Topic 1: The Weaponization of the Cyberspace

Have you ever imagined how much data is currently stored online? Consider social media platforms, plentiful academic data, the list goes on. Whether it be from the private or public sector, this data supersedes any quantifiable concept of information. Alongside the growth of technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, nations today find themselves growing cautious of the digital realm. Threats to national security data, personal data, even the systems that control waterways and other pertinent societal infrastructure are all possible circumstances! The growth of this “cyberspace” as a space shared by nations and individual actors makes this area particularly vulnerable to malicious actions. From ransomware attacks on critical government infrastructure to intrusions on nation-wide medical and personal data, this is an alarming threat to nations around the world who all rely upon the databases and technologies that sustain parts of their societies. Delegates will debate the weaponization of “cyberspace” and consider the ways in which nations can grapple with this rapidly developing aspect of international security.

Topic 2: Prevention of Illicit Arms Trafficking

Worldwide, illicit arms trafficking exists at varying scales. Crossing cities, borders and oceans, illicit arms are transferred almost untraceably as a result of the nature of its market. Also referred to as “gunrunning”, illicit arms trafficking encompasses the exchange of firearms and weapons being transferred to organizations spanning from individuals to large-terrorist groups. This pertinent issue is taking global stage as it continues to worsen in nations across the world, putting dangerous weapons in the hands of individuals and groups who seek to acquire them through illegal mediums. In handling this topic, delegates will be expected to lay out a framework for tackling illicit arms trafficking and answer questions that will be pertinent to the progress of the committee. At what scale should the issue be addressed? Is there a certain kind of weaponry that should be at the forefront of the proposed regulatory policies? In joining together with nations around the world, delegates will have the opportunity to address the incredibly diverse perspectives that serve to contextualize national/regional perspectives on arms trafficking.

Topic 1: The Right to Food

The right to food is enshrined in the UN Declaration of Human Rights as part of every individual’s right to a basic standard of living. However, 16.6% of the world's population is currently undernourished. Food insecurity is a pressing global concern characterized by limited or uncertain access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for a healthy and active life. It affects individuals, families, and entire communities, leading to adverse consequences on health, well-being, and economic stability. This multifaceted issue is often influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including poverty, climate change, conflict, and economic disparities. Delegates will debate the strategies, from promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing food distribution systems to advocating for equitable policies, that ensure vulnerable populations have access to the nourishment they need. The fight against food insecurity is a critical endeavor on a worldwide scale, aimed at ensuring no one goes to bed hungry and everyone can lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Topic 2: Protection of children and women in conflict zones

In conflict zones, the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children and women, is extremely important. These individuals often face heightened risks, including violence, exploitation, and displacement, as they are disproportionately affected by the chaos and instability that come with armed conflicts and emergencies. International organizations, governments, and humanitarian agencies play a crucial role in establishing safe spaces, providing essential services, and ensuring the well-being of children and women in these challenging environments. Protecting their rights, safety, and dignity is not only a moral imperative but also fundamental to building more stable and resilient societies in the aftermath of such crises. In this committee, delegates will discuss the implementation of policies to protect children and women in conflict zones. The discussion will also extend to questions of responsibility. Who should be responsible for the protection of children and women in these zones? Is it primarily the duty of the international community, the governments involved, or a combination of both? Finding viable solutions to these challenges is not only a matter of legal and ethical obligations but also a test of our collective ability to respond to the most pressing crises of our time.

Topic 1: Ensuring the Criminal Accountability of UN Workers

Peacekeepers play an indispensable role in the United Nations’ efforts. However, in recent years, there has been a rise in allegations of criminal misconduct by UN peacekeepers and workers abroad, notably coming from cases of sexual abuse and exploitation. Such abuse is particularly reprehensible, given that it victimizes the very people whom the UN is supposed to protect. Presently, UN workers have immunity in their host countries, and under customary international law, are expected to be prosecuted for their crimes in their home countries. However, their home countries have, thus far, proven either unable or unwilling to do so, resulting in a gross denial of justice for countless victims. Delegates will debate the feasibility of current legal procedures for prosecuting UN workers. Who should bear the responsibility of investigating and prosecuting these crimes? What will be the legal grounds for doing so, seeing as many countries lack legislation that can punish extrajudicial offenses (crimes committed outside a country’s borders)? How can delegates ensure that these countries, or the UN itself, has sufficient resources to pursue these cases and deliver justice for victims?

