2020 MMUN Matrix, Committees & Topics

Table of contents:

NYC February Conference Upper Elementary
NYC February Conference Middle School

NYC March Conference Upper Elementary
NYC March Conference Middle School

Chicago Conference Upper Elementary
Chicago Conference Middle School

Rome Conference Upper Elementary
Rome Conference Middle School

FAQ Section

February Conference

Upper Elementary 

Download the 2020 NYC Feb. Conference Upper Elementary Matrix, Committees and Topics PDF (updated on Sept. 9th, 2019)

First Committee
Disarmament and International Security
DISEC

This committee aims to create a more peaceful world. Talks in this committee center around reducing weapons in the world. It also identifies threats to peace and finds solutions to international security.

This committee believes the world can become stable through cooperation. Countries can protect their people better if they work together for peace. For example, this committee might discuss how to keep weapons from terrorists. Or, how less weapons can make the world safer. Also, countries talk about policing weapons and finding ways to reduce the weapons they have.

First Committee works closely with United Nations Disarmament Commission and Conference on Disarmament. They have passed resolutions on ammunition, military spending and missiles.

Topic 1 – Nuclear Disarmament

There have been nuclear weapons in our world for more than 70 years. Many countries feel that nuclear weapons are necessary for protection. How can we work together to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world and encourage other countries not to pursue them.

Topic 2 – Prevention of an Arm Race in Space

Space belongs to all the people of Earth and no country can claim to own anything in space. However, countries could create weapons in space to attack other countries or get what they want. How can we keep space a peaceful place?

ECOSOC – Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits.

The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations.

Topic 1 – Advancement of Women 

Women and girls make up half the world, however, they are not always treated as equals to men. Society needs to improve the situation for women and girls who do not have their rights respected. How can we protect the rights of women around the world?

Topic 2 – UN Forum on Forest

Forests are important to our environment, the economy and for fighting climate change. Unfortunately, deforestation and other problems threaten the world’s forests. How can we make forest protection a priority?

FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FAO – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Their main goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active healthy lives. The organization is focused on helping countries develop strong policies to support stable, sustainable agriculture.

The most important functions of the FAO are to:

• Promote the common welfare and raising levels of nutrition and standards of living of the people around the world
• Improving the production and distribution of all food and agricultural products
• Improving the condition of rural populations
• Contributing to an expanding world economy
• Ensuring humanity’s freedom from hunger

Topic 1 – Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing 

Fish provide food for many of the world’s poor and are a healthy source of protein. However, a lot of fishing is illegal and does damage to fish stocks. How can the world protect this precious resource?

Topic 2 – The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 

Human need access to safe, healthy and quality food each and every day. However, for the last 3 years, the number of hungry people in the world has been increasing. How can we build a world where no one is hungry?

HRC – Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.

The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly. The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

Topic 1 – The Safety of Journalists

Journalists have an important job – sharing information with people about what is going on in the world. Unfortunately, some people target journalists because they do not like them telling the truth. How can we make the world safer for journalists to do their job?

Topic 2 – Human Rights Situation in Yemen

Yemen is in the middle of a civil war since 2015. The conflict is very brutal with many people suffering due to both sides not allowing people to have basics such as food and medicine. How can this situation be resolved?

Third Committee
Social, Humanitarian & Cultural
SOCHUM

This Committee relates to a range of social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues that affect people all over the world.

An important part of the work of the Committee will focus on the examination of human rights questions. The Committee will hear and interact with special rapporteurs, independent experts, and chairs of working groups as mandated by the Human Rights Council.

The Committee discusses questions relating to the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self-determination.  The Committee also addresses important social development questions such as issues related to youth, family, aging, persons with disabilities, crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drug control.

 Topic 1 – Improving the Coordination of Efforts Against Trafficking in Persons

Human trafficking is when people use force to make others do something against their will and treat them like property. Nobody has the right to own another person. How can countries stop people from exploiting and taking advantage of other human beings?

 Topic 2 – Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance

Every human being is equal to any other and there are no real differences between humans. However, racism still exists in our world and many people fear people they view as outside their culture. How can the world become a more accepting place?

Security Council

This is a special part of the United Nations. The UN created this group to try to protect the peace. They decide what is a danger to peace. There are 15 members of the Security Council: 5 are permanent and 10 change every two years. The permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the US. The other members are Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, and Sweden.

This group helps peace in several ways. They ask states to solve problems peacefully. They also advise states to do something different or offer ways to resolve the situation. If a problem becomes bad the Security Council recommends sanctions. This means other states will punish the country in a non-violent way. An example might be not buying the country’s products or not allowing a country’s sports teams to compete internationally. If things get really bad the Security Council recommends the use of force to bring back international peace and security. All the states of the UN must follow what the Security Council decides.

All the permanent members of the Security Council get a veto. This means no resolutions can pass unless all the permanent members agree. All the other members get one vote. They have passed resolutions on peacebuilding, the situation in Western Sahara, and starting peacekeeping operations.

Topic 1 – Situation in Libya

Libya is a country that has been in the middle of a civil war for years. Thousands of people have died and the conflict does not look like it will end anytime soon. How can the world help Libya take steps to resolve its problems?

Topic 2 – Situation in Cyprus

More than 40 years ago Cyprus was a united country – until a conflict divided the island into a Turkish part and a Greek part. This division has never been resolved and still, the people of Cyprus live apart. How can the international community help Cyprus to become one country again?

