Global Model FAO Meet the Team

Bianca Silveira Ferreira is a Brazilian international student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and Political Science, with a concentration in Global Economics and a minor in French at Temple University, in Philadelphia. She will serve as Chairsperson of the Conference for Global Model FAO, building on her experience as a delegate, vice-chair, chair, and Assistant-Secretary-General for Policy, and Under-Secretary-General for Policy in past Global Model conferences. She also works with Global Model conferences in her internship as a Model UN Program Assistant for WFUNA. Beyond Model UNs, Bianca is actively involved in her university, where she works as an Ambassador to the College of Liberal Arts. She also has a background in education, and has taught English as a Second Language, both in Brazil and in the United States, for five years. Bianca aspires to build an international career at the intersection of poverty reduction and Latin American studies. She looks forward to combining her extensive experience in Model UN and education to the work of the Policy team and to the simulations it organizes.

Bennett sees photography as more than a way of documenting what happens. For him, it’s about finding the moments in between: the reaction before the applause, the conversation that happens in the hallway, the split second when a room comves alive. His work is rooted in storytelling, not to tell what happened, but how it felt. Based in Vancouver, Bennett works across a range of events, creative projects, and live experiences. His approach is cinematic withouth loosing the spontaneity of the people and the moment. After joining Global Model UN New York in 2026, he has reprised his role as lead photographer in Global Model UN Singapore 2026 and will be serving as the Director of Communications for Global Model FAO 2026.

Patrice de Guzman is an economic diplomacy and climate policy specialist with an MSc in Environment and Development from the London School of Economics. She is a multilingual communicator fluent in English, Filipino, and Spanish, and carries a working knowledge of Korean and Mandarin. Patrice’s career spans international development, trade, and environmental governance, having engaged directly with the WTO, UNFCCC, and various diplomatic missions and Philippine government agencies. She recently interned with the Article 6 Capacity Building Unit at UN Climate Change, coordinated programs and research for the Philippines at the World Economic Forum, and previously served as her country’s youth delegate to the UN High-Level Political Forum 2024. Patrice has also served as a chair in Global Model UN Singapore 2026 and will continue to serve through to Global Model UN New York 2027. Having navigated these very rooms herself, Patrice is excited to join the first edition of Global Model FAO 2026 in an advisory capacity, dedicated to showing every delegate that diplomacy belongs to everyone, and that anyone can find their voice and make a real difference!

Regina Cornejo is an undergraduate student from Mexico pursuing a double degree in Economics and Financial Management at Universidad Anáhuac Querétaro. Her interests include international economics, diplomacy, sustainable development, and global affairs. Regina has been involved in Model United Nations since 2017, gaining experience as a delegate, adjudicator, and committee leader. Her journey with WFUNA began in 2019, when she participated in both WIMUN New York and WIMUN Geneva. In 2021, she returned to WIMUN New York as President of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) committee, further developing her passion for multilateral diplomacy, negotiation, and the United Nations system. Beyond Model UN, Regina participated in the University of Oxford’s Map the System programme, where she applied systems thinking to explore complex social and environmental challenges. She is also actively involved in student leadership and community initiatives at her university’s leadership programme in public administration SINERGIA. Regina is passionate about international cooperation and the role of economics in addressing global challenges. Outside academics, she enjoys figure skating, tennis, traveling, and discovering new cultures. She is excited to return to the WFUNA community as a Chair at Global Model FAO 2026 in Rome and looks forward to contributing to a meaningful experience for delegates.

Luna Higa Miyashiro is currently studying Global Law at Luiss Guido Carli University in Rome, where she completed her Foundation Programme in International Relations and Political Science at Newcastle University. Her areas of interest include human rights, international development, and stakeholder engagement, especially in the field of policy communications and international diplomacy. Since 2022, she has participated in national and international conferences as a Model United Nations delegate. Besides, she has worked as a Secretary-General and DIAS Chair in several conferences, managing 200+ delegates. She will be working as a Chair at WFUNA’s Global Model FAO 2026 and is eager to facilitate debate and guide the delegates through their discussions on global food security and agriculture policies. Beyond her participation in Model UN, Luna has been actively involved in humanitarian and community activities, including organizing volunteer programs supporting underprivileged children in Peru and cultural events with the Okinawan Peruvian Association. Currently, Luna is contributing to WFUNA, the Peace Economy Project, and several other human rights-oriented organizations via partnerships, research, and digital communication. Speaking Spanish, English, as well as French and Portuguese, she is interested in international politics, traveling, and music.

Rahul Pandit is a third-year University Student studying Chemistry and Political Science at Nova Southeastern University, with interests in domestic health policy, global health diplomacy, and medicine. He has a growing portfolio in Model UN, ranging from founding his high school chapter and organizing numerous conferences and committees to teaching Model UN classes and debating as a delegate. He attended WFUNA International Model United Nations (WIMUN) New York 2025 as a delegate and will be a Rahul is happy to serve as a Chair for Global Model FAO 2026. He is eager to foster a positive environment and moderate spirited debate in his committee. Beyond Model UN, Rahul is an active neuroscience and political science researcher. He cares for a colony of mice at his laboratory named the AstroMice and participates in local politics. He is currently researching the mechanisms of astrocytic interactions and the impact of changes to vaccination schedules in the United States. He is also an avid cook, traveler, and trivia buff and looks forward to learning about different global cuisines and practices.

