CUIMUN 2024

Topic

Discussing a Framework Regarding the Use of Artificial Intelligence with Modern Warfare

About the committee

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, commonly known as NATO, is a military alliance consisting of 32 countries (2 North American and 30 European countries) which was formed after World War II. In this committee, delegates will engage in a critical examination of the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern warfare. As technological advancements continue to reshape the battlefield, the integration of AI poses both opportunities and challenges for NATO's strategic and operational capabilities. This committee will focus on developing a comprehensive framework to regulate and guide the use of AI in military applications, ensuring that its deployment aligns with international law, ethical considerations, both being at the core of NATO's beliefs. Delegates will discuss key issues such as the impact of AI on decision-making processes, autonomous weapon systems, cybersecurity threats, and the potential for AI to enhance peacekeeping missions.

Chair

• Marco Jacoangeli

Countries

Topic

Responding to Technological Change and Automation in Developing Countries

About the committee

This committee will cover the issue of the rise of economic inequality due to the advancement of technology or ethical and regulatory consideration of technological change. It will examine the profound effects of technological advancements and automation on developing countries, focusing on both the challenges and opportunities they present. As technology rapidly evolves, it can disrupt traditional economic structures and labour markets, potentially exacerbating economic inequality by widening the gap between skilled and unskilled workers. Addressing this requires thoughtful discussion of policies such as education, training, and social safety nets to mitigate disparities. Additionally, the ethical and regulatory considerations of technological change are crucial. This includes creating fair labour practices, ensuring data privacy, and managing the ethical use of artificial intelligence and automation technologies. Overall, the committee encourages a comprehensive exploration of how developing countries can effectively respond to technological change to promote inclusive and sustainable growth while addressing its ethical and regulatory challenges. The following countries: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Canada, Italy, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Ghana, Uganda, Turkey, Yemen and Central Africa have been chosen as main actors for this committee. Some countries have been chosen due to their significant influence on global economic policies, their role as leading industrial and economic powers, and their technological advancement. The rest are proposed as main actors for their varied levels of industrialisation, economic development challenges, and the potential impact of technological advancements on their socio-economic structures.

Chairs

• Jacques Ballereau
• Eylül Su Karaman

Countries

Topic

Promoting Mental Health Support in Conflict Zones

About the committee

This committee addresses the critical need for mental health support in conflict-affected regions. It focuses on developing comprehensive strategies to provide psychological care and resources to individuals traumatised by war and violence. Key objectives include ensuring access to mental health services, training local healthcare providers in trauma-informed care, and implementing community-based programmes to foster resilience and recovery. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health support into humanitarian aid efforts, raising awareness about the psychological impacts of conflict, and advocating for sustainable funding to support long-term mental health initiatives in these vulnerable areas. The overarching goal is to promote holistic well-being and improve the quality of life for populations enduring the severe stresses of conflict.

Chair

• Anika Nusrat

Countries

Topic

Reviewing the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo

About the committee

The Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (SPECPOL) will tackle the topic of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), its role and effectiveness in addressing the complex challenges of armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region. The committee will critically review the mission, focusing on its efficacy in civilian protection, governmental reform support, and disarmament facilitation. Now that group forces are progressively leaving the territory, the debates will encompass an assessment of MONUSCO's mandate amidst the dynamic political and security context, including persistent threats from armed groups, exploring the necessity for a strategic transition plan that respects Congolese sovereignty while ensuring continued international support. This evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of MONUSCO's achievements and limitations, guiding future peacekeeping and stabilisation strategies in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Chairs

• Daniz Alasgarova
• Katarzyna Dobrzanska

Countries

Topic

The Gambia v. Myanmar

About the committee

The Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v. Myanmar) invokes contentious questions about international law. Having evidenced the persecution of the Rohingya people in Myanmar, the Gambia filed the case with reference to Article 9 of the Genocide Convention; they further requested provisional measures of protection as the case proceeds. During the conference, the Applicant (The Gambia) and Respondent (Myanmar) will present arguments supporting their respective cases, with reference to factual happenings, legal standing and the applicability of treaties. Debates over Myanmar’s alleged reservation to Article 8 of the Genocide Convention, as well as The Gambia’s position as an indirectly injured state party, are sure to arise. Judges, having weighed up these factors, will then deliver and advocate for their rulings.

Chairs

• Lilliana Fan
• Charlie Lam

Countries

Topic

Developing Sustainable Agricultural Practices for Accessible and Nutritious Food

About the committee

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) will discuss innovative and sustainable methods of cultivating crops and agriculture that is high-yield and environmentally conscious. As global populations grow, the demand for accessible and nutritious food intensifies. It is therefore an even more pressing need to enhance food security, ensure equitable access to food, and reduce malnutrition. The development and implementation of sustainable agricultural practices should consider each country’s differing climates and cultural influences, as well as reducing the environmental impact of supply chains through water conservation, waste reduction, carbon footprint of processes, and technology utilisation. Delegates will explore multinational collaborative solutions to benefit as many as possible, addressing agriculture as well as processing and distribution. The main actors in the FAO committee are: France, United States, Thailand, Egypt and China.