Note: Background Guides will be available online immediately following your registration for an MMUN conference.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

February Conference

Middle School

Download the 2020 NYC Feb. Conference Middle School Matrix, Committees and Topics PDF  (updated on Sept. 9th, 2019)

First Committee
Disarmament and International Security
DISEC

This committee aims to create a more peaceful world. Talks in this committee center around reducing weapons in the world. It also identifies threats to peace and finds solutions to international security.

This committee believes the world can become stable through cooperation. Countries can protect their people better if they work together for peace. For example, this committee might discuss how to keep weapons from terrorists. Or, how less weapons can make the world safer. Also, countries talk about policing weapons and finding ways to reduce the weapons they have.

First Committee works closely with United Nations Disarmament Commission and Conference on Disarmament. They have passed resolutions on ammunition, military spending and missiles.

Topic 1 – Nuclear Disarmament

There have been nuclear weapons in our world for more than 70 years. Many countries feel that nuclear weapons are necessary for protection. How can we work together to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world and encourage other countries not to pursue them.

Topic 2 – Prevention of an Arm Race in Space

Space belongs to all the people of Earth and no country can claim to own anything in space. However, countries could create weapons in space to attack other countries or get what they want. How can we keep space a peaceful place?

ECOSOC – Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits.

The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations.

Topic 1 – Advancement of Women 

Women and girls make up half the world, however, they are not always treated as equals to men. Society needs to improve the situation for women and girls who do not have their rights respected. How can we protect the rights of women around the world?

Topic 2 – UN Forum on Forest

Forests are important to our environment, the economy and for fighting climate change. Unfortunately, deforestation and other problems threaten the world’s forests. How can we make forest protection a priority?

FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FAO – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Their main goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active healthy lives. The organization is focused on helping countries develop strong policies to support stable, sustainable agriculture.

The most important functions of the FAO are to:

• Promote the common welfare and raising levels of nutrition and standards of living of the people around the world
• Improving the production and distribution of all food and agricultural products
• Improving the condition of rural populations
• Contributing to an expanding world economy
• Ensuring humanity’s freedom from hunger

Topic 1 – Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing 

Fish provide food for many of the world’s poor and are a healthy source of protein. However, a lot of fishing is illegal and does damage to fish stocks. How can the world protect this precious resource?

Topic 2 – The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 

Human need access to safe, healthy and quality food each and every day. However, for the last 3 years, the number of hungry people in the world has been increasing. How can we build a world where no one is hungry?

HRC – Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.

The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly. The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

Topic 1 – The Safety of Journalists

Journalists have an important job – sharing information with people about what is going on in the world. Unfortunately, some people target journalists because they do not like them telling the truth. How can we make the world safer for journalists to do their job?

Topic 2 – Human Rights Situation in Yemen

Yemen is in the middle of a civil war since 2015. The conflict is very brutal with many people suffering due to both sides not allowing people to have basics such as food and medicine. How can this situation be resolved?

UNODC – United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

UNODC – United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices. UNODC relies on voluntary contributions, mainly from Governments, for 90 percent of its budget.

UNODC is mandated to assist the Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. In the Millennium Declaration, Member States also resolved to intensify efforts to fight transnational crime in all its dimensions, to redouble the efforts to implement the commitment to counter the world drug problem and to take concerted action against international terrorism.

The three pillars of the UNODC work program are:

• Field-based technical cooperation projects to enhance the capacity of Member States to counteract illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism,
• Research and analytical work to increase knowledge and understanding of drugs and crime issues and expand the evidence base for policy and operational decisions,
• Normative work to assist States in the ratification and implementation of the relevant international treaties, the development of domestic legislation on drugs, crime and terrorism, and the provision of secretariat and substantive services to the treaty-based and governing bodies. 

 Topic 1 – Strengthening International Cooperation to Combat Cybercrime 

Cybercrime is a problem that affects every country and every person in the world. Our interconnected world makes it easy to commit crimes from halfway around the world. How can countries work together to stop this problem?

 Topic 2 – Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Organs and Trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal 

Sadly, many people around the world may die if they do not receive a new organ in time. Unfortunately, some people have turned this need into illegal business and make money selling organs – this hurts the world’s poorest people. How can we stop this horrible practice?

Third Committee
Social, Humanitarian & Cultural
SOCHUM

This Committee relates to a range of social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues that affect people all over the world.

An important part of the work of the Committee will focus on the examination of human rights questions. The Committee will hear and interact with special rapporteurs, independent experts, and chairs of working groups as mandated by the Human Rights Council.

The Committee discusses questions relating to the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self-determination.  The Committee also addresses important social development questions such as issues related to youth, family, aging, persons with disabilities, crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drug control.

 Topic 1 – Improving the Coordination of Efforts Against Trafficking in Persons

Human trafficking is when people use force to make others do something against their will and treat them like property. Nobody has the right to own another person. How can countries stop people from exploiting and taking advantage of other human beings?

 Topic 2 – Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance

Every human being is equal to any other and there are no real differences between humans. However, racism still exists in our world and many people fear people they view as outside their culture. How can the world become a more accepting place?

Security Council

This is a special part of the United Nations. The UN created this group to try to protect the peace. They decide what is a danger to peace. There are 15 members of the Security Council: 5 are permanent and 10 change every two years. The permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the US. The other members are Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, and Sweden.

