Cornell Model United Nations Conference

Large Committees

Fourth Committee: Special Political and Decolonization

The Fourth Committee of the General Assembly, Special, Political and Decolonization (SPECPOL) mainly deals with territorial disputes and problems pertaining to governments and other political systems.

Topic 1: The Responsibility to Protect: Intervention and State Sovereignty

Topic 2: The Political Stabilization of Georgia

Sixth Committee: Legal

The Legal committee of the United Nations' General Assembly is developed for the purpose of discussing mechanisms of justice and developing international standards to address conflicts. As a large committee with 75 delegates, this group will surely have a variety of opinions from different areas of representation that will result in differing views as to how the committee should go about applying an international justice structure. In particular, we will focus on the international justice system and its application in conflict contexts.

Topic 1: Sea Piracy

Topic 2: Cyber Warfare

United Nations Department of Political Affairs

New to CMUNC this year as a larger committee, the UN Department of Political Affairs (UNDPA) will host debate on several contemporary and contentious international issues pertinent the diplomatic health of all of its member states. Delegates are sure to be excitedly engaged in discussion of the following topics:

Topic 1: The Stability and Security of Afghanistan

Topic 2: Interference of Humanitarian Aid

Specialized Committees

Association of Southeast Nations

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a geopolitical and economic organization of 10 countries located in Southeast Asia. Formed on August 8, 1967, the member states of ASEAN seek the acceleration of economic growth, social progress, and cultural development among its members. While normal ASEAN summits consists of its 10 core members and the “Plus Three” East Asian nations, the special regional forum scheduled to take place in April will include 28 total members representing interests in the Asia-Pacific region. In this committee, core ASEAN members will have to seek to represent their needs to the international community through dialogue and constructive debate, while balancing other interests represented in the committee, in the context of highly charged political and economic issues.

Topic 1: ASEAN Economic Initiatives and the Economy of Myanmar

Topic 2: The Political Climate of Myanmar

Topic 3: The Elections of 2010 and the Detention of Aung San Suu Kyi

Cold War Historical Simulation

This committee will simulate the United Nations Security Council through the decades of the 1940’s through the 1970’s. Each day of the conference will encapsulate a given decade. The purpose of this committee will be to allow delegates to solve the individual crises free of the burden of following the historical chain of events. Delegates should come prepared with a creative mind, and a thorough understanding of the historical period. Delegates should also keep in mind the goal of preserving international peace, but also consider the goal of furthering their country’s interests.

Day 1: 06/25/50 -- The Korean War

Day 2: 10/22/73 -- The 1973 Arab Israeli War / Yom Kippur War

Day 3: 04/17/85 -- The Soviet War in Afghanistan

International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court (ICC), is the first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. It is a permanent tribunal to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The court came into being on July 1st, 2002 and may only prosecute crimes committed on or after that date. The official seat of the court is in The Hague, Netherlands, but its proceedings may take place anywhere, for instance, Ithaca, New York.

This year at CMUNC, the ICC will consist of 2 separate chambers that will each prosecute 2 cases. Students will form teams of 4 consisting of 2 attorneys and 2 witnesses and will be assigned to either the prosecution or defense of a case. In addition, while a team is not trying a case, they take on the role of judge in one of the chambers.

Cases to be Debated:

Case The Prosecutor v. Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir

Case The Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen

Case The Prosecutor v. Thomas Lubanda Dyilo

Case The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo

International Labor Organization

The International Labour Organization (ILO) was founded in 1919 and later became a specialized United Nations agency in 1946. Its role is to address labor relations and work as an integral part of society. The ILO is unique in that it comprises of member states and employer and worker representatives from such states to ensure a tripartite discussion of topics.

Topic 1: Migrant Workers and Labor Migration

Topic 2: Workplace Discrimination

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Formed with the goal of increasing the absolute security of all by eliminating the scourge of chemical weapons forever, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is the chartered implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The main legislative and executive organ of the OPCW is the executive council, which consists of 41 members elected to two-year terms, with equitable geographic representation in mind. Members of the council, also known as state parties, try to achieve the disarmament and nonproliferative aims of the Convention, ensure that this implementation is carried out peacefully, as well as provide an international forum for consultation and cooperation.

Topic 1: Demilitarization -- The Threat of Non-Signatory States

Topic 2: Nonproliferation -- Chemical Terrorism and Weapons Trade

United Nations Development Fund for Women

The United Nations Development Fund for Women is an international organization focused on advancing women’s rights around the globe. It provides support and financial assistance to programs and strategies that aim to achieve gender equality, and works with countries to implement policies that eliminate gender discrimination. At this year’s CMUNC, UNIFEM will address the effects and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict, and the advancement of women’s economic security and rights.

