Security Council
Skill Level – Advanced
The Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, established by the UN Charter. Its primary functions are the maintenance of international peace and security, the identification and management of threats to such, and the promotion of international cooperation and coordination. The UNSC must also approve any amendments to the UN Charter, effectively meaning its powers could only be curbed with its own approval.
The UNSC is composed of 15 States, five of which are permanent members with veto powers. The permanent nations are China, France, Russia, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom. The remaining 10 members alternate every two years.
Additionally, the UNSC acts as an international mediator, both politically and legally. Its powers, superior to those of any other UN organ, help to discharge the friction in the regions affected by a particular conflict. The goals of the UNSC are achieved through the fostering of negotiations, impositions of sanctions and the authorisation of the use of force in exceptional cases.
(Historical) Joint Crisis Committee
Skill Level – Advanced
The Joint Crisis Committee is an exciting and challenging simulation of a critical moment in world history. Participants will be divided into two separate rooms, each representing a different historical power bloc or group of nations / historical characters. They will be tasked with addressing a major crisis of the past.
The Crisis Committee will be set in a specific time period and will focus on the geopolitical tensions and conflicts of the era. Participants will have the opportunity to negotiate with other delegates, form alliances, and use diplomacy to resolve the crisis.
The Committee will be structured as a series of crises, each building on the previous one and increasing in intensity. Delegates will have to think creatively and respond quickly to unexpected events and challenges, just like real-world diplomats and leaders. Ultimately, the delegates are empowered with the ability to change the course of history.
International Court of Justice
Skill Level – Intermediate/Advanced
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the judicial organ of the United Nations. Its primary functions are to settle any international disputes brought to the Court by any of the UN Member States. The Court resolves a vast majority of state-to-state disputes nowadays, as it is the only legitimate and worldwide-recognized organisation of its kind. The ICJ consists of 15 judges who are voted into the panel by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council for nine-year terms. The candidates must first be nominated by the Permanent Court of Arbitration by the national groups. No two judges may be nationals of the same state. The membership of the Court shall represent all of the principal legal systems in the World. Topics range from the Srebrenica Massacre to specific disputes between Member States.
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
Skill Level – Beginner/Intermediate
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is an intergovernmental military organisation, which consists of 30 Member States. The organisation’s primary task is the implementation of the 1949 North Atlantic Treaty. This takes the form of guaranteeing the freedom and security of its members through political means by promoting democratic values and facilitating cooperation on defence and security issues. In addition, military tactics are also used to undertake operations when diplomatic efforts fail. Topics of the NATO Council range from addressing security issues, to discussing foreign relations. While most of its existence has revolved around the confrontation with the USSR-backed rival organisation, the Warsaw Pact, during the 21st century NATO has become increasingly more of a peacekeeping organisation beyond being just a military alliance.
NATO and the United Nations have been closely collaborating since the 1990s on matters pertaining to maintaining international peace and security, as well as on crisis-management operations.
UNODC
Skill level – Beginner
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that plays a crucial role in the global effort to combat illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. The UNODC works closely with governments, civil society, and international organizations to develop and implement policies and programs to reduce the supply and demand for drugs, prevent crime, and promote justice and the rule of law. The UNODC Committee will simulate the work of this important agency, focusing on developing strategies and policies to combat drug trafficking, transnational organised crime, and terrorism.
UNODC provides technical assistance, training, and capacity building to countries around the world, helping them to develop effective policies and programs to address these issues. Participants will be challenged to balance the need for effective law enforcement with respect for human rights and the rule of law, while also taking into account the economic, social, and cultural factors that contribute to drug use and crime.