This group helps peace in several ways. They ask states to solve problems peacefully. They also advise states to do something different or offer ways to resolve the situation. If a problem becomes bad the Security Council recommends sanctions. This means other states will punish the country in a non-violent way. An example might be not buying the country’s products or not allowing a country’s sports teams to compete internationally. If things get really bad the Security Council recommends the use of force to bring back international peace and security. All the states of the UN must follow what the Security Council decides.

All the permanent members of the Security Council get a veto. This means no resolutions can pass unless all the permanent members agree. All the other members get one vote. They have passed resolutions on peacebuilding, the situation in Western Sahara, and starting peacekeeping operations.

Topic 1 – Situation in Lybia

Libya is a country that has been in the middle of a civil war for years. Thousands of people have died and the conflict does not look like it will end anytime soon. How can the world help Libya take steps to resolve its problems?

Topic 2 – Situation in Cyprus

More than 40 years ago Cyprus was a united country – until a conflict divided the island into a Turkish part and a Greek part. This division has never been resolved and still, the people of Cyprus live apart. How can the international community help Cyprus to become one country again?

Press Corps

The press corps is made up of journalists, correspondents, and members of the media who report on local, national, and international politics. They are one of the keys to a healthy, stable, and honest democracy. Do you have what it takes to write a news story and inform others about what is going on in the world in an engaging way?

Learn more about Press Corps clicking  here

Cyberbullying Committee 

This Committee will follow the UN Rules of Procedure culminating in Resolutions for each Constituent Group and Implementation Plans for each Participant.

12 schools will be invited to have a delegation of 4 join this committee. Each delegate will choose one constituent group on which to report.  These constituent groups are:

1. School
2. Online Platforms
3. Local Government
4. Community Involvement

The schools will represent 5 continents with students from North America, South America, Europe, China, and Australia providing an international perspective on cyberbullying.

The delegates will represent themselves and their ideas based on their research of the problem and interviews with local constituent groups representatives.

There will be three webinars provided by experts sourced from Peace One Day and Emily Cherry in Oct, Nov, and Dec.

At the conference, the first-day topic focus is prevention and mitigation for the second day.

Learn more about Cyberbullying Committee clicking here

Note: Background Guides will be available online immediately following your registration for an MMUN conference.

______________________________________________________

March Conference

Upper Elementary 

Download the 2020 NYC March Conference Upper Elementary Matrix, Committees and Topics PDF  (updated on Sept. 9th, 2019)

First Committee
Disarmament and International Security
DISEC

This committee aims to create a more peaceful world. Talks in this committee center around reducing weapons in the world. It also identifies threats to peace and finds solutions to international security.

This committee believes the world can become stable through cooperation. Countries can protect their people better if they work together for peace. For example, this committee might discuss how to keep weapons from terrorists. Or, how less weapons can make the world safer. Also, countries talk about policing weapons and finding ways to reduce the weapons they have.

First Committee works closely with United Nations Disarmament Commission and Conference on Disarmament. They have passed resolutions on ammunition, military spending and missiles.

Topic 1 – Nuclear Disarmament

There have been nuclear weapons in our world for more than 70 years. Many countries feel that nuclear weapons are necessary for protection. How can we work together to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world and encourage other countries not to pursue them.

Topic 2 – Prevention of an Arm Race in Space

Space belongs to all the people of Earth and no country can claim to own anything in space. However, countries could create weapons in space to attack other countries or get what they want. How can we keep space a peaceful place?

ECOSOC – Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits.

The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations.

Topic 1 – Advancement of Women 

Women and girls make up half the world, however, they are not always treated as equals to men. Society needs to improve the situation for women and girls who do not have their rights respected. How can we protect the rights of women around the world?

Topic 2 – UN Forum on Forest

Forests are important to our environment, the economy and for fighting climate change. Unfortunately, deforestation and other problems threaten the world’s forests. How can we make forest protection a priority?

FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FAO – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Their main goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active healthy lives. The organization is focused on helping countries develop strong policies to support stable, sustainable agriculture.

The most important functions of the FAO are to:

• Promote the common welfare and raising levels of nutrition and standards of living of the people around the world
• Improving the production and distribution of all food and agricultural products
• Improving the condition of rural populations
• Contributing to an expanding world economy
• Ensuring humanity’s freedom from hunger

Topic 1 – Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing 

Fish provide food for many of the world’s poor and are a healthy source of protein. However, a lot of fishing is illegal and does damage to fish stocks. How can the world protect this precious resource?

Topic 2 – The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 

Human need access to safe, healthy and quality food each and every day. However, for the last 3 years, the number of hungry people in the world has been increasing. How can we build a world where no one is hungry?

HRC – Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.

The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly. The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

Topic 1 – The Safety of Journalists

Journalists have an important job – sharing information with people about what is going on in the world. Unfortunately, some people target journalists because they do not like them telling the truth. How can we make the world safer for journalists to do their job?

Topic 2 – Human Rights Situation in Yemen

Yemen is in the middle of a civil war since 2015. The conflict is very brutal with many people suffering due to both sides not allowing people to have basics such as food and medicine. How can this situation be resolved?

Third Committee
Social, Humanitarian & Cultural
SOCHUM

This Committee relates to a range of social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues that affect people all over the world.

An important part of the work of the Committee will focus on the examination of human rights questions. The Committee will hear and interact with special rapporteurs, independent experts, and chairs of working groups as mandated by the Human Rights Council.

The Committee discusses questions relating to the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self-determination.  The Committee also addresses important social development questions such as issues related to youth, family, aging, persons with disabilities, crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drug control.