Topic 1: Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Conflict

Topic 2: Microfinance for Women

World Bank

The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. Conceived during World War II as part of the Bretton Woods system, the World Bank initially helped rebuild Europe after the war. Today, the World Bank focuses on global poverty reduction as its overarching mission. Although it is based on Washington D.C, the World Bank incorporates a diverse staff of economists, public policy experts and social scientists. The World Bank is has four unique sub-institutions, 1) the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), 2) the International Finance Corporation (IFC), 3) the International Development Association (IDA), and 4) the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). As a whole, the World Bank provides low-interest loans and grants to developing countries for a wide array of purposes, including investments in education, health, public administration, infrastructure, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and financial and private sector development.

Topic 1: Access to and Effective Use of Water Resources

Topic 2: Fragile & Conflict Affected Countries

Crisis Committees

Ad-Hoc Committee to the Secretary-General

There has been a great deal of international concern over Pakistani border security. The frontier regions of Northwestern Pakistan are a breeding ground for Al Qaeda and the Taliban, and the lack of security along its Afghanistan border have caused havoc for the United States and NATO operations there. Internal security in Pakistan, as well as instability in its government, have also lead to concerns in India over border security there. Though the conflict between India and Pakistan’s governments has subsided in the last few years, increases in terrorist attacks on both Pakistani government targets and Indian military targets have made the situation in India’s Jammu and Kashmir province particularly dangerous. India’s shaky relationship with China would also be threatened by an increase in conflict with Pakistan, as India’s northeastern provinces have also become increasingly dangerous in recent years. A severe shock to Pakistan’s already unstable government could result in a great degree of civilian unrest there, and a rise in the power of militant groups. The security of Pakistan’s many borders is a very prevalent issue today, and both the UN and sovereign states have a vested interest in the region’s stability. As there are so many nations with international military presence in the region, many nations have a civilian population that is somewhat tuned into the situation, a possibility that could cause unrest.

Historical Security Council: The Rwandan Genocide

Rwanda. April 5th, 1994. Tension is mounting amongst Tutsis and Hutus. The country is on the brink of its decent into hell. The ensuing genocide resulted in 100 of the bloodiest days in recent history, and the reaction of the international community in general, and the UN Security Council in particular, has ever since been heavily questioned. This year's historic simulation of the Security Council will be an exciting opportunity to change the course of history: it will be in delegates' hands to react to the emerging crisis. In determining the role of the UN in this conflict, delegates will have to decide what is the best way to stave off the potentially brutal genocide.

Joint-Crisis Committee: The July Crisis

The July Crisis committees offer delegates a unique chance to modify history. Delegates will play the role of an important minister or military official in Austria-Hungary or Germany at the outbreak of World War I. Although the committees will be based during the tumultuous summer of 1914, events will not necessarily unfold as they actually did. Delegates should use discretion in making decisions, and come to committee prepared to respond to a revisionist history. Will war break out? Here’s your chance to find out!

Middle East Peace Summit

President Barack Obama, in response to yet-to-be determined event(s) in the Middle East, has called together a summit meant to encourage peace a long-term stability in the region. Various nations have decided to send representatives in hopes of addressing various concerns. Disputes over territory such as Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank will be addressed in addition to human rights concerns resulting from violence on both sides. Further, the summit recognizes the importance of addressing concerns of relative power and influence, potentially bringing to light concerns over Iran's nuclear program. Every issue is on the table and delegates will have the opportunity to carefully select what areas they think progress can be made.

Union of South American Nations

The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) is an intergovernmental union of twelve member states modeled after the European Union. Formally established on May 23, 2008, UNASUR fundamentally aims to achieve regional integration by unifying to address economic and defense policies. Though not fully developed, UNASUR has been increasingly active in dealing with current problems in the area, such as the United States military bases in Colombia. While addressing issues that are presently relevant, UNASUR also has end-goals: a single market, infrastructure development, and regional security. In a crisis committee structure, this model of UNASUR will discuss important, substantial security and economic issues, including both pressingly current and significantly persistent problems in the region.

Topic 1: Arms Smuggling and Drug Trafficking in Latin America

Topic 2: Implications of the Bank of the South and Increased Integration

Zimbabwe: Human Rights Under Mugabe

Incumbent President Mugabe was declared the winner of the highly contested 2008 Zimbabwe presidential election. Due to a loss of legitimacy on Mugabe’s part and pressure on his ZANU-PF party, Mugabe brokered a power sharing agreement with his opponent and likely winner of the election, Morgan Tsvangirai, of the MDC-T party. Still in the infancy of this power sharing agreement, the Zimbabwean Cabinet, with representatives from each political party including ministers, advisers and heads of agencies of the Zimbabwean government, will collectively decide their nation's future.

