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Councils Overview
NTUMUN 2027 is proud to showcase its 16 councils, 4 of which are designed specifically for beginners.
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Beginner Councils: Suitable for delegates who have little or no experience in MUN. The Academics team has prepared an introductory training programme tailored to each council. This will cover the basics of MUN such as Rules of Procedure and Resolution writing. The topics are also fairly straightforward, making it the perfect stage for you to put what you have learned from the training programme to action and adapt to the MUN environment.
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United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA)
Council type: Beginner - Virtual
TOPIC: The Question of Addressing the Environmental Impacts of the Fast Fashion Industry
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“We are in danger of destroying ourselves by our greed and stupidity. We cannot remain looking inwards at ourselves on a small and increasingly polluted and overcrowded planet."” — Stephen Hawking
Try to rewind and think about the previous pieces of clothing you’ve bought– those cheap, trendy, and “fashionable” clothes which arrive at your door in days. Behind those low prices, fast fashion, contributed by an extraordinary amount of actors, uses huge amounts of water, causes chemical pollution in rivers, and produces tiny plastic fibers into our planet's oceans. With the increasing amount of styles arriving every few weeks, and fast fashion brands producing 100 to 150 billion garments a year using cheap materials, people from developed nations are consuming more clothing and discarding them at a faster rate– millions of tonnes of clothing end up burned if not buried every year. Furthermore, improper disposal of waste could lead to detrimental environmental impacts, ultimately reducing our quality of life. Now, the council’s challenge is to find new sustainable and practical ways to hold companies and other actors accountable, encourage recycling and the usage of sustainable clothing materials, and share responsibility fairly between all state members, whilst keeping in mind the workers and communities affected behind the scenes.
The future of planet Earth is in your hands.
Established in June of 2012, the United Nations Environmental Assembly is the world’s highest decision-making body on the environmental sector. The body meets every two years under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which is based in Kenya. Every UN Member State has been allocated a seat and a voice, allowing all 193 countries to work hand in hand on the largest worldwide challenges regarding climate change, pollution, and the loss of nature. In 2022, UNEA agreed to begin negotiations to form a global treaty to end plastic pollution. From that effort, it has shown the world how its decisions can shape real action around the planet. Although the solutions formed by this UN body are not legally binding, they still carry a strong political weight. Within this committee, delegates are expected to share their ideas for effective solutions, collaborate closely with other nations, and show great democracy from one delegate to another.
World Health Organisation (WHO)
Council type: Beginner - Physical
The World Health Organization (WHO) was established on 7 April 1948 as an effort to coordinate international health legislation post-World War II. The organization was first proposed by Brazil and China in a 1945 U.N. Conference in San Francisco, which eventually led to the drafting of the Constitution of the World Health Organization. The constitution was then signed by 51 U.N. member states and 10 non-U.N. member states in 1946. The WHO only came into force on 7 April 1946 as Article 80 of the constitution stated it needs at least 26 member states to ratify it for it to take effect. WHO soon became decentralized by partnering with regional and country offices in: Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South-East Asia, and the Western Pacific. The organisation’s main priority is to ensure that a billion more people have universal health coverage, to protect a billion more people from health emergencies, and to provide a further billion people with better health and well-being.​
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TOPIC: The Question of Integration of Brain-Computer Interfaces into Global Healthcare
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“Our future is a race between the growing power of technology and the wisdom with which we use it.” - Stephen Hawking
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) have evolved from a mere theoretical idea into one of the most prominent innovations in modern healthcare. It now provides unlimited possibilities to restore mobility for the paralysed, improve communication for the non-verbal and treat those with neurological disorders. However, with private corporations and governments wrestling to compete and further their research, ethical, social and economic implications arise. Instead of improving global healthcare, BCIs risk becoming an exclusive luxury that deepens the global healthcare divide. Moreover, the lack of ethical considerations can lead to dangerous moral gray areas surrounding neural data privacy and bioethical safety, causing millions of individuals in developing countries denied access to treatment that can transform their lives, and those partaking in treatment putting their personal data on the line.
Hence, establishing clear regulatory standards and equitable accessibility frameworks is an imperative to allow for the development of BCIs to be expedited, ensuring that they genuinely improve global healthcare. Delegates, will you establish policies to ensure that the development of neural technology aims to serve humanity? Or will you stand by and see how this life-saving innovation remains out of reach for millions?
