World Health Organization

Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting global health, ensuring safety, and supporting vulnerable populations worldwide.

WHO leads international efforts to expand universal health coverage, coordinates responses to health emergencies, and promotes healthier lives from pregnancy through old age. Its “Triple Billion” targets outline an ambitious plan to achieve better health outcomes globally through science-based policies and programs.

United States

China

United Kingdom

Germany

France

Japan

South Korea

India

Brazil

South Africa

Nigeria

Kenya

Egypt

Saudi Arabia

Australia

Canada

Singapore

Israel

Mexico

Indonesia

Pakistan

Russia

Netherlands

Sweden

Bangladesh

Topic: Regulating AI in Healthcare Systems

The Big Problem

Artificial intelligence is being rapidly integrated into healthcare systems worldwide. However, the absence of a unified international regulatory framework has created serious inconsistencies in patient safety, data privacy, and equitable access.

While wealthier nations benefit from AI tools such as diagnostics, predictive analytics, and robotic surgery, lower-income and conflict-affected states are either excluded or exposed to under-tested technologies without regulatory protection.

This creates a tension between AI’s transformative potential and the risks of misuse, lack of accountability, and violations of patient rights.

Social Challenges

AI in healthcare raises concerns about bias, consent, and accessibility.

Systems trained primarily on data from wealthy, Western populations often perform poorly for diverse groups, leading to misdiagnoses and unequal treatment. In conflict zones such as Yemen, Syria, and South Sudan, populations lack infrastructure, connectivity, and documentation to benefit from AI systems.

The digital divide ensures that those who need AI-assisted healthcare the most benefit the least.

Economic Challenges

The development of AI healthcare tools requires significant financial investment, concentrated in a few countries. Low- and middle-income nations often depend on imported technologies that are not adapted to their needs.

Licensing costs, intellectual property restrictions, and infrastructure limitations make these technologies inaccessible. In conflict zones, damaged infrastructure and sanctions further hinder implementation.

This results in a two-tier global health system: advanced AI-supported care in wealthy nations, and minimal or no access in poorer regions.

As of 2026, there is no binding international framework governing AI in healthcare.

Countries have developed fragmented regulatory systems:

• The United States uses a risk-based approach through the FDA

• The European Union has implemented the AI Act

• China is expanding regulatory authority through the NMPA

These systems are inconsistent and create challenges for global coordination.

AI tools are also increasingly used in humanitarian contexts with minimal oversight. Telemedicine, drones, and mobile health apps offer potential benefits but face limitations due to infrastructure, regulation, and security risks.

Cyberattacks on healthcare systems have introduced new threats, making digital infrastructure a target in modern conflicts.

• Should WHO establish a binding regulatory framework or a voluntary system? What enforcement mechanisms are needed?

• How should algorithmic bias be defined and addressed?

• What responsibilities do developed nations have in technology transfer?

• How can regulations be adapted for low-resource and conflict settings?

• Who owns health data in humanitarian contexts?

• How should international law address cyberattacks on healthcare systems?

• How can WHO coordinate certification of AI tools?

• How can geopolitical tensions avoid limiting access to healthcare technologies?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare
Use of machine learning and computational systems for diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and healthcare management.

Algorithmic Bias
Systematic errors in AI outputs that result in unequal outcomes across populations.

Fragile and Conflict-Affected States (FCAS)
Countries with instability that limits their ability to provide essential services.

Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Access to necessary health services without financial hardship.

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Refugees
People forced to flee due to conflict; IDPs remain within their country, refugees cross borders.

Genocide
Defined under the 1948 UN Convention as acts intended to destroy a group.

Digital Divide
Gap between those with and without access to digital technologies.

Technology Transfer
Sharing of AI tools, data, and knowledge between countries.

Data Sovereignty
Control of data by the country or community where it is generated.

Regulatory Harmonization
Alignment of regulations across countries.

United Nations System
Includes agencies such as UNICEF, UNHCR, UNDP, OCHA, and WFP.

AI Medical Device
AI-based tools used for diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment

We hope this handbook has prepared you for an engaging and rewarding MUN experience.

MUN is not just a conference—it is a platform to challenge your thinking, develop empathy, and collaborate on global solutions. The most effective delegates are those who listen carefully, think critically, and communicate with diplomacy and confidence.

As you prepare, step out of your comfort zone and engage respectfully. We look forward to seeing you bring these discussions to life in committee.