The World Health Organization (WHO) is the branch of the United Nations dedicated to discussing and coordinating international matters related to physical health, mental health, safety, and relief. As part of the General Assembly, participating members may propose, debate, and vote on recommendations and guidelines affecting the global community as a whole. Additionally, WHO acts as a major player in global health emergencies by organizing research, facilitating collaboration, and training healthcare personnel.

As healthcare continues to expand globally, AI has emerged to be a global player in a variety of domains, including healthcare. In 2024, there were over 116 million users of telemedicine, a significant increase compared to only 57 million in 2019 ; the technology was very prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic as nations imposed lockdowns and social distancing. 

Telemedicine, defined as the use of digital technologies to overcome distance barriers in the delivery of health services, has a potential to improve clinical outcomes for all populations from any geographical background. However, this technology expansion is heavily concentrated in the more industrialized regions, namely North America and Europe. The low-middle income countries in Africa or Asia are undergoing tremendous difficulties in acquiring the technology, mainly due to financial and technological barriers on an already fragile healthcare system. Not to mention that telemedicine comes with its own ethical and legal concerns, especially when confidential patient information is stored on a digital platform. Given the different types of regulations existing in telemedicine in various countries, it’s also become more challenging to interpret what is allowed and what isn’t. Digital literacy is another factor to consider for everyone; trained healthcare professionals are needed to adapt to the new technology. 

There is a promising future within telemedicine in revolutionizing the healthcare system worldwide, but a careful approach must be taken to ensure best quality healthcare service is provided to patients. Nations in WHO must come together to draft ways on how telemedicine can be brought into our healthcare system smoothly.

1. What guidelines should be in place to ensure data is protected from security breach and privacy concerns? 

2. How can communities facing barriers, such as geographical and financial, have access to the technology needed for telemedicine? 

3. How will both patients and healthcare providers be adequately equipped with skills on how to interact with telemedicine? 

4. Where is the balance between providing in-person medical care and telemedicine? How can the two areas of health work together to provide optimal care?

1. Mayo Clinic Telehealth Info

2. Innovative Telemedicine Approaches in Different Countries

3. Telehealth around the world 

4. Global strategy on digital health 2020-2025

Gambling, which is risking an item of value on an uncertain event with the possibility of gaining an increased return, has existed for many years in various forms, whether it's betting on animals or competing in online games. It is legally available in many countries, with around 1.6 billion people gambling worldwide. 

However, it comes with a major cost: people’s health is at stake as gambling becomes more and more addicting with each transaction. Major gambling disorders can arise that lead to compulsive gambling behaviour, depression, financial stress, and suicide. Many risk factors, such as age, substance abuse, and societal pressure, increase the chances of being addicted to gambling. With the rise of online gambling, it has greatly expanded its users even further due to the easily accessible platforms. While many of the Western nations rank as having the highest gambling rates globally, African and Asian countries are also witnessing the devastating effects of gambling. 

What may seem like fun initially is no longer the case when families lose their hard earned money towards gambling, never for it to come back. Nations must work together to address the growing influence of gambling; from the West to the East, and from North to South, almost every country is falling victim to the ever growing influence of gambling. 

1. What regulations should be in place to protect individuals from the harmful effects of gambling? 

2. To what extent are corporations and industries responsible for the gambling epidemic, and how can they address the situation? 

3. How can nations provide adequate healthcare to treat individuals going through major gambling disorders? 

4. How does the gambling industry impact the economy positively and negatively, and how will decisions made affect it? 

1. Treatment recommendations for gambling disorders 

2. Policies to limit harms

3. Gambling Addiction: Resources, Statistics, and Hotlines

4. The Role of Gambling in Economic Growth