ZAMUN XVII 2025

Topics

1. Main Topic: Civilian Protection: Rethinking UN Peacekeeping Mandates in Today’s Conflict Zones
2. Subtopics: Reforming peacekeeping operations in volatile regions (Sahel, Sudan, DRC)
3. Civilian casualties and accountability mechanisms and the role of veto power in humanitarian crises

About the committee

Main Topic: Civilian Protection: Rethinking UN Peacekeeping Mandates in Today’s Conflict Zones SDG Alignment: SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Subtopics: 1. Reforming peacekeeping operations in volatile regions (Sahel, Sudan, DRC) 2. Civilian casualties and accountability mechanisms 3. The role of veto power in humanitarian crises

Countries

Topics

1. Main Topic: South Africa vs. Israel: Palestinian Genocide
2. Genocide Convention: Application and interpretation
3. Role of the ICJ in politically charged conflicts and justice for oppressed populations and enforcement of rulings

About the committee

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, based in The Hague, Netherlands. It was established in 1945 to settle legal disputes between states and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred by the UN and its agencies. The Court is composed of 15 judges, elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. Unlike the International Criminal Court (ICC), the ICJ deals only with cases between countries, not individuals. Its rulings are binding, but it relies on the UN Security Council to enforce them. The ICJ promotes the peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law.

Countries

Topics

1. Main Topic: Economic Apartheid? Tackling Global Inequality and the Monopoly of Wealth in the Global South
2. The role of the Bretton Woods institutions (IMF/World Bank)
3. Debt traps and modern economic imperialism and financing sustainable development without dependence

About the committee

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the main organs of the United Nations, responsible for promoting international economic, social, and environmental cooperation and development. It serves as a central platform for policy discussion, coordination, and recommendations on global issues such as poverty, health, education, and sustainable development. ECOSOC has 54 member states, elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms. It works closely with UN specialized agencies, commissions, and NGOs to implement international goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ECOSOC plays a key role in shaping global development strategies and encouraging collaboration among nations.

Countries

Topics

1. Main Topic: The Forgotten War: Gender-Based Violence, Statelessness, and Ethnic Discrimination in Sudan and South Sudan
2. Protection of women and girls in conflict
3. Stateless populations and refugee protections and the role of international actors and regional silence

About the committee

The Human Rights Council (HRC) is a United Nations body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. It was established in 2006, replacing the former Commission on Human Rights. The HRC is composed of 47 member states, elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms, with seats allocated by region. The Council addresses human rights violations, makes recommendations, and conducts the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which examines the human rights records of all UN member states. It can also convene special sessions to respond to urgent human rights crises. The HRC plays a key role in setting international human rights standards and holding governments accountable.

Countries

Topics

1. Main Topic: Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Exchange: Is UNESCO’s Agenda Truly Inclusive of Africa’s Rich Heritage?
2. Restitution of stolen cultural artifacts
3. Western dominance in defining cultural preservation and development vs. preservation in heritage sites

About the committee

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a UN agency that aims to promote peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, and communication. Established in 1945 and headquartered in Paris, France, UNESCO works to build international cooperation and mutual understanding among nations. Its key activities include supporting education for all, protecting cultural heritage through World Heritage Sites, advancing scientific research, and promoting freedom of expression. UNESCO develops global standards, coordinates international programs, and assists countries in achieving sustainable development goals related to knowledge and culture.

Countries

Topics

1. Main Topic: GMOs and the Future of Food Security: A Solution to Global Hunger or a Health Time Bomb?
2. Ethical and health concerns around GMOs in Africa
3. African food sovereignty vs. multinational agribusiness and agroecology and indigenous farming practices

About the committee

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security worldwide. Established in 1945 and headquartered in Rome, Italy, the FAO brings countries together to develop policies, share knowledge, and coordinate efforts to ensure everyone has regular access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food. Its key activities include supporting agricultural development, improving rural livelihoods, promoting sustainable farming practices, and responding to food crises. The FAO also collects and analyzes global data on food and agriculture to help guide decision-making and achieve the goal of zero hunger.

Countries

Topics

1. Main Topic: Free to Move? Pan-Africanism and the Paradox of Intra-African Visa Barriers
2. Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
3. Visa-free travel and youth mobility and Political will vs. practical realities of African integration

About the committee

The African Union (AU) is a continental organization established in 2002 to promote unity, peace, and development across Africa. It replaced the former Organization of African Unity (OAU) and currently includes 55 member states. The AU’s headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The AU focuses on strengthening political and economic integration, promoting democracy and human rights, resolving conflicts, and encouraging sustainable development. It plays a key role in coordinating joint efforts to address regional challenges such as security, health crises, and economic growth, while representing Africa’s interests on the global stage.

Countries