United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD)
Council type: Beginner - Physical
The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD), a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), serves as an international forum for addressing how science and technology can support development. Through its policy recommendations to ECOSOC and the General Assembly, the Commission places particular emphasis on harnessing technological advancements to ensure that everyone benefits, not just those leading the way.​
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TOPIC: The Question of Addressing the Development and Deployment of Autonomous Artificial Intelligence (AI) Agents
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“I am far more afraid of machine stupidity than of machine intelligence.” — Sendhil Mullainathan
Going beyond simply responding to prompts, autonomous AI agents are becoming increasingly capable of independently planning and carrying out tasks with limited human intervention. While these advancements in AI have boosted productivity and technological capabilities, the growing autonomy of the technology has caused serious problems globally.
While AI agents can easily make decisions for humans, to what extent should they be allowed to act without human approval? If the AI agent causes harm in the process of executing a task, who should bear responsibility? The developer, deployer or the user? As nations race to harness this up-and-coming technology, where should the regulators draw the line between restrictions and the freedom to innovate as AI agents grow bigger in the world?
Act now to set the rules, before machine stupidity makes the decisions for you.
Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Council type: Beginner - Physical
Established in the wake of the Second World War, the Disarmament and International Security Committee was formed to promote peace and encourage security through disarmament across the globe. Working alongside bodies such as the UNODA and the Conference on Disarmament in order to further these objectives, DISEC is at the forefront of discussions on many pressing arms control issues raging across the world. With all 193 member states of the UN possessing an equal voice within the committee, it serves as a crucial platform for nations to address some of the most pressing security challenges faced by the global community.
TOPIC: The Question Of Managing Violent Non-State Armed Groups (VNSAGs)
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“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” – George Orwell
War has evolved in the most recent years. Conventionally, countries’ militaries used to directly fight each other, but many now hide behind the cover of Violent Non-State Armed Groups (VNSAGs), using them in proxy wars and guerilla warfare. Not being subject to the same strictness of international law compared to states, these VNSAGs frequently get sponsored by governments to commit war crimes in their place, allowing governments to deny involvement and responsibility. As a result, VNSAGs have led to the loss of many innocent lives where closure and justice are not adequately served. This issue does not lie solely on the battlefield — it extends towards diplomacy, economies, and the livelihoods of the innocent. Without immediate management of these VNSAGs, the line between a state’s responsibility and a VNSAG’s responsibility will only become increasingly blurred.
Thus, managing these VNSAGs and establishing clear accountability mechanisms is not simply a suggestion, but a must in today’s world in order to establish responsibility not only on the battleground, but also in diplomacy and law. Delegates, will you be able to successfully navigate this grayzone and save countless lives?
Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
Council type: Intermediate - Virtual
The history of OPEC, established in 1960, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a permanent intergovernmental body that is charged with coordinating and unifying the petroleum policies of its Member States and Countries. In pursuing its goals of oil market stability worldwide, a reliable and adequate supply of petroleum alongside a fair return to the oil producer, OPEC undoubtedly has had a great impact on the world energy scene. The organization aims to maintain stability of the oil market and protect the economic interests of oil-producing countries and industries in a world that is increasingly interconnected through the cooperation of its members.
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TOPIC: The Question of Preserving OPEC’s Unity and Effectiveness in an Evolving Global Oil Market
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“Coming together is the beginning, but keeping together is progress, and working together is success.” A line from Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company, perfectly encapsulates OPEC’s dynamics across the globe. The global energy market is now at crossroads. Geopolitical strains, unpredictable oil demand in economic volatility, in addition, the rapid shift towards cleaner energy solutions are reforming the fundamentals on which OPEC was built on. Amidst this growing volatility in the global energy landscape, the world organization is confronted with an existential challenge, that being, the world holding together its Member Countries tightly enough to use them effectively as a “bulwark” behind global oil market stability. National interests in economy, petroleum production capacities and longer term developmental strategies diverge widely, and are capable of complicating joint decision making, a nascent literature suggests that the sustainability of cooperation regimes in times of unprecedented uncertainty among member states.
On the other hand, the rise of alternative or “clean” energy sources and global consumption patterns have emerged, which results in OPEC to adjust—yet without compromising the interests of its members. It is not just a question of oil production, but also solidarity, economic sovereignty of states, and joint responsibility. In the absence of this anticipated coordination, mutual confidence building measures and firm political will to pursue common grounds have the potential of undermining OPEC’s credibility and marginalizing it in global energy markets.
