elbMUN 2025

Topic

Advancing Waste Management Strategies: Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future

About the committee

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), established in 1945, is one of the six main UN organs, coordinating economic, social, and humanitarian activities. Initially having 18 members, it expanded to 54 seats by 1974. Its first meeting took place in 1946 in London. ECOSOC, headquartered in New York, has 54 elected members serving three-year terms, with a one-year rotating presidency. It focuses on sustainable development, socioeconomic conditions, and human rights, overseeing key frameworks like the 2030 Agenda. It also convenes the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) to monitor sustainable development progress. ECOSOC supervises regional commissions, functional commissions, expert bodies, and specialized agencies that address economic integration, human rights, employment, technology, and development. It works closely with NGOs and private organizations. It holds a four-week annual session in July, adopting non-binding resolutions that provide policy guidance. Notable resolutions include science and technology for development (2024), employment and inequality post-COVID-19 (2023), and support for least-developed countries (2011–2020). At elbMUN 2025, the item on ECOSOC’s agenda will be “Advancing Waste Management Strategies: Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future”.

Chairs

• Valeria Alexandra Monjaraz Quiroz
• Stephanie Caroline Bryson Zavaleta

Countries

Topic

Implementing Women's Rights Globally: Combating Female Genital Mutilation, Ensuring Access and Protecting Women's Rights in Conflict-Affected Regions

About the committee

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), established in 2006 to replace the UN Commission on Human Rights, is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. It aims to enhance credibility and effectiveness in addressing human rights violations. The UNHRC operates as a forum for dialogue and cooperation among states, international organizations, and civil society. Key mechanisms include the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which assesses human rights records of all UN Member States, and Special Procedures, appointing independent experts to monitor specific issues. The Council has played a role in major human rights investigations, such as addressing corporate responsibility (2011), the Rohingya crisis (2018), and conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Ethiopia (2021). Comprising 47 elected Member States serving three-year terms, the UNHRC relies on moral authority and international cooperation rather than enforcement mechanisms, though its findings may be forwarded to the UN Security Council for further action. Its decisions are not binding. At elbMUN 2025, the item on the UNHCR’s agenda will be “Implementing Rights Globally: Combating Female Genital Mutilation, Ensuring Access to Abortion, and Protecting Women’s Rights in Conflict-Affected Regions”.

Chairs

• Elena Xenia Mühl
• Marjela Dalip

Countries

Topic

Addressing the Crisis in Sudan: Ensuring Peace, Security, and Humanitarian Assistance Amid Escalating Conflict

About the committee

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the UN’s primary body for maintaining international peace and security. Established in 1946, it holds the unique authority to impose binding decisions on all 193 UN member states. Its responsibilities include addressing armed conflicts, terrorism, and sanctions enforcement. The UNSC was created after World War II to replace the failed League of Nations, with China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US as permanent members (P5), each holding veto power. In addition, ten non-permanent members serve two-year terms, elected based on regional representation. The Council authorizes peacekeeping missions, such as those in Congo, Rwanda, and the former Yugoslavia, and imposes sanctions on states like Iraq and North Korea. Decisions require nine votes, including all P5 members unless they abstain. Despite its crucial role, the UNSC faces criticism over the veto power’s impact on decision-making, leading to ongoing reform discussions, including proposals to expand permanent membership. Nonetheless, it remains a key institution in global diplomacy and conflict resolution. At elbMUN 2025, the item on the UNSC’s agenda will be “Addressing the Crisis in Sudan: Ensuring Peace, Security, and Humanitarian Assistance Amid Escalating Conflict”.

Chairs

• Greetje Krüger
• Noah Ries

Countries

About the committee

The Press Corps (TPA) serves as the voice of the conference, delivering real-time news coverage and analysis of committee proceedings. Delegates will take on the role of journalists, crafting reports, conducting interviews, and publishing articles that shape the discourse of the conference. By ensuring transparency and engagement, the Press Corps plays a vital role in keeping all participants informed.

Countries