General Assembly Committees
A General Assembly, in Model United Nations, is the committee type that most accurately simulates UN proceedings. Every delegate represents a country or a character and brings his or her respective views into the debate. Delegates debate in a moderated caucus for the majority of the conference, work together on draft resolutions in unmoderated caucuses and eventually hope to pass their work through the committee once the entire committee has agreed to enter the voting block. The committee will be headed by a chair, who will control moderated caucus, but will also heavily rely on the assistance of two to three moderators to handle all documents, timekeeping and awards judgement. We’re excited to announce EmpireMUNC X’s General Assembly Committees:
Position Paper Guidelines:
All delegates for GA committees (& only GA committees) are required to submit 1 position paper per topic by 11:59 PM on November 8th to their committee chairs (emails can be found in the committee Background Guides). All citations should be completed in MLA format. Position Papers should be in the following format:
Paragraph #1: Overview of topic
Paragraph #2: Country position and policies on topic
Paragraph #3: Proposed Solutions
DISARMAMENT AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY COMMITTEE
Topic A: Ethics of Hacktivism
Topic B: Sovereignty & Security in the Arctic
The United Nations Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) was established in 1945 as the first of the Main Committees in the General Assembly. This committee primarily focuses on issues of disarmament which threaten global cohesion, peace, and security.
Society’s dependence on digital technology is at an all time high and the practice of“hacktivism” is becoming increasingly common. In a double delegate format, delegates will have to strike a balance, ensuring free speech and activism online, while also enforcing ethical guidelines to curb cyber security risks.
Disputes over the sovereignty and security of the Arctic are faced with increased tensions as global warming accelerates the melting of the Arctic’s polar ice caps and indigenous populations stand at greater risk of losing their land. Amidst rising concerns, delegates must find a way to compromise with regard to the future of the Arctic region.
INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION
TOPIC A: ETHICaL MINING
TOPIC B: MULTINATIONAL Corporations
Founded in 1919 by the Labour Commission, the International Labour Organization established ethical labor standards in order to uphold human rights, fair labor, and sustainability. Throughout the years, the ILO has been a driving force in setting the standard for labor rights globally. ILO has produced key labor statistics in improving global markets and the economy, offered policy recommendations for improving worker conditions, and pushed back against unjust practices like forced labor. Now, as the governing body of ILO, delegates will be faced with the task of regulating mining practices and ensuring multinational corporations follow international law.
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Topic A: Freedom of Expression in Authoritarian Regimes
Topic B: Protecting Maternal Healthcare
The United Nations Human Rights Council is a powerful body that fights to protect global human rights. Even today, we witness the devastating effects where dissents are crushed and voices are silenced in places governed by authoritarian regimes. In our world today, freedom of expression has never been more important. Delegates will have the opportunity to discuss and create bold strategies to address the protection of rights, media censorship, and the eradication of political persecution within authoritarian regimes.
Millions of women are currently facing threatening barriers to access proper and safe healthcare. This issue is especially prevalent in conflict zones and impoverished areas, where women do not even have access to essential resources to protect their basic needs. As members of the UNHRC, delegates will work together to battle the obstacles of gender discrimination and advocate for safe and equitable healthcare for all women across the world.
WORLD COCOA FOUNDATION
TOPIC A: Ethical Labor Practices
TOPIC B: Sustainable Cocoa Production
Behind every chocolate bar you eat, there is a story. Countless hours are spent cultivating cocoa every day, with an immeasurable amount of labor involved. The World Cocoa Foundation is a coalition of leading chocolate manufacturers, cocoa traders, and farmer cooperatives, working to make cacao production more sustainable. For years, there have been controversies surrounding the chocolate industry, concerning environmental impact or labor practices. Representing the majority of cocoa markets, members of the World Cocoa Foundation will convene to advocate for the sweetest solutions in ensuring labor practices are more ethical and production methods are more sustainable.
OBAMA’S CABINET
TOPIC A: The Great Recession
TOPIC B: Healthcare Reformation
Inheriting a severe financial crisis, the Obama Administration’s Cabinet was thrust into saving America from economic turmoil. The Great Recession (2007-2009) had disastrous implications on employment, affordable housing, and healthcare costs. As members of Obama’s Cabinet, delegates must create innovative solutions to combat the effects of the financial crisis on Americans, ensuring Obama’s presidency is not characterized by mayhem and strife.
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL
Topic A: Reformation of the UNSC
Topic b: Military Coup in Sudan
For decades, the United Nations Security Council has been a crucial body in upholding global peace and security. The UNSC was established in 1945, shortly after World War II, to prevent a third world war. However, since then, there have been recurring issues within the UNSC structure with regard to its legitimacy and effectiveness. Delegates in the UNSC will be challenged to resolve the structural problems of the council and, potentially, pave the way for a more equitable and responsive UNSC.
In Sudan, democracy and authoritarianism have clashed and the UNSC must intervene to address the militaristic tensions. In 2021, the Sudanese military took control of the government in a coup, seizing power from civilian leadership, abusing civilian rights, and displacing millions. Delegates are tasked with addressing these complex issues and devising solutions that will lead to a new chapter in Sudan’s political history.