MDS 2026

Topic

Addressing the safety and protection of Journalists in Conflict Affected Regions

About the committee

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) works to foster peace and sustainable development through international cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, and communication. This committee is an excellent choice for delegates who are passionate about debating in a collaborative environment focused on long-term, global solutions. In conflict affected regions, Journalists are facing rising threats such as targeted violence, intimidation, abduction and detention, resulting in a rise in unreported human rights violations. The decline in safety of Journalists highlights a failure in the current framework of policies and protocols as well as its enforcement. UNESCO offers delegates a chance to examine how the international community can collaborate for supporting at risk journalists in some of the worlds most dangerous environments.

Chairs

• Samhita Yelamati
• Julia Krzywicka

Countries

Topic

The role of technology in the destabilisation of fragile democracies

About the committee

The United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee, or with its other name, the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL), focuses on complex global challenges related to peace, political stability, decolonization, and the protection of vulnerable states. In this committee, delegates will explore how emerging technologies, such as social media, AI-driven algorithms, cyber systems, digital infrastructure, and modern surveillance, affect democratic institutions and shape public opinion, especially in fragile democracies of mostly post-colonial countries. They will also focus on debating what our limits are as global institutions in advancing democracies and how to prevent modern day colonialism while doing so. Key focus should be to promote robust solutions for current and possible risks through debating the responsibility of both states, global tech companies, and international institutions.

Chairs

• Anna Lingen
• Yekta Can Tursun

Countries

Topic

Enhancing NATO Partnerships: Establishing the future of NATO relations in the Indo-Pacific

About the committee

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military and political alliance dedicated to collective defense and addressing modern security challenges. The fast-paced nature of this committee and its unique focus on military cooperation and strategic alliances make it an exciting and engaging experience for delegates interested in international security. Amid disruptions to the established global security structure the focus of NATO has been shifting to the growing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. With some countries growing their influence both on land and sea, it is imperative that NATO find a cohesive strategy to maintain and strengthen its partnerships and relations in this region. As a high school committee, it will provide delegates a platform to develop real-world crisis management skills and strategic thinking. Delegates will also gain a unique perspective on the region, its countries (such as China, Japan, Indonesia, Korea and India), and its intricacies through the eyes of a NATO diplomat.

Chairs

• Mahima Rajpal
• Christopher Kiessling

Countries

Topic

Establishing a Framework for Diplomatic Relations and Addressing the Increased Use of Autonomous Weapons

About the committee

The BRICS+ summit unites numerous states from all over the world to strengthen South-South cooperation. As a growing presence in international politics, BRICS+ debates a framework that challenges traditional power structures. This committee will discuss the new horizons of establishing a framework to expand its role in diplomatic relations globally. On another note, the increased use of autonomous weapons systems will constitute a second agenda item examining how BRICS+ can act in that regard.

Chairs

• Fabienne Schäfer
• Leen Alnajem

Countries

Topic

Caesar at the Rubicon

About the committee

The year is 49BC. The Republic stands upon a fatal precipice. Caesar lurks with his battle hardened legions just beyond the Rubicon, eyeing Rome with hungry eyes. He has broken the laws of Rome and many in the Senate would see him stripped of his command and punished. But not all. At this moment of crisis you will sit in a Senate torn between the supporters of Caesar, his opponent Pompey and those with more complex loyalties. Through skilled oratory, secret understandings and unreliable alliances, you will have to come to an agreement, ensuring that you do not let slip the dogs of war and witness the Republic crumble over your heads.

Chairs

• Bénédict Tanner
• Joshua Lane
• Nicolas Drew

Countries

Topic

The Situation in South Sudan

About the committee

The world's most powerful deliberative body meets under the most realistic conditions possible in MUN to tackle the fragile situation in South Sudan. The Security Council at MDS delivers exceptional procedural realism in the MUN setting by using the presidency model, and its respective order & notice sessions. This revolutionary ROP originated at MDS and will be a staple for this year’s council, deploying it for the highest-stakes mandate debate in recent memory. South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, is on the brink of complete collapse. Government factions war openly in the streets. Ethnic violence has shattered the fragile 2020 ceasefire. And now, the UN peacekeeping mission UNMISS stands at its expiration date. We will conduct the most realistic UN mission evaluation ever attempted in Model UN: an actual mandate extension discussion where procedure and content matches the real Security Council. Fifteen member states, five with veto power, must navigate national interests, humanitarian imperatives, and the weight of precedent to determine the mission's future.

Chairs

• Jan Gehrmann
• Daniel Henke
• Sebastián Aguilar

Countries

Topic

Ratification of the Treaty of Versailles (1919)

About the committee

The Great War has finally ended, and with it a new era emerges. In 1919, the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations finds itself as a stage for a political showdown that will decide the fate of world peace. The Treaty of Versailles and with it, the new League of Nations hang in an uneasy balance as the Wilsonian idealists clash with hard edged Reservationists and fiery Irreconcilables determined to keep America free from foreign entanglements. In a who’s who contest of 1910s American politics, diplomats and public figures will rise to testify as senators wage a battle of visions and principles. The rest of the world looks on as the Committee must choose: will America step boldly as the guardian of a brave new world, or slam the door shut on the league’s promise and chart its own course?

Chairs

• Rowan Crawford
• Mihnea Pînzaru

Countries

Topic

Reporting on the happenings at MDS 2026

About the committee

In the International Press Corps (IPC), you will be able to support debates with your journalistic abilities by publishing various journalistic pieces, including featured articles, opinion articles, or interviews. Don’t forget that news outlets also use comedic columns or other creative media, such as memes and gossip, to cover the happenings outside of the debate! Your news will be published throughout the committee sessions and can lead to the uncovering of improper foreign policy or interesting alliances.

Chairs

• Antonia Katharina Steber
• Sophie Henke

Countries