 Topic 1 – Improving the Coordination of Efforts Against Trafficking in Persons

Human trafficking is when people use force to make others do something against their will and treat them like property. Nobody has the right to own another person. How can countries stop people from exploiting and taking advantage of other human beings?

 Topic 2 – Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance

Every human being is equal to any other and there are no real differences between humans. However, racism still exists in our world and many people fear people they view as outside their culture. How can the world become a more accepting place?

Security Council

This is a special part of the United Nations. The UN created this group to try to protect the peace. They decide what is a danger to peace. There are 15 members of the Security Council: 5 are permanent and 10 change every two years. The permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the US. The other members are Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, and Sweden.

This group helps peace in several ways. They ask states to solve problems peacefully. They also advise states to do something different or offer ways to resolve the situation. If a problem becomes bad the Security Council recommends sanctions. This means other states will punish the country in a non-violent way. An example might be not buying the country’s products or not allowing a country’s sports teams to compete internationally. If things get really bad the Security Council recommends the use of force to bring back international peace and security. All the states of the UN must follow what the Security Council decides.

All the permanent members of the Security Council get a veto. This means no resolutions can pass unless all the permanent members agree. All the other members get one vote. They have passed resolutions on peacebuilding, the situation in Western Sahara, and starting peacekeeping operations.

Topic 1 – Situation in Lybia

Libya is a country that has been in the middle of a civil war for years. Thousands of people have died and the conflict does not look like it will end anytime soon. How can the world help Libya take steps to resolve its problems?

Topic 2 – Situation in Cyprus

More than 40 years ago Cyprus was a united country – until a conflict divided the island into a Turkish part and a Greek part. This division has never been resolved and still, the people of Cyprus live apart. How can the international community help Cyprus to become one country again?

Note: Background Guides will be available online immediately following your registration for an MMUN conference.

______________________________________________________

March Conference

Middle School

Download the 2020 NYC March Conference Middle School Matrix , Committees and Topics PDF  (updated on Sept. 9th, 2019)

First Committee
Disarmament and International Security
DISEC

This committee aims to create a more peaceful world. Talks in this committee center around reducing weapons in the world. It also identifies threats to peace and finds solutions to international security.

This committee believes the world can become stable through cooperation. Countries can protect their people better if they work together for peace. For example, this committee might discuss how to keep weapons from terrorists. Or, how less weapons can make the world safer. Also, countries talk about policing weapons and finding ways to reduce the weapons they have.

First Committee works closely with United Nations Disarmament Commission and Conference on Disarmament. They have passed resolutions on ammunition, military spending and missiles.

Topic 1 – Nuclear Disarmament

There have been nuclear weapons in our world for more than 70 years. Many countries feel that nuclear weapons are necessary for protection. How can we work together to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world and encourage other countries not to pursue them.

Topic 2 – Prevention of an Arm Race in Space

Space belongs to all the people of Earth and no country can claim to own anything in space. However, countries could create weapons in space to attack other countries or get what they want. How can we keep space a peaceful place?

ECOSOC – Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits.

The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations.

Topic 1 – Advancement of Women 

Women and girls make up half the world, however, they are not always treated as equals to men. Society needs to improve the situation for women and girls who do not have their rights respected. How can we protect the rights of women around the world?

Topic 2 – UN Forum on Forest

Forests are important to our environment, the economy and for fighting climate change. Unfortunately, deforestation and other problems threaten the world’s forests. How can we make forest protection a priority?

FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FAO – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Their main goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active healthy lives. The organization is focused on helping countries develop strong policies to support stable, sustainable agriculture.

The most important functions of the FAO are to:

• Promote the common welfare and raising levels of nutrition and standards of living of the people around the world
• Improving the production and distribution of all food and agricultural products
• Improving the condition of rural populations
• Contributing to an expanding world economy
• Ensuring humanity’s freedom from hunger

Topic 1 – Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing 

Fish provide food for many of the world’s poor and are a healthy source of protein. However, a lot of fishing is illegal and does damage to fish stocks. How can the world protect this precious resource?

Topic 2 – The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 

Human need access to safe, healthy and quality food each and every day. However, for the last 3 years, the number of hungry people in the world has been increasing. How can we build a world where no one is hungry?

HRC – Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.

The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly. The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

Topic 1 – The Safety of Journalists

Journalists have an important job – sharing information with people about what is going on in the world. Unfortunately, some people target journalists because they do not like them telling the truth. How can we make the world safer for journalists to do their job?

Topic 2 – Human Rights Situation in Yemen

Yemen is in the middle of a civil war since 2015. The conflict is very brutal with many people suffering due to both sides not allowing people to have basics such as food and medicine. How can this situation be resolved?

UNODC – United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

UNODC – United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices. UNODC relies on voluntary contributions, mainly from Governments, for 90 percent of its budget.

UNODC is mandated to assist the Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. In the Millennium Declaration, Member States also resolved to intensify efforts to fight transnational crime in all its dimensions, to redouble the efforts to implement the commitment to counter the world drug problem and to take concerted action against international terrorism.

The three pillars of the UNODC work program are:

• Field-based technical cooperation projects to enhance the capacity of Member States to counteract illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism,
• Research and analytical work to increase knowledge and understanding of drugs and crime issues and expand the evidence base for policy and operational decisions,
• Normative work to assist States in the ratification and implementation of the relevant international treaties, the development of domestic legislation on drugs, crime and terrorism, and the provision of secretariat and substantive services to the treaty-based and governing bodies. 

