UNEP
Beginner
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on environmental issues at the international level. The agency works to promote sustainable development, address environmental challenges, and foster international cooperation on issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, pollution prevention, and the sustainable use of natural resources. UNEP engages with governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to advocate for environmentally friendly policies and practices worldwide.
Topic 1: Implementing Zero Carbon Emissions in Urban Centres
Cities globally are actively pursuing sustainable development, with the implementation of zero carbon emissions zones in urban centers emerging as a pivotal strategy. This crucial topic explores various countries’ policies and initiatives aimed at curbing carbon emissions from transportation, industry, and buildings within city limits. Discussions will spotlight innovative transportation solutions, including the electrification of public transit and the promotion of non-motorized transport, alongside efforts to incentivize renewable energy use and enhance energy efficiency in urban infrastructure. Recognizing that structural changes in urban planning, transportation systems, and energy sources are indispensable for transforming city centers into carbon-neutral hubs. UNEP will address the issue and contribute to sustainable urban planning.
Topic 2: Promotion of Circular Economy Practices for Sustainable Development on a Global Scale
The topic is meant to explore strategies for reshaping global production and consumption patterns to achieve environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. This crucial topic centers on the adoption of circular practices, aiming to minimize waste, promote resource efficiency, and establish closed-loop systems. These incentives play a vital role in fostering innovation, making sustainable initiatives economically viable, and encouraging widespread adoption across diverse industries. Recognizing the proactive role of government agencies, discussions will center on the implementation of regulatory measures and the setting of standards for sustainable production. Delegates of UNEP will draft comprehensive resolutions that integrate economic incentives, research and development, global technology transfer, and effective regulatory frameworks.
SOCHUM
Beginner
SOCHUM stands for the “Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly,” which is formally known as the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee. SOCHUM addresses a wide range of global challenges, including human rights, social development, advancement of women, protection of children, indigenous issues, and the promotion of fundamental freedoms. Delegates from UN member states collaborate in SOCHUM to discuss and formulate resolutions aimed at addressing these critical issues on an international scale.
Topic 1: Closing the Digital Gap in Latin America According to the IMF, women in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries make up only 29% of the labour force, the lowest figure globally. With women most likely to be working in the informal sector and for lower wages than men in the area as well as being underrepresented politically, this issue requires urgent and coordinated action. While this varies from country to country, social norms are the root of legislative and legal barriers preventing an increased female labour force participation (LFP). Current issues women face in most MENA countries include unequal inheritance laws, a lack of paid maternity leave as well as limited access to affordable childcare. These all prevent women from seeking and staying in stable employment, especially after having children. The SOCHUM committee will deal with this challenge in order to address Gender Equality in the MENA region.
Topic 2: Gender Equality in Middle Eastern and North African Labour Markets
According to the IMF, women in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries make up only 29% of the labour force, the lowest figure globally. With women most likely to be working in the informal sector and for lower wages than men in the area as well as being underrepresented politically, this issue requires urgent and coordinated action. While this varies from country to country, social norms are the root of legislative and legal barriers preventing an increased female labour force participation (LFP). Current issues women face in most MENA countries include unequal inheritance laws, a lack of paid maternity leave as well as limited access to affordable childcare. These all prevent women from seeking and staying in stable employment, especially after having children. The SOCHUM committee will deal with this challenge in order to address Gender Equality in the MENA region.
NATO
Intermediate
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance formed by North American and European countries, and is an intermediate council at TEIMUN. Through crisis management and collective defense, NATO’s core mission is to ensure the security and defense of its members while also contributing to the maintenance of peace and stability in the broader international community.
Topic 1: Combatting Human Trafficking in Conflict Zones: NATO’s Response”
The NATO council will be discussing combatting human trafficking in conflict zones with a focus on NATO’s response. The council will explore the specific challenges and dynamics of human trafficking within conflict areas, considering factors like displacement, breakdowns in governance, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. We will delve into NATO’s potential role in prevention efforts, including border security, intelligence gathering, and coordination with local authorities and discuss the protection of vulnerable populations, such as refugees and internally displaced persons, emphasizing the need for safe havens, support services, and legal assistance. Lastly, NATO will have to address the importance of capacity building and training initiatives within NATO operations, ensuring member states have the tools and knowledge to identify and combat trafficking effectively.
Topic 2: Discussing the Framework and Implications of Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWS) in NATO’s Defense Strategy
Lethal autonomous weapons (LAWs) are a variation of an autonomous military system that possesses the capability to independently seek out and engage targets based on programmed constraints and descriptions. The current system’s autonomy has been restricted in the sense that a human gives the final command to attack – though there are exceptions within specific “defensive” systems. Within NATO’s Autonomy Implementation Plan, the alliance has established a set of desired outcomes when responsibly harnessing autonomous systems. To protect its edge, NATO and Allies must guard against interference, deception, and harmful use of autonomous systems. They acknowledge competitors’ efforts to surpass their capabilities and counter disinformation campaigns to create distrust in the military use of autonomous systems. Allies should be committed to a responsible approach to autonomy development and use.
ECOFIN
Advanced
The Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) of the General Assembly is a committee dedicated to dealing with global finance and economic matters. ECOFIN may look into topics such as macroeconomic policy, international trade, debt sustainability, eradication of poverty and international financial systems.
Topic 1: Combating Illicit Financial Flows Through International Cooperation Addressing illicit financial flows is crucial in the fight against corruption and for promoting transparency, aligning with the objectives outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Illicit financial flows encompass various illicit activities such as corruption, money
laundering, tax evasion, and organised crime, which undermine the rule of law, weaken institutions, and impede sustainable development efforts. By addressing these flows, countries can enhance their institutional capacity, bolster transparency and accountability, and cultivate an environment conducive to sustainable development.
Topic 2: Moving Towards Sustainable Extraction of Rare Earth Elements
Leading companies responsible for mining rare earths prefer on using the open-pit mining method, which generates significant waste and creates air pollutants. In numbers, around one million tons of ore and waste rock per day are removed from these pits globally, which negatively impacts the environment. However, extraction in such enormous numbers opens the inquiry as to how long such a process will last, and whether it can support future generations on Earth. Guided by Sustainable Development Goal no. 12 (SDG12), Responsible Consumption and Production, the ECOFIN Committee is called to examine and debate this issue. Rare earth elements are crucial for renewable energy sources and for driving Earth to complete electrification. With surging demand and geopolitical uncertainty, there is a need to address the supply patterns and subsequently commitment to sustainability.
