructure, required sustained collaboration and innovative strategies. Member states must be mindful of their national interests while also acknowledging the broader global responsibility to support the lasting rehabilitation of nations impacted by such catastrophic events. Moving forward, issues such as disaster preparedness, international cooperation, and long-term psychological support will undoubtedly come to the forefront as the UNSC seeks to play a pivotal role in shaping future disaster response frameworks.
I’m looking forward to seeing all of you in committee and hearing what you have to bring to the table. If you have any questions, always feel free to reach out.
Best,
Joey Sinigiani
Chair | UNSC | LAMUN XX
unsc@uclamun.org
Hadia Karzai
Crisis Director
Dear Delegates,
Hello! My name is Hadia Karzai and I am so excited to be your Crisis Director! I am a third year Political Science Major with a Minor in Public Affairs. In addition to Model UN at UCLA, I am super involved in activities ranging from sports to law! I have played intramural soccer, futsal, beach volleyball, and basketball. In addition to playing, I was a referee here on campus and currently I work at a law firm as a Docketing Clerk. Outside of school and work, I am a vinyl addict, avid concert go-er, and creative writer who loves to travel and have fun. Let me know if you need any music recommendations!
Model UN here at UCLA has by far been the most fun and fulfilling experiences I have had. I participated in high school for two years and took a break from it my freshman year of college. Then in my sophomore year at UCLA, I rejoined and found so much pleasure in it! I have made an incredible group of friends and have had many opportunities. In MUN at UCLA, I have attended conferences all over the nation. I have staffed crisis committees at BruinMUN 2023 in the UMG committee, LAMUN 2023 in the Joint Crisis Committee: Dungeons and Dragons, and as a Crisis Director for BruinMUN 2024 in Circulation Wars.
As someone who loves to write (and does a lot of it in my major/minor) I am so excited to CD for UNSC. I know this will be an exciting committee full of innovative ideas and collaboration!
I joined Model UN because of my interest in important historical periods in time and using debate as a facet to gain more knowledge. The people I’ve met along this journey are the reason I stayed. I am looking forward to meeting you all at LAMUN this year and helping you navigate what is going to be an amazing committee and experience!
Best Regards,
Hadia Karzai
Crisis Director | UNSC | LAMUN XX