 Topic 1 – Strengthening International Cooperation to Combat Cybercrime 

Cybercrime is a problem that affects every country and every person in the world. Our interconnected world makes it easy to commit crimes from halfway around the world. How can countries work together to stop this problem?

 Topic 2 – Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Organs and Trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal 

Sadly, many people around the world may die if they do not receive a new organ in time. Unfortunately, some people have turned this need into illegal business and make money selling organs – this hurts the world’s poorest people. How can we stop this horrible practice?

Third Committee
Social, Humanitarian & Cultural
SOCHUM

This Committee relates to a range of social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues that affect people all over the world.

An important part of the work of the Committee will focus on the examination of human rights questions. The Committee will hear and interact with special rapporteurs, independent experts, and chairs of working groups as mandated by the Human Rights Council.

The Committee discusses questions relating to the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self-determination.  The Committee also addresses important social development questions such as issues related to youth, family, aging, persons with disabilities, crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drug control.

 Topic 1 – Improving the Coordination of Efforts Against Trafficking in Persons

Human trafficking is when people use force to make others do something against their will and treat them like property. Nobody has the right to own another person. How can countries stop people from exploiting and taking advantage of other human beings?

 Topic 2 – Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance

Every human being is equal to any other and there are no real differences between humans. However, racism still exists in our world and many people fear people they view as outside their culture. How can the world become a more accepting place?

Security Council

This is a special part of the United Nations. The UN created this group to try to protect the peace. They decide what is a danger to peace. There are 15 members of the Security Council: 5 are permanent and 10 change every two years. The permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the US. The other members are Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, and Sweden.

This group helps peace in several ways. They ask states to solve problems peacefully. They also advise states to do something different or offer ways to resolve the situation. If a problem becomes bad the Security Council recommends sanctions. This means other states will punish the country in a non-violent way. An example might be not buying the country’s products or not allowing a country’s sports teams to compete internationally. If things get really bad the Security Council recommends the use of force to bring back international peace and security. All the states of the UN must follow what the Security Council decides.

All the permanent members of the Security Council get a veto. This means no resolutions can pass unless all the permanent members agree. All the other members get one vote. They have passed resolutions on peacebuilding, the situation in Western Sahara, and starting peacekeeping operations.

Topic 1 – Situation in Lybia

Libya is a country that has been in the middle of a civil war for years. Thousands of people have died and the conflict does not look like it will end anytime soon. How can the world help Libya take steps to resolve its problems?

Topic 2 – Situation in Cyprus

More than 40 years ago Cyprus was a united country – until a conflict divided the island into a Turkish part and a Greek part. This division has never been resolved and still, the people of Cyprus live apart. How can the international community help Cyprus to become one country again?

Press Corps

The press corps is made up of journalists, correspondents, and members of the media who report on local, national, and international politics. They are one of the keys to a healthy, stable, and honest democracy. Do you have what it takes to write a news story and inform others about what is going on in the world in an engaging way?

Learn more about Press Corps clicking  here

Note: Background Guides will be available online immediately following your registration for an MMUN conference.

______________________________________________________

Chicago Conference

Upper Elementary 

Download the 2020 Chicago Conference Upper Elementary Matrix, Committees and Topics PDF (updated on Sept. 9th, 2019) 

ECOSOC – Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits.

The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations.

Topic 1 – Advancement of Women 

Women and girls make up half the world, however, they are not always treated as equals to men. Society needs to improve the situation for women and girls who do not have their rights respected. How can we protect the rights of women around the world?

Topic 2 – UN Forum on Forest

Forests are important to our environment, the economy and for fighting climate change. Unfortunately, deforestation and other problems threaten the world’s forests. How can we make forest protection a priority?

FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FAO – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Their main goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active healthy lives. The organization is focused on helping countries develop strong policies to support stable, sustainable agriculture.

The most important functions of the FAO are to:

• Promote the common welfare and raising levels of nutrition and standards of living of the people around the world
• Improving the production and distribution of all food and agricultural products
• Improving the condition of rural populations
• Contributing to an expanding world economy
• Ensuring humanity’s freedom from hunger

Topic 1 – Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing 

Fish provide food for many of the world’s poor and are a healthy source of protein. However, a lot of fishing is illegal and does damage to fish stocks. How can the world protect this precious resource?

Topic 2 – The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 

Human need access to safe, healthy and quality food each and every day. However, for the last 3 years, the number of hungry people in the world has been increasing. How can we build a world where no one is hungry?

Third Committee
Social, Humanitarian & Cultural
SOCHUM

This Committee relates to a range of social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues that affect people all over the world.

An important part of the work of the Committee will focus on the examination of human rights questions. The Committee will hear and interact with special rapporteurs, independent experts, and chairs of working groups as mandated by the Human Rights Council.

The Committee discusses questions relating to the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self-determination.  The Committee also addresses important social development questions such as issues related to youth, family, aging, persons with disabilities, crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drug control.

 Topic 1 – Improving the Coordination of Efforts Against Trafficking in Persons

Human trafficking is when people use force to make others do something against their will and treat them like property. Nobody has the right to own another person. How can countries stop people from exploiting and taking advantage of other human beings?

 Topic 2 – Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance

Every human being is equal to any other and there are no real differences between humans. However, racism still exists in our world and many people fear people they view as outside their culture. How can the world become a more accepting place?

Note: Background Guides will be available online immediately following your registration for an MMUN conference.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Chicago Conference

Middle School

Download the 2020 Chicago Conference Middle School Matrix, Committees and Topics PDF (updated on Sept. 9th, 2019)

ECOSOC – Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits.

