Feed the World: Live Aid, 1985

About the Committee:

"It's 12 noon in London, 7 a.m. in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid."

That’s correct. It's time to plan for what’s sure to be the most exciting 16 hours of rock ‘n’ roll the world has ever seen: Live Aid.

It’s Spring 1985, and artists and humanitarian organizations alike have come together to form a benefit concert to raise awareness and money for the devastating famine in Ethiopia threatening to take close to a million lives. On the heels of the success of Band Aid’s and USA for Africa’s respective hits, this committee of artists, non-profit organizations, and international diplomats have banded together to use their influence to hold a dual-venue benefit concert for Ethiopians in need, led by artist and activist Bob Geldof. This committee must plan out the logistics of Live Aid, from booking artists to managing the income, as the world watches with bated breath. Not only that, but should the committee fail, they will face severe backlash from the public eye and harm the success of any similar events in the future. Ultimately, it is up to the upstanding members of this committee to support relief efforts by generating funds and raising consciousness the only way they know how: the power of music. Let’s Rock!

A LETTER FROM THE DaiS:

Delegates, 

My name is Nadia Abdelhady, and I will be serving as one of your co-directors for Live Aid 1985. I am a senior studying Neuroscience on the pre-med track, and I’m from Commerce, Michigan. I participated in MUN throughout all 4 years in high school. Furthermore, this will be my fourth year staffing MUNUM. Last year, I served as co-director for the Jonathan Wild Committee; for my sophomore year, I served as co-director for the Hawaiian Kingdom; and for my freshman year, I served as rapporteur for Ad Hoc. Overall, I’m a big crisis committee enthusiast, and so I’m excited to work alongside MUNUM staff to bring you this novel crisis-like committee with special mechanics, and I’m certain this committee will be memorable. Aside from MUNUM, I serve as the vice president for End the Cycle, an organization made to support children from underserved communities, as well as work as a research assistant for WHIRLab (well-being, health, and interpersonal relationships) and ECLS (extracorporeal life support). I’m also passionate about drawing, painting, and cats. Whether you have a question about the committee or in general, feel free to reach out to me! Looking forward to meeting you all :)

I’m Emma Rahn, and I’m excited to serve as your co-director of Live Aid 1985! This is my second year at U-M, majoring in International Studies and studying Spanish on the pre-law track. I participated in MUN all throughout high school and I was a rapporteur for Akbar’s Court at last year’s conference. Beyond MUNUM, I’m involved in the arts on campus, including as a member of a theatre student org, the RC Players (The “RC” stands for the Residential College, a living-learning community on campus which I am also a part of!). I love to travel, learn languages, and spend time with friends. I cannot wait to see the ideas and innovations you bring to shape this unprecedented musical benefit that rocked the world!

My name is Harshitha Sankaranarayanan, and I’m thrilled to be your co-director for Live Aid 1985! I am a second-year studying Environment and Philosophy in the college of Literature, Science, and Arts. I did MUN throughout high school and this will be my second year staffing MUNUM. Last year, I was a rapporteur for the Jonathan Wild Committee, so I’m excited to do another committee with special mechanics. Outside of MUNUM, I am a member of the Michigan Marching Band (I’m a flag !), the Michigan Institute for Progressive Policy, and numerous political/civic organizations. You might also recognize me as a coach/judge of high school speech and debate. I love music, reading, and having conversations, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any MUN or non-MUN questions!

If you have any questions about anything for the committee or otherwise, we are available at nahady@umich.edu, erahn@umich.edu, hsankara@umich.edu. 

All the best,

The Staff of The Live Aid Committee 

Nadia, Emma, and Harshitha