2021 MMUN Online February Matrix, Committees & Topics  for Asia-Pacific Participants (Pacific Standard Time Friendly  – San Francisco)

Table of contents:

MMUN Online February Conference for Asia-Pacific Participants – Upper Elementary
MMUN Online February Conference for Asia-Pacific Participants – Middle School

FAQ Section

Upper Elementary 

Download the 2021 Online FEBRUARY Conference Upper Elementary Matrix, Committees and Topics – Asia-Pacific Participants PDF

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 – Cybersecurity

The topic encompasses the current state of technology, the measures that can be taken to improve the monitoring of cyberspace, and the need for accountability for misuse or malicious uses of cyber technology.

Topic 2 – Reduction of Military Budgets

The topic considers the current military expenditures around the world along with the positive and negative outcomes of investment in the military from various perspectives, as nations cooperate in their efforts to establish peace and stability.

Second Committee
Economic and Financial
ECOFIN

This committee works to improve the world economy in support of the least developed countries with citizens in poverty. The members discuss how national, regional, and international economies affect the world. They find ways for nations to improve their economies and obtain access to financial resources. 

Topic 1 – Protection of Global Climate for Future Generations

This topic promotes discussion about ways that countries might cooperate to protect the world from the dangers of climate change, reduce its effects where possible, and adapt to the changes that climate change might bring about.

Topic 2 – Sustainable Development Disaster Risk Reduction

The topic focuses on developing an understanding of the impact of natural hazards on communities, while proposing ways to reduce risk with preparation, efforts to minimize the effects, and effective response to disastrous situations.

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 – Elimination of Racism 

The topic looks at racism and intolerance as an obstruction to the enjoyment of human rights, and opens the door for solutions for preventing and eliminating discrimination while encouraging countries to treat all people fairly. 

Topic 2 – Prevention of Substance Abuse 

The topic will enable discussions about the root causes behind the prevalence of substance abuse in the world today, while also promoting solutions that will educate and promote good health.

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

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Middle School

Download the 2021 Online FEBRUARY Conference Middle School Matrix, Committees and Topics – Asia-Pacific Participants PDF

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 – Cybersecurity

The topic encompasses the current state of technology, the measures that can be taken to improve the monitoring of cyberspace, and the need for accountability for misuse or malicious uses of cyber technology.

Topic 2 – Reduction of Military Budgets

The topic considers the current military expenditures around the world along with the positive and negative outcomes of investment in military from various perspectives, as nations cooperate in their efforts to establish peace and stability.

Second Committee
Economic and Financial
ECOFIN

This committee works to improve the world economy in support of the least developed countries with citizens in poverty. The members discuss how national, regional, and international economies affect the world. They find ways for nations to improve their economies and obtain access to financial resources. 

Topic 1 – Protection of Global Climate for Future Generations

This topic promotes discussion about ways that countries might cooperate to protect the world from the dangers of climate change, reduce its effects where possible, and adapt to the changes that climate change might bring about.

Topic 2 – Sustainable Development Disaster Risk Reduction

The topic focuses on developing an understanding of the impact of natural hazards on communities, while proposing ways to reduce risk with preparation, efforts to minimize the effects, and effective response to disastrous situations.

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 – Elimination of Racism 

The topic looks at racism and intolerance as an obstruction to the enjoyment of human rights and opens the door for solutions for preventing and eliminating discrimination while encouraging countries to treat all people fairly. 

Topic 2 – Prevention of Substance Abuse 

The topic will enable discussions about the root causes behind the prevalence of substance abuse in the world today, while also promoting solutions that will educate and promote good health.

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

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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’ List and can be removed by passing a note while in the 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: Where can I find additional support/resources for topic research?

Please email info@nullmontessori-mun.org or if you are a Certified MMUN Teacher, join the Facebook Teacher Support Group for additional support.

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?