The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations.

Topic 1 – Advancement of Women 

Women and girls make up half the world, however, they are not always treated as equals to men. Society needs to improve the situation for women and girls who do not have their rights respected. How can we protect the rights of women around the world?

Topic 2 – UN Forum on Forest

Forests are important to our environment, the economy and for fighting climate change. Unfortunately, deforestation and other problems threaten the world’s forests. How can we make forest protection a priority?

FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FAO – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Their main goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active healthy lives. The organization is focused on helping countries develop strong policies to support stable, sustainable agriculture.

The most important functions of the FAO are to:

• Promote the common welfare and raising levels of nutrition and standards of living of the people around the world
• Improving the production and distribution of all food and agricultural products
• Improving the condition of rural populations
• Contributing to an expanding world economy
• Ensuring humanity’s freedom from hunger

Topic 1 – Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing 

Fish provide food for many of the world’s poor and are a healthy source of protein. However, a lot of fishing is illegal and does damage to fish stocks. How can the world protect this precious resource?

Topic 2 – The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 

Human need access to safe, healthy and quality food each and every day. However, for the last 3 years, the number of hungry people in the world has been increasing. How can we build a world where no one is hungry?

Third Committee
Social, Humanitarian & Cultural
SOCHUM

This Committee relates to a range of social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues that affect people all over the world.

An important part of the work of the Committee will focus on the examination of human rights questions. The Committee will hear and interact with special rapporteurs, independent experts, and chairs of working groups as mandated by the Human Rights Council.

The Committee discusses questions relating to the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self-determination.  The Committee also addresses important social development questions such as issues related to youth, family, aging, persons with disabilities, crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drug control.

 Topic 1 – Improving the Coordination of Efforts Against Trafficking in Persons

Human trafficking is when people use force to make others do something against their will and treat them like property. Nobody has the right to own another person. How can countries stop people from exploiting and taking advantage of other human beings?

 Topic 2 – Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance

Every human being is equal to any other and there are no real differences between humans. However, racism still exists in our world and many people fear people they view as outside their culture. How can the world become a more accepting place?

Security Council

This is a special part of the United Nations. The UN created this group to try to protect the peace. They decide what is a danger to peace. There are 15 members of the Security Council: 5 are permanent and 10 change every two years. The permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the US. The other members are Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, and Sweden.

This group helps peace in several ways. They ask states to solve problems peacefully. They also advise states to do something different or offer ways to resolve the situation. If a problem becomes bad the Security Council recommends sanctions. This means other states will punish the country in a non-violent way. An example might be not buying the country’s products or not allowing a country’s sports teams to compete internationally. If things get really bad the Security Council recommends the use of force to bring back international peace and security. All the states of the UN must follow what the Security Council decides.

All the permanent members of the Security Council get a veto. This means no resolutions can pass unless all the permanent members agree. All the other members get one vote. They have passed resolutions on peacebuilding, the situation in Western Sahara, and starting peacekeeping operations.

Topic 1 – Situation in Lybia

Libya is a country that has been in the middle of a civil war for years. Thousands of people have died and the conflict does not look like it will end anytime soon. How can the world help Libya take steps to resolve its problems?

Topic 2 – Situation in Cyprus

More than 40 years ago Cyprus was a united country – until a conflict divided the island into a Turkish part and a Greek part. This division has never been resolved and still, the people of Cyprus live apart. How can the international community help Cyprus to become one country again?

Note: Background Guides will be available online immediately following your registration for an MMUN conference.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Rome Conference

Upper Elementary 

Download the 2020 Rome Conference Upper Elementary Matrix, Committees and Topics PDF (updated on Sept.9th, 2019)

First Committee
Disarmament and International Security
DISEC

This committee aims to create a more peaceful world. Talks in this committee center around reducing weapons in the world. It also identifies threats to peace and finds solutions to international security.

This committee believes the world can become stable through cooperation. Countries can protect their people better if they work together for peace. For example, this committee might discuss how to keep weapons from terrorists. Or, how less weapons can make the world safer. Also, countries talk about policing weapons and finding ways to reduce the weapons they have.

First Committee works closely with United Nations Disarmament Commission and Conference on Disarmament. They have passed resolutions on ammunition, military spending and missiles.

Topic 1 – Nuclear Disarmament

There have been nuclear weapons in our world for more than 70 years. Many countries feel that nuclear weapons are necessary for protection. How can we work together to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world and encourage other countries not to pursue them.

Topic 2 – Prevention of an Arm Race in Space

Space belongs to all the people of Earth and no country can claim to own anything in space. However, countries could create weapons in space to attack other countries or get what they want. How can we keep space a peaceful place?

ECOSOC – Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits.

The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations.

Topic 1 – Advancement of Women 

Women and girls make up half the world, however, they are not always treated as equals to men. Society needs to improve the situation for women and girls who do not have their rights respected. How can we protect the rights of women around the world?

Topic 2 – UN Forum on Forest

Forests are important to our environment, the economy and for fighting climate change. Unfortunately, deforestation and other problems threaten the world’s forests. How can we make forest protection a priority?

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
FAO

FAO – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Their main goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active healthy lives. The organization is focused on helping countries develop strong policies to support stable, sustainable agriculture.