Paula Recio Rey is a recent graduate of Nova Southeastern University, where she earned a dual Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Studies, with concentrations in International History & Politics and Security, Peace, and Conflict, along with minors in International Law, Economics, and Global Engagement. She completed a study abroad program at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where she studied International Law and European Union Law. She was part of the Razor’s Edge Global Scholars Program, serving as an Executive Board member. Through this role, she promoted intercultural engagement and global citizenship. Her involvement with Model United Nations began in 2022, participating in regional and international conferences while developing expertise in diplomacy, negotiation, research, and public speaking. She served as President and Vice President of the Nova Southeastern University Model United Nations Academic Team and held leadership positions within NIRAMUN’s annual high school conference, serving as Secretary-General for two years and Under-Secretary-General for one year. Through these roles, she helped organize conferences that engaged more than 300 high school students. As a delegate at the WFUNA International Model United Nations Conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, she participated in the Sixth Legal Committee, received a Diplomacy Award, and contributed to her delegation earning Best Large Delegation. She currently serves as a Partnership Assistant with WFUNA, supporting partnership development and outreach efforts for United Nations educational initiatives. She also works at EnGen, a certified B Corporation that supports immigrants and refugees through workforce-aligned English education.

Lorenzo is an undergraduate student at the University of Geneva, majoring in International Relations. Originally from Italy, he was raised in Belgium, cultivating a deep appreciation for multiculturalism and cross-cultural dialogue. Currently, he is interning at the Permanent Observer Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations in Geneva, where he works closely on issues related to humanitarian affairs and the Human Rights Council. He was also previously part of the Executive Board of GIMUN, an NGO with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). He served as a Conference Management Officer in WIMUN New York 2026. Following this wonderful experience, he decided to take the next step and become a chair for Global Model FAO 2026. Lorenzo is excited to chair for the first time and can’t wait to meet everyone. He wishes all delegates a memorable conference!

Carolina Bessil found her way into communication before she ever thought of it as a career. Talking, creating, and connecting had simply always come naturally to her. Originally from Brazil, she moved to Portugal on her own at nineteen, initially to study Psychology, before switching paths into Communication Sciences at the University of Porto, where she specialized in Strategic Communication. She is now pursuing a Master’s in Marketing at Católica Porto Business School. Her professional experience spans agency and student-organization work alike. She previously worked as a Junior Consultant at a PR and communication agency, managing end-to-end digital communications for clients across diverse industries, and interned in journalism at Time Out Portugal. As Head of Communication at Erasmus Student Network Porto, she directs the Communications Department, having revamped its social media strategy to generate over 1.4 million organic views in a single month. Serving Communications Officer for Global Model WHO 2026, she also joins Global Model FAO 2026 as a Communications Officer for Social Media and Graphic Design, ready to help shape how this conference’s story reaches the world.

Luís is a Brazilian graduate in International Relations, with a minor in Diplomacy and Area Studies, from Universidade Portucalense in Porto, Portugal. Fluent in five languages, Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, and French, he has built his path around global engagement, earning recognition for diplomatic excellence at Model United Nations conferences in New York and Geneva. He conducted field research in South Korea and is currently finalizing an article on the country’s soft power, set to be published. During his time at university, he was actively involved in his school’s International Relations student association, first joining the marketing team before being elected General Secretary in his third year. He also gained professional experience as a Junior Account Manager at MAAB, conducting market research to identify new business opportunities, and previously interned at the Portuguese Consulate in São Luís, handling citizenship processes. Looking ahead, Luís aims to pursue a future master’s degree bridging Latin American and Asian studies, reflecting his growing interest in cross-regional dynamics. He is excited to return to a Global Model UN conference, this time as Communications Officer for Global Model FAO 2026, and looks forward to contributing his communication skills and cross-cultural perspective to the team.

Aurélien is a creative professional and videographer born in Belgium. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Advertising, Commercial Communication, and Marketing. Alongside his studies, Aurélien works as an independent filmmaker. He regularly collaborates on various commercial campaigns, where he enjoys the process of combining technical video skills with strategic communication to help develop impactful visual identities. His journey with Global Model UN started at the WIMUN New York 2026 conference, where he served as a Public Information Officer. He then reprised his role at Global Model UN Singapore 2026, before stepping up as the Lead Videographer for the Global Model WHO 2026 in Geneva and will go on to serve as Assistant-Secretary-General for Global Model UN New York 2027. Building on this extensive first-hand experience behind the camera, Aurélien is grateful to join the Global Model FAO 2026 conference in Rome as Lead Videographer. He looks forward to using his creative background to support his team and highlight the visual storytelling of the event.

Matthew Roberson, from the United States, is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Toxicology for Human Risk Assessment at Johns Hopkins University, further advancing his expertise in evaluating chemical exposures, environmental hazards, and their implications for human health on both local and global scales. His academic work reflects a commitment not only to scientific excellence, but also to the communication of complex ideas in ways that inform policy, decision-making, and public understanding. Alongside his scientific training, Matthew has cultivated an extensive background in visual storytelling and communications. He previously served as Lead Photographer for WIMUN 2026 New York, as well as Global Model WHO 2025 and WIMUN Singapore 2025. He served on the Senior Secretariat fulfilling the role of Under-Secretary-General of the Department of Global Communications for Global Model UN Singapore 2026. His work emphasizes the power of imagery to shape narrative, preserve memory, and elevate voices within global spaces. Through a combination of leadership, experience and creativity, he aims to ensure that every moment documented contributes to a broader, lasting impact.