Large Committees

Disarmament and International Security (DISEC)

A returning favorite, DISEC is a crash course in managing the eternal “security dilemma” and balancing core concerns of power and sovereignty in order to maintain peace in the increasingly fractured international system of the 21st Century. This year, DISEC will address the reduction of illicit trading in small arms and light weapons, blood diamonds and conflicts in West Africa, and a futuristic topic on the Russian retaliation to a completed US/EU joint missile defense system in Poland.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP is a programme of the UN General Assembly, and is the UN’s global development network. As an organization which advocates for change and connecting countries to knowledge, UNDP’s experience and resources help people build a better life. Topics discussed by UNDP at CMUNC 2009 will include infrastructure rebuilding in nations affected by natural disasters, global efforts for sustainable development, and strategies for empowering workers.

Specialized Committees

Organization of American States (OAS)

The Organization of American States is an international organization whose members include the thirty-five independent states of the Americas. Focused on hemispheric issues and international politics, OAS is the region's principal multilateral forum for strengthening democracy, promoting human rights, and confronting shared problems. Topics discussed this year at CMUNC include the proliferation of the drug trade, free trade in the Americas, and the effects of kidnapping and terror techniques used by both legitimate and illegal groups.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (South Africa)

In South Africa, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a court-like body created after the abolishment of apartheid. During the TRC's operations, high profile South Africans, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, investigated human rights abuses, worked to restore victim's dignity, formulated proposals to assist with rehabilitation, and considered applications for amnesty. The TRC represents a crucial component of South Africa's transition to a full and free democracy. This year's simulation of the TRC at CMUNC will be an exciting, unique committee, whose topics will include the trial of Winnie Mandela, the Sharpeville Massacre, and the Church Street Bombings.

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

The UNHRC is a subsidiary body of the General Assembly, and was established in March 2006 to replace the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR). THe UNHRC is made up of 47 states, which are responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. Topics debated by CMUNC 2009's UNHRC will include the rights of indigenous peoples, HIV/AIDS and human rights, and human trafficking and contemporary slavery.

Crisis Committees

Iraq 2003: Post‐Mission Accomplished

This crisis committee will take an in‐depth look at the conditions within Iraq following the invasion of the United States and coalition forces in 2003. Run by a dais of experts on the region, it is sure to be an enlightening committee which will also discuss the issues currently faced in Iraq. Topics discussed will include Iraqi national security, political structure, economy, and foreign relations. Intertwined with all these topics, the issues of sectarian divide, the prominence of certain (primarily Islamist) groups, and the differing visions for Iraq between US and Iraqi officials will feature prominently.

Peloponnesian War

Fought between 431–404 BC, the Peloponnesian War is a historical conflict of unarguably epic proportion. In this historical crisis committee, delegates will represent the military and diplomatic leaders of major city‐states in the warring Grecian Leagues. Starting well into the fray, delegates will have to address the ongoing conflict as well as threats from innumerable other forces in the ancient world. Delegates should have some familiarity with ancient history.

United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

The most visible committee of the United Nations organization is often its most dramatic. At the Security Council, delegates are required to take rapid, decisive action within the boundaries of their national policy. Its flexible structure is designed to handle urgent and demanding crises simultaneously, and delegates must remain conscious of overarching goals while immersed in immediate crisis relief. As representatives of the most powerful international governing body, delegates’ decisions reflect on the efficacy and viability of not only the Security Council, but of the UN as a whole in its ability to address interwoven issues. Topics which will begin discussion include the interaction between the UNSC and regional organizations, the legality of the independence of Kosovo, and women in conflict, with an emphasis on the Democratic Republic of the Congo!

World Health Organization (WHO)

Rather than presenting WHO as a traditional committee, this year CMUNC will continue its tradition of running WHO as a crisis committee focused on coordinating international public health concerns. One of the faces of a shrinking world is the rate at which international health crises can spread and impose incredibly humbling human tolls and economic costs on developed and developing nations alike. The recent bovine spongiform, SARS, and avian flu crises expose how disease respects no borders and the vulnerability of the international system. The WHO committee combines the imperatives of crisis management with the science and politics of international health. Delegates will have the opportunity to discus bioterrorism, TB drug resistance, and the environment and human health, as well as reacting to the world health crises which are sure to ensue over the course of the weekend. Delegates should have some science background and exposure to basic issues of disease.

World War I: Alliance and World War I: Entente

In the context of contemporary debates about European cohesiveness and nationalism, it is particularly fascinating to revisit the debates, divisions, and discussions in the inner decision‐making circles of the Alliance and Entente coalitions of World War I. Run by two separate daises, delegates in each of these joint committees will have to work to react to the events following the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914. Individual and national representatives will have the opportunity to change alliances, negotiate agreements, mobilize troops, and prevent or replicate the conditions which ultimately led to the destruction and devastation of the Great War.