Chairs

• Hayley Kwok
• Arham Qureshi

Countries

Topic

Forging Pathways: Indigenous Communities and Healthcare Integration

About the committee

Indigenous Peoples, representing over 6% of the world’s population, constantly find challenges to live their traditional way of life, especially in light of both the limited access to modern healthcare and the suppression of indigenous healthcare. Following several attempts by these people in calling for the UN to incorporate a more inclusive and cultural approach in healthcare, currently the reluctance by the stakeholders to include indigenous people in discussions, engage in debates and curate relevant policies greatly hampers the progress that the United Nations purports to pledge to these people. Thus, now more than ever, it is high time for this Committee to properly engage indigenous healthcare and knowledge, and prioritise their healthcare through the appropriate integration of modern healthcare systems with traditional medicine, spirituality and even biodiversity. The World Health Organisation also needs to ensure that indigenous peoples receive equitable healthcare, meeting their needs, protecting them from issues of economic accessibility, discrimination, and remoteness, all while giving their beliefs and customs the utmost respect and consideration they deserve.

Chairs

• Marelaine Formosa
• Qi Zhong Leong

Countries

Topic

Developing a Shared Climate Refugee Framework

About the committee

Climate refugees are individuals forced to leave their homes because of environmental disruptions that significantly affect their lives. This crisis threatens the human rights of millions, including their right to housing, food, water, health, and security. As delegates, your mission is to identify the root causes of climate-induced displacement to develop comprehensive policies and promote international cooperation and resource sharing. We must ensure the protection of their human rights while finding sustainable solutions. Real-world examples, such as the situations in the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Syria, highlight the varied impacts of climate change on different regions. Your role is crucial. You can make a substantial difference by raising awareness, advocating for stronger policies, and creating innovative solutions. Together, we can address this crisis and protect the rights and futures of millions. The main actors in the UNHCR Committee are: Bangladesh, South Sudan, Somalia. Vietnam, Ethiopia, USA, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Haiti and Syria.

Chairs

• Carlotta Kozlowskyj
• Rebekah Warner

Countries

Topic

Navigating Drug Trafficking in South America: Risks, Alliances and International Initiatives

About the committee

The UNODC Committee will delve into the complex issue of drug trafficking in South America, with a focus on Brazil, Colombia, and Bolivia. These countries play pivotal roles in the production, transit, and distribution of illicit drugs, impacting regional stability and international relations. The debate will explore the multifaceted risks associated with drug trafficking, including violence, corruption, and public health crises. Delegates will discuss existing alliances and international initiatives, such as the UNODC's efforts in promoting cross-border cooperation and capacity building. The goal is to develop comprehensive strategies that address both supply and demand, enhance law enforcement collaboration, and support alternative development programs. Through this committee, delegates will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in combating drug trafficking and contribute to shaping effective and sustainable solutions for South America and beyond.

Chairs

• Clara Antunes Brum
• Justine Mongereau

Countries

Topic

Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Crisis

About the committee

The Historical Crisis will see delegates represent individual characters within the US Cabinet and some Foreign Ambassadors tackle the ongoing Vietnam War following an alternate timeline where the US has just nuked the Spratly islands. As well as this, a large chemical leak in South Vietnam has created a tense situation with the Chinese and the Soviets. How will you navigate this CBRN Crisis, focused on international cooperation, balancing issues such as the Vietnam War, the Space Race, Sino-Soviet-American diplomacy, and civil rights movements? Delegates will play as cabinet members, heads of international and national organisations, and various national leaders. Anything is possible in this crisis. Will you successfully steer the US or the various other countries through this troubling period without escalation, or will 1968 see the end of the Pax Americana. The choice is yours.

Chairs

• Muhammad Shayan Ibrahim
• Arthur Payne

Countries

Topic

Combatting Transnational Cybercrime

About the committee

Transnational cybercrime is a growing threat that requires an international coordinated response. The Committee explores how Interpol carries out efforts to combat such crimes through collaborative frameworks, advanced technology, and policy harmonisation. Some key challenges for delegates include jurisdictional complexities, diverse legal standards, and the need for harmonised cyber laws. The main actors in this effort would include technologically advanced countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan, alongside nations with high cybercrime rates such as Russia, China, Brazil, and Nigeria. These countries play crucial roles in shaping and implementing global cybercrime combat strategies.

Chairs

• Naasif Ahemad
• Shreyash Dube

Countries

Topic

Resolving the Post-Soviet Crisis in the Nagorno-Karabakh Region

About the committee

The conflict revolves around the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has a majority ethnic Armenian population. This dispute over territorial sovereignty has been a longstanding issue since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Apart from this, the war reflects ethnic and nationalist tensions between Armenians and Azerbaijanis. Both sides have historical and cultural ties to the region, leading to intense feelings of identity and belonging, which have fueled the conflict. Alongside these, the recent tension has the potential to escalate into a wider regional conflict, especially given the involvement of external actors and the volatile nature of the region. Escalation of the situation could have far-reaching consequences for stability in the South Caucasus and beyond.

Chairs

• Harry Sun
• Michael Gatt

Countries