Topic 2: The Management of Transboundary Aquifers

Transboundary aquifers refer to sources of groundwater that cross state borders. With climate change, there has been an increase in the number of countries experiencing issues relating to water scarcity. Hence, transboundary aquifers are an invaluable, untapped resource, because the volume of accessible groundwater is a hundred times larger than the volume of all surface waters. However, this also presents new, complex challenges. Little research has been done to determine their geographical distribution, and there have been few attempts at cooperation between countries on this issue. This is worrying, because the transboundary nature of these aquifers means that actions in one country can have environmental effects on surrounding countries, as well as socioeconomic consequences for populations in the area. Hence, delegates will discuss how to improve intergovernmental cooperation on the management of transboundary water resources. They will also come up with a set of international standards for the use of such resources so as to minimize their potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts, keeping in mind the fragile, interconnected nature of the ecosystem.

Topic 1: Immigration and passport policy

Immigration and passport policy is a topic that is hotly debated in many governments around the EU.There have been changes in immigration as a result of war, environmental disasters, and additional push and pull factors. Countries across the European Union are changing their eligibility requirements to receive visas or passports as the needs of their peoples change. In Germany, for example, the salary threshold required to obtain a visa has been reduced. A passport from a member nation of the European Union is a very high value passport - holders can freely travel amongst EU member nations and are granted access to many countries around the world, but the requirements to get a passport are different across countries. Immigration and passport policy is something that will continue to be discussed for years to come and includes other aspects of the country like infrastructure, economy, history, values, and the judiciary system. The committee will discuss the topics of immigration and passport policy, including: Who should be given a passport? Should the regulations for obtaining an EU passport or the passport of a specific country be standardized? What is the best immigration policy for your country and the goals of your country? How should the European Union react to fluctuations in immigration?

Topic 2: Sustainability Standards

Environmental issues have been a topic greatly increasing in importance. It is a topic that affects other aspects of a country’s well being, for example their infrastructure or agricultural output, in addition to impacting the world as a whole with the repercussions of a changing climate. Corporations, individuals, and more are at fault and at risk. As such, this committee will discuss climate problems facing the world and solutions that can be implemented on a global scale, as well as what standards should be implemented in the European Union. As an advanced regional government, the EU must set a strong example for governments around the world to follow suit and make changes for the better. These solutions can be innovative and new, solutions that have already been implemented, or solutions that were attempted but did not yield the desired results. What is your country already doing? What could it continue to do? What are your country’s goals in relation to climate change and the efforts other countries are already making? What expectations should be set for all countries in the Union?

Topic 1: Social Welfare

The Caribbean and Latin America is home to a diverse population with varying socioeconomic backgrounds. As a nation grows and expands, developing new urban and social infrastructures, the lives of its citizens are heavily influenced. In today’s modern world, issues like the digital divide, climate change, and recovery from COVID-19’s impacts have exacerbated socioeconomic differences. Countries around the world and in Latin America and the Caribbean especially have to respond in turn to address the needs of their citizens. This means creating welfare and infrastructure that is durable and sustainable. What aspects should federal and municipal governments take into consideration when developing new policies? How do international models of social and public welfare shape each other? Should there be a standard for welfare across the region? How do governments ensure equity and equality for all groups of people in the policies they are making?

Topic 2: Transnational Capitalism and the Climate Crisis

The ongoing climate crisis has a detrimental global impact, especially for Latin America and the Caribbean. The rise of urbanization, global trade economy, and consumerist culture all play a role in contributing to the climate crisis, whether that’s through emitting high levels of embodied carbon and greenhouse gasses or increased plastic and waste production. The clock is ticking for countries to establish public policies that will mitigate the severe consequences of climate change, for both the present and the future. How do countries measure the success of their current public policies in regards to sustainable development? How do countries address the role of transnational capital flow when developing sustainable policies for urban development within their own country? How does international investments in urbanization shape the cityscape and consumption patterns of Latin America and the Caribbean? How does transnational capitalism shape municipal and local sustainability policies?

Topic 1: Drafting a German constitution

Guten Tag, Delegates! Following the spirit of democratization flowing across Europe, we gather today with the noble task of uniting the German nation-states under a single, new banner. Until now divided, this unification poses an opportunity for strengthening of all nation states and creation of a powerful community destined for greatness. Throughout our time together, we will be drafting a new Constitution that will guide each and every single German nation-state toward unity, freedom, and progress. Drawing upon the lessons of history, we shall deliberate upon matters of governance, representation, and the protection of individual rights. Let us strive to create a constitution that stands strong through time and resonates with the aspirations of our Volksgeist!

