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 – 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.
European Council
Skill Level – Intermediate/Beginner
The European Council is one of the most important institutions of the European Union, as it defines the general political direction and priorities of the EU. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in shaping the Union’s policies and legislation.
The European Council consists of the heads of state or government of the EU member states, as well as the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. The European Council meets several times a year to discuss and make decisions on a wide range of issues, including economic, social, and foreign policy. Its decisions are important in shaping the EU’s response to global challenges and crises, as well as in promoting the EU’s values and interests.
Through its work, the European Council is helping to build a stronger and more united Europe, based on the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Its decisions have a significant impact on the lives of EU citizens and on the global stage.
SOCHUM (UNGA 3)
Skill level – Beginner
The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) is a committee of the United Nations General Assembly that deals with a wide range of social, cultural, and humanitarian issues. It was founded in 1945 as a reaction to the establishment of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The Committee’s mandate includes promoting and protecting human rights, ensuring gender equality, combating discrimination, addressing the needs of refugees and displaced persons, and promoting sustainable development.
SOCHUM provides a platform for member states to exchange ideas, share best practices, and develop effective strategies for addressing these critical issues. It also plays an important role in raising public awareness of these issues and advocating for change at the national and international levels.
SOCHUM is a committee that derives its authority from the United Nations Charter and aims to develop peaceful resolutions for various social, cultural, and humanitarian issues that arise in the global community.
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.
