ZuMUN 2026

Topic

Establishing a Binding International Legal Framework for the Governance of Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

About the committee

As the number of satellites in Low Earth Orbit continues to increase at an unprecedented rate, the committee will focus on transitioning from the current system of voluntary guidelines to a binding international legal framework. To achieve this, the committee will address several key challenges. These include space traffic coordination, by establishing clear “rules of the road” to prevent collisions and clarify liability; sustainability, by combating the risk of the Kessler Syndrome through mandatory debris mitigation and active removal measures; equitable access, by ensuring that all countries have fair access to orbital slots and are not excluded from space activities by more powerful actors; and dark and quiet skies, by implementing regulations to protect astronomical observations from satellite light pollution and radio interference Note: This committee is a High School committee, and the debates will be held in English.

Chairs

• Ivan Shytov
• Edouard Coupez
• Alexey Stromilov

Countries

Topic

Protecting Himalayan Communities and Culture From the Pressures of Mass Tourism

About the committee

The Himalayas are facing a “double-edged sword” scenario as mass tourism continues to expand. While tourism provides vital income for remote mountain economies, it simultaneously threatens the cultural heritage and environmental stability of local communities. The committee will therefore focus on developing sustainable tourism strategies that balance economic benefits with the protection of indigenous populations, their cultural traditions, and the fragile mountain ecosystem. Note: This is a High School committee. No prior knowledge is needed.

Chairs

• Eli Kupiec
• Vedant Pandey
• Nandin Kriplaney

Countries

Topic

Regulating Cryptocurrencies: Balancing Between Decentralization and Financial Stability

About the committee

In an era where trust in traditional financial institutions is increasingly challenged, cryptocurrencies offer a decentralized alternative for managing and transferring value. However, this innovation also presents significant risks, as it has never been easier for criminal and terrorist organizations to finance illicit activities, including the acquisition of weapons and other prohibited goods. The council will therefore examine potential approaches to regulating this emerging financial market, seeking to prevent misuse while carefully balancing the need to preserve decentralization, financial innovation, and independence from fully centralized systems. Note: This is a committee for University Students from all backgrounds. No prior technical knowledge is required. Some prior knowledge about bitcoin can be of use.

Chairs

• Ben Jackson
• Sebastián Nuñez
• Rabia Parvez Malik

Countries

Topic

Regulating Applications of AI in the Military Domain

About the committee

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how wars are planned, conducted, and controlled. From autonomous weapon systems to AI-assisted decision-making and information warfare, these technologies raise urgent questions about accountability, escalation, and compliance with international law. In this committee, delegates will assume the role of the United Nations Security Council to debate how military applications of AI should be regulated, aiming to safeguard international peace and security while balancing innovation, national sovereignty, and global stability. Note : This is an expert committee for University Students, prior MUN experience is required. You do not need to be an expert in AI to participate.

Chairs

• Francesca Peacey
• Tara Berchtold

Countries

Topic

The Last Days of the Soviet Union

About the committee

35 years ago, on August 19, 1991, a group of senior soviet state officials launched an attempt to seize control of the USSR, deploying troops to Moscow, which led to a confrontation at Russia’s White House. The coup’s failure doomed the Soviet Union, which collapsed before the end of the year. In light of the current war in Ukraine, we believe it to be important to jump back into the not-so-distant past and play out those three fateful days 35 years ago. Do you have the strength necessary to save the collapsing Union, or will you let history take its course, or maybe flip the script on its head entirely? In the words of the first, and last, President of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev: "Dangers await only those who do not react to life." More information on : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Soviet_coup_attempt Note : this is a crisis committee, and is only for University Students. There is no need to have knowledge about this specific time in history.

Chairs

• Aral Berke Arbatli
• Luis Schaller

Countries