Mount Everest 1996
It’s the climb.
In May 1996, one of the deadliest disasters in Mount Everest’s history unfolded as multiple expedition teams faced extreme weather, miscommunication, and critical decision-making failures. This crisis committee will place delegates in the roles of climbers, expedition leaders, Sherpas, and emergency responders as they navigate the unfolding catastrophe in real time.
The 1996 disaster was fueled by overcrowding, delayed summit attempts, and an unexpected blizzard that trapped climbers high in the “Death Zone.” Lack of oxygen, frostbite, and exhaustion quickly turned the descent into a life-or-death struggle. Key issues included the failure to turn back at designated times, mismanagement of oxygen supplies, and difficulty coordinating rescue efforts at such an extreme altitude. This famous hiking catastrophe has inspired many books and movies. In 1997, Jon Krakauer, one of the hikers, published his first-hand account of the disaster, Into Thin Air. A 2015 movie, Everest, also details the perils of this disaster.
Delegates will be tasked with making critical decisions: How should teams allocate limited resources? What role does leadership play in high-stakes environments? How should rescuers prioritize whom to save when conditions worsen? As the crisis unfolds, new challenges will emerge, forcing delegates to weigh ethical dilemmas against survival strategies. Under pressure, this committee will test problem-solving skills, teamwork, and crisis management. Delegates must think quickly, adapt to unpredictable developments, and negotiate with others to maximize survival and learn from one of mountaineering’s greatest tragedies. Will history repeat itself, or will your leadership change the course of events?
Topic: The Climb 1996
Chair: Bridget Healy
Bridget Healy, a current junior, will be chairing this committee. She first became involved with Model United Nations during her freshman year and previously served as the club’s treasurer for the 2024-25 academic year. At NDMUNCI, she had the privilege of chairing the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Bridget is pursuing a double major in Finance and Spanish with a minor in Constitutional Studies.
Beyond MUN, she is actively involved in her dorm, Flaherty Hall, and campus ministry. An avid hiker and outdoors enthusiast, Bridget enjoys spending time in nature whenever possible. Originally from Minnesota, she has explored trails across the country, but her favorite hiking destination remains the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
Bridget has met some of her best friends while traveling with her delegation to collegiate conferences and is especially excited to chair her own committee again this year. This committee is particularly meaningful to her as it connects her passions for Model UN and hiking, blending international affairs with environmental appreciation. She looks forward to facilitating engaging discussions and helping delegates navigate complex issues with enthusiasm and diplomacy.