The most important functions of the FAO are to:

• Promote the common welfare and raising levels of nutrition and standards of living of the people around the world
• Improving the production and distribution of all food and agricultural products
• Improving the condition of rural populations
• Contributing to an expanding world economy
• Ensuring humanity’s freedom from hunger

Topic 1 – Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing 

Fish provide food for many of the world’s poor and are a healthy source of protein. However, a lot of fishing is illegal and does damage to fish stocks. How can the world protect this precious resource?

Topic 2 – The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 

Human need access to safe, healthy and quality food each and every day. However, for the last 3 years, the number of hungry people in the world has been increasing. How can we build a world where no one is hungry?

HRC – Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.

The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly. The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

Topic 1 – The Safety of Journalists

Journalists have an important job – sharing information with people about what is going on in the world. Unfortunately, some people target journalists because they do not like them telling the truth. How can we make the world safer for journalists to do their job?

Topic 2 – Human Rights Situation in Yemen

Yemen is in the middle of a civil war since 2015. The conflict is very brutal with many people suffering due to both sides not allowing people to have basics such as food and medicine. How can this situation be resolved?

Third Committee
Social, Humanitarian & Cultural
SOCHUM

This Committee relates to a range of social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues that affect people all over the world.

An important part of the work of the Committee will focus on the examination of human rights questions. The Committee will hear and interact with special rapporteurs, independent experts, and chairs of working groups as mandated by the Human Rights Council.

The Committee discusses questions relating to the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self-determination.  The Committee also addresses important social development questions such as issues related to youth, family, aging, persons with disabilities, crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drug control.

 Topic 1 – Improving the Coordination of Efforts Against Trafficking in Persons

Human trafficking is when people use force to make others do something against their will and treat them like property. Nobody has the right to own another person. How can countries stop people from exploiting and taking advantage of other human beings?

 Topic 2 – Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance

Every human being is equal to any other and there are no real differences between humans. However, racism still exists in our world and many people fear people they view as outside their culture. How can the world become a more accepting place?

Note: Background Guides will be available online immediately following your registration for an MMUN conference.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Rome Conference

Middle School

Download the 2020 Rome Conference Middle School Matrix, Committees and Topics (updated on Sept. 9th, 2019) 

First Committee
Disarmament and International Security
DISEC

This committee aims to create a more peaceful world. Talks in this committee center around reducing weapons in the world. It also identifies threats to peace and finds solutions to international security.

This committee believes the world can become stable through cooperation. Countries can protect their people better if they work together for peace. For example, this committee might discuss how to keep weapons from terrorists. Or, how less weapons can make the world safer. Also, countries talk about policing weapons and finding ways to reduce the weapons they have.

First Committee works closely with United Nations Disarmament Commission and Conference on Disarmament. They have passed resolutions on ammunition, military spending and missiles.

Topic 1 – Nuclear Disarmament

There have been nuclear weapons in our world for more than 70 years. Many countries feel that nuclear weapons are necessary for protection. How can we work together to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world and encourage other countries not to pursue them.

Topic 2 – Prevention of an Arm Race in Space

Space belongs to all the people of Earth and no country can claim to own anything in space. However, countries could create weapons in space to attack other countries or get what they want. How can we keep space a peaceful place?

ECOSOC – Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits.

The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations.

Topic 1 – Advancement of Women 

Women and girls make up half the world, however, they are not always treated as equals to men. Society needs to improve the situation for women and girls who do not have their rights respected. How can we protect the rights of women around the world?

Topic 2 – UN Forum on Forest

Forests are important to our environment, the economy and for fighting climate change. Unfortunately, deforestation and other problems threaten the world’s forests. How can we make forest protection a priority?

FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FAO – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Their main goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active healthy lives. The organization is focused on helping countries develop strong policies to support stable, sustainable agriculture.

The most important functions of the FAO are to:

• Promote the common welfare and raising levels of nutrition and standards of living of the people around the world
• Improving the production and distribution of all food and agricultural products
• Improving the condition of rural populations
• Contributing to an expanding world economy
• Ensuring humanity’s freedom from hunger

Topic 1 – Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing 

Fish provide food for many of the world’s poor and are a healthy source of protein. However, a lot of fishing is illegal and does damage to fish stocks. How can the world protect this precious resource?

Topic 2 – The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 

Human need access to safe, healthy and quality food each and every day. However, for the last 3 years, the number of hungry people in the world has been increasing. How can we build a world where no one is hungry?

HRC – Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.

The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly. The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

Topic 1 – The Safety of Journalists

Journalists have an important job – sharing information with people about what is going on in the world. Unfortunately, some people target journalists because they do not like them telling the truth. How can we make the world safer for journalists to do their job?

Topic 2 – Human Rights Situation in Yemen

Yemen is in the middle of a civil war since 2015. The conflict is very brutal with many people suffering due to both sides not allowing people to have basics such as food and medicine. How can this situation be resolved?

UNODC – United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

UNODC – United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices. UNODC relies on voluntary contributions, mainly from Governments, for 90 percent of its budget.

UNODC is mandated to assist the Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. In the Millennium Declaration, Member States also resolved to intensify efforts to fight transnational crime in all its dimensions, to redouble the efforts to implement the commitment to counter the world drug problem and to take concerted action against international terrorism.

The three pillars of the UNODC work program are:

• Field-based technical cooperation projects to enhance the capacity of Member States to counteract illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism,
• Research and analytical work to increase knowledge and understanding of drugs and crime issues and expand the evidence base for policy and operational decisions,
• Normative work to assist States in the ratification and implementation of the relevant international treaties, the development of domestic legislation on drugs, crime and terrorism, and the provision of secretariat and substantive services to the treaty-based and governing bodies. 

