Greetings delegates, and welcome to the 2017 PANAMUN XXV conference! My name is Vivek Ivaturi and I will be one of your chairs for the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD).  I am currently a junior at the International School of Panama, for which I have now attended for two full years. Apart from debating, I enjoy playing any type of sport and playing/learning music. I was born in India, but have lived in other countries throughout the world including China, Thailand, the United States, Singapore, and now, Panama. My PANAMUN journey began when I was in ninth grade, but my debating experience extends all the way back to my years in middle school. At first I despised debating, but after involving myself into more debates, the activity quickly grew on me. I’m excited for this next PANAMUN conference and hope all delegates will rigorously and passionately participate, expecting each to contribute their own part into making this the best conference yet! Be optimistic, confident, poised, open-minded, and do not be afraid to ask for help. I look forward to meeting everyone and making this PANAMUN conference an unforgettable experience!