2021 MMUN Online May Matrix, Committees & Topics
Upper Elementary & Middle School
Committees for the May Online Conference are comprised of UE & MS students.
Download the 2021 Online MAY Conference Upper Elementary & Middle School Matrix, Committees and Topics 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 – 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?
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’ 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?