Topic 2: Creating a unified German foreign policy

In the spirit of cooperation and national progress, we convene on this day with an important mission of shaping a unified German foreign policy. With the creation of our new constitution, we define our relationships to one another as nation-states becoming one nation. The next step, of course, is to define our relationships with other nations on and off our borders. As we deliberate, let us consider the best ways to safeguard the interests of German people against other European nations, be they maritime republics or expansionist empires. Our discussions will revolve around matters of diplomacy, trade, and security, all with the aim of fostering a stronger, more cohesive German bloc. Together, let us work to create a unified foreign policy that aligns with the welfare of all German nation-states!

Topic 1: Nothing short of a miracle: German Reunification

The reunification of Germany in 1990 stands as one of the most triumphant events in modern history. This process brought together two ideologically and physically divided nations, East and West Germany, culminating in the creation of a unified German state. The most iconic moment preceding reunification was the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, a physical and symbolic barrier that had divided East and West Berlin, and indeed, East and West Germany since 1961. Behind the scenes, diplomatic negotiations played a pivotal role. The leadership of both East and West Germany, as well as the support of key international players, such as the United States and the Soviet Union, facilitated the peaceful reunification process. The era was marked by a commitment to dialogue and diplomacy over military confrontation, a shift that would have far-reaching implications for global politics.It is September of 1989, and you, as delegates, are at the precipice of reunification. The stage has been set, and it is now up to you whether or not to follow history’s path or carve your own. Whatever you decide to do, remember that the fate of Europe hinges on your success.

Topic 2: Stabilizing the Balkans: Mediating the Yugoslav Wars

The Yugoslav Wars, spanning the 1990s, were a tragic and complex series of conflicts that shook the Balkans, leaving lasting scars on the region's political, social, and economic landscape. This period of turmoil arose from the disintegration of Yugoslavia, a multi-ethnic federation, and the subsequent struggle for independence by its constituent republics. The wars, including the Bosnian War, the Croatian War of Independence, and the Kosovo conflict, were marked by ethnic tensions, territorial disputes, and atrocities that shocked the world. The international community was compelled to intervene, leading to various peace initiatives and, ultimately, the Dayton Agreement in 1995, which ended the Bosnian War. Stabilizing the Balkans in the aftermath of these conflicts became a top priority. The United Nations, NATO, and the European Union were central to these efforts, overseeing peacekeeping missions, rebuilding institutions, and fostering reconciliation among the divided communities. In this committee, you, as delegates, will be tasked with drafting a peace agreement under the aegis of the UN Security Council. Though you may choose to formulate a document similar to the Dayton Accords, you are encouraged to be innovative in how you facilitate resolution. Your goal: end the war and restore stability to the Balkans (however that may be).

Topic 1: East-West Reunification

It is the end of the year 1989. The Berlin wall has fallen, and with it the iron curtain of the formerly mighty Soviet Union. The communist East is no more, and the prospect of German reunification is within sight. East Germany is in a tumultuous state after the loss of its communist overlords, and the conditions of its people are deteriorating as the West continues in relative prosperity, which is slowly inspiring the East and thus Germany to unify under the Western capitalist ideology. Regardless, the task of reunifying countries both geographically and Ideologically divided for the better half of a century is not for the light of heart. In this crisis committee, delegates will have the incredibly difficult task of mending the long cut ties between the western and eastern portions of Germany and uniting them under one national German flag. They must ensure that this new Germany will cease to be divided, and will continue growing, both economically and socially. The future of a once great nation lies in your hands, delegates, so keep the minds and hearts of the German people with you as you decide their fate.

Topic 2: Depolarization

Following the end of the Soviet Union and the collapse of its empire, the formerly divided German nations East and West have unified! Hooray for democracy! Not all is done, however; reunification does not mean the end of division. A simple pen stroke declaring that a country is unified in name does not mean its people will follow suit. The polarization of 50 years is still in play: whether it be geographic, economic, or religious, the people of Germany are not even close to being the same, as they once were before their land was split in half. It is now your task, delegates, to ensure that this new unified Germany may remain that way. It is no easy task to end the polarization of 50 years of dictatorship and democracy. In this crisis committee, delegates will be tasked with devising ways in which a divided people may once more be unified in values, and may no longer be polarized. Delegates must ensure that the unified state will persist and will become a stronger Germany than ever before, one that all of Europe envies.