The First Round of Delegate and Journalist Applications for TEIMUN 2024 Has Closed.
The Applications Will Re-Open from April 26th to May 17th.
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.
ECOFIN
Intermediate
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.
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.
UNSC
Expert
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), an advanced council at TEIMUN, is the principal international body responsible for maintaining international peace and security. This influential body has the authority to address conflicts, authorize peacekeeping missions, impose sanctions, and enforce international law.
Topic 1: The Pathway to Justice: Addressing Rising Violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is embroiled in heightened violence and political tensions, deeply rooted in historical conflicts stemming from the aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide. Ethnic tensions and power struggles between Hutus and Tutsis spilled over into eastern DRC following the genocide, leading to the First and Second Congo Wars. Neighboring countries, notably Rwanda and Uganda, became involved, exacerbating the conflict over ethnic and resource disputes. The resurgence of the M23 rebel group in 2022, accused of receiving support from Rwanda, has reignited tensions in the region and led to a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees fleeing to neighboring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Delegates will tackle the rising violence and try finding a peaceful solution.
Topic 2: A Call for Multilateral Intervention: The Red Sea Crisis
The Red Sea Crisis is an ongoing military crisis in the Red Sea and Gulf of Adenm which started when the Iranian-supported Houthi movement conducted coordinated missile launches and drone strikes at Israel. Since then, the Houthis have seized multiple civilian cargo ships near the coast of Yemen – including vessels with no apparent link to Israel. The Houthis have openly stated that they will not stop until Israel ceases its war against Hamas. Additionally, the conflict itself has led to multiple blockades and displacement, contributing to a famine in Yemen which has been going on since 2016. With increasing attacks on commercial vessels, many have been rerouted to sail around South Africa, leading to an increase in prices. The Security council will address the crisis and try finding a permanent solution.
Historical Crisis
Expert
Historical Crisis is a specializedformat within Model UN conferences where participants simulate historical events or crises rather than contemporary international issues. In historical crisis committees, delegates portray key figures from the past and engage in dynamic, real-time simulations of historical events. This committee requires adaptability and effective communication and adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the traditional Model UN simulation.
Topic: Peloponnesian War
The Peloponnesian War, 431 to 404 BC, was a that conflict unfolded between Athens, a powerful force, and the daunting Spartan military, alongside their respective allies. It is a tale of political scheming, military skill, and the complex dynamics of ancient Greek city-states. In the Historical Crisis, delegates will grapple with the profound consequences of their actions, explore the costs of conflict, the widespread poverty in the Peloponnese, and the irreversible decline of Athens – a city that, once flourishing, never fully regained its pre-war prosperity. This council offers a unique opportunity to unravel ancient history, negotiate alliances, and navigate the intricate web of diplomacy and warfare within The Peloponnesian War.