 Topic 1 – Strengthening International Cooperation to Combat Cybercrime 

Cybercrime is a problem that affects every country and every person in the world. Our interconnected world makes it easy to commit crimes from halfway around the world. How can countries work together to stop this problem?

 Topic 2 – Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Organs and Trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal 

Sadly, many people around the world may die if they do not receive a new organ in time. Unfortunately, some people have turned this need into illegal business and make money selling organs – this hurts the world’s poorest people. How can we stop this horrible practice?

Third Committee
Social, Humanitarian & Cultural
SOCHUM

This Committee relates to a range of social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues that affect people all over the world.

An important part of the work of the Committee will focus on the examination of human rights questions. The Committee will hear and interact with special rapporteurs, independent experts, and chairs of working groups as mandated by the Human Rights Council.

The Committee discusses questions relating to the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self-determination.  The Committee also addresses important social development questions such as issues related to youth, family, aging, persons with disabilities, crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drug control.

 Topic 1 – Improving the Coordination of Efforts Against Trafficking in Persons

Human trafficking is when people use force to make others do something against their will and treat them like property. Nobody has the right to own another person. How can countries stop people from exploiting and taking advantage of other human beings?

 Topic 2 – Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance

Every human being is equal to any other and there are no real differences between humans. However, racism still exists in our world and many people fear people they view as outside their culture. How can the world become a more accepting place?

Security Council

This is a special part of the United Nations. The UN created this group to try to protect the peace. They decide what is a danger to peace. There are 15 members of the Security Council: 5 are permanent and 10 change every two years. The permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the US. The other members are Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, and Sweden.

This group helps peace in several ways. They ask states to solve problems peacefully. They also advise states to do something different or offer ways to resolve the situation. If a problem becomes bad the Security Council recommends sanctions. This means other states will punish the country in a non-violent way. An example might be not buying the country’s products or not allowing a country’s sports teams to compete internationally. If things get really bad the Security Council recommends the use of force to bring back international peace and security. All the states of the UN must follow what the Security Council decides.

All the permanent members of the Security Council get a veto. This means no resolutions can pass unless all the permanent members agree. All the other members get one vote. They have passed resolutions on peacebuilding, the situation in Western Sahara, and starting peacekeeping operations.

Topic 1 – Situation in Lybia

Libya is a country that has been in the middle of a civil war for years. Thousands of people have died and the conflict does not look like it will end anytime soon. How can the world help Libya take steps to resolve its problems?

Topic 2 – Situation in Cyprus

More than 40 years ago Cyprus was a united country – until a conflict divided the island into a Turkish part and a Greek part. This division has never been resolved and still, the people of Cyprus live apart. How can the international community help Cyprus to become one country again?

Cyberbullying Committee 

This Committee will follow the UN Rules of Procedure culminating in Resolutions for each Constituent Group and Implementation Plans for each Participant.

12 schools will be invited to have a delegation of 4 join this committee. Each delegate will choose one constituent group on which to report.  These constituent groups are:

1. School
2. Online Platforms
3. Local Government
4. Community Involvement

The schools will represent 5 continents with students from North America, South America, Europe, China, and Australia providing an international perspective on cyberbullying.

The delegates will represent themselves and their ideas based on their research of the problem and interviews with local constituent groups representatives.

There will be three webinars provided by experts sourced from Peace One Day and Emily Cherry in Oct, Nov, and Dec.

At the conference, the first-day topic focus is prevention and mitigation for the second day.

Learn more about Cyberbullying Committee clicking here

Note: Background Guides will be available online immediately following your registration for an MMUN conference.

FAQ Section 

Q: Do both students in the delegation have to be knowledgeable about both topics addressed by their committee?

Yes, it is critical that both delegates are knowledgeable about both topics so they may both participate in the discussion and negotiations on those topics.

Q: If I have an odd number of students in my group, am I allowed to place three (3) students in a committee?

The conference matrix will not allow more than two (2) students per committee. In these unique cases, (1) delegate will have to take on the challenge of both topics in one committee. Keep in mind, it is not a requirement to make a speech.  All participants will be added to the Speakers’s List and can be removed by passing a note while in committee session to be removed from the list. This is designed so the preparation process is not compromised for the delegates involved, as well as all delegates in the committee session. MMUN must also adhere to strict capacity guidelines within each committee room.

Q: How many position papers does each delegation write?

Delegates are responsible for having in-depth knowledge about both topics. As a delegation, both delegates are responsible for researching and writing one paper per topic (one topic each), two papers total. Each delegate must be familiar with the other topic as they must share in the thinking and development of both topics.

Q: How long does it take between submitting the position papers and getting it back for corrections?

The MMUN Bureau will review each position paper, and if there are corrections to be made, the Bureau will notify you and give you a time frame to return it back to the committee Chair. Typically, you will hear back about corrections needed within 10-14 days after submitting your papers. Just to clarify, students should follow the format in our Teacher Manual and use only MLA format for references. Please review the MMUN Position Papers page located online on our website under ‘Resources.’

Q: After we edit the corrections, must we re-submit again? When? 

Yes. Corrections need to be submitted to the Bureau within 5 to 7 days.

Q: Do Opening Speeches also need to be submitted?

No. Opening speeches are not submitted; they are only spoken at the conference. However, to be added to the ‘Speakers List’ a request must be indicated at the top of the position paper itself. The opening speech must be limited to 1-minute in length.