Therefore, it is a matter of key-building blocks in securing a stable and predictable global energy future. Delegates are to challenge the balance of diverse national goals against collective response so that OPEC as it moves through a changing global market can remain coherent and a team player in the affairs of international energy disputes, therefore are you up for the challenge?
Thai House of Representatives (THOR)
Council type: Intermediate - Physical
Situated geographically at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, Thailand’s House of Representatives has found itself caught in a political, and existential firestorm. Within the last year alone, it saw its very prime minister ousted by royalists, border skirmishes with Cambodia erupt into open conflict, and snap elections called as the nascent democracy staggers further into uncertain territory. With the very nation caught between the old order of the judiciary and the monarchy and its new reach towards self-governance, Thailand poses the ultimate test of whether democracy can truly succeed.
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TOPIC 1: Reviewing the Eastern Economic Corridor
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Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) stands as one of the country’s key drivers of economic growth, attracting investment while transforming the Eastern region through advanced industries and infrastructure, but rapid development brings challenges to sustainability, employment, and local communities. As the EEC continues to expand, what solutions can Representatives propose to ensure Thailand’s growth remains inclusive and sustainable?
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TOPIC 2: The Question of the Ageing Population
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No country is safe from the issue of an ageing population. Quickly becoming an ultra-aged society, Thailand must mitigate the ageing crisis while dealing with the repercussions on its workforce, social security and healthcare system. Monthly allowances, expanded aged care and even lottery-based pensions have yet to fully tackle the long-term economic and social challenges the country faces. Before demographic shifts permanently alter Thailand’s future, how will Representatives protect the elderly while ensuring the sustainability of Thailand’s workforce and economy?
African Union (AU)
Council type: Intermediate - Physical
The failure of postwar psychological modernisation was the nail in the coffin for the grip of European colonialism on the continent. Yet, the battle for freedom has not yet ended.
If the Congo crisis was any indication, it was that the whole of the continent needed each other as a bulwark against the ideological currents of the Cold War, a chilling reminder of the fragility of Pan-Africanism. Simultaneously, the fight for independence has not yet ceased in the protectorates of ex-colonial territories. The dreams of thinkers like W.E.B Du Bois weigh heavy on the hearts of every African leader; the people of Africa, by intention, inherited a world that was unrelentingly hostile, yet also one that bore unprecedented opportunities. Politically and economically, the African continent needs to decouple itself from the structures that have exploited it for centuries; to ensure the tragedies of the past century do not re-enact themselves in bloodier forms.
Birds of a feather flock together; the Casablanca conferences and multiple Pan-African congresses created the foundations for inter-African cooperation, yet at the same time made apparent the deep-seated ideological differences between each leader’s vision of his nation. It is in this flux that the Organisation of African Unity was ratified with the vision of an integrated and independent continent. Applicant, will you lead Africa to shed the shadows and shackles of its past? ​
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​TOPIC: The Question of Political and Economic Decolonisation in Africa
“The colonialists care nothing for Africa for her own sake.” - Patrice Lumumba, 1960
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It is clear from the actions of the ancien colonial empires that Africa has to stand on its own two feet. As soon as the empire fell into disarray, they left the continent hastily, with Africans fractured in a pre-industrial, ideologically disparate state. Pan-Africanism swept across the continent, offering the promise of a modernity completely independent of colonial influence.
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Yet the scars of colonialism still echo in aftershocks around the continent. Conflicts regularly erupt between disagreeing embryonic states; some lands are still the legal property of the colonisers. It is unclear what the future of Africa even should be; some envision a socialist federation, and others still bear hope in negotiating with the white man.
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Not lost is the irony of the past few years: those nations which had violently resisted their colonisation and rid their lands of colonial influence became proxies for the Global North to play their power politics. Others hope to take advantage of the Cold War tensions for their own gain, while neglecting to address the struggles of their colonised brothers. The continent not only requires a reckoning with its past, but also to position themselves in the world order–the first regional assembly of African leaders must determine the path that is best able to resist neocolonialism in the 20th century.
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More tangible struggles are also present, with the pinch most felt by the underdeveloped economies of the continent. There are promises of a unified currency, of the same prosperity that the European Union is able to access, but the path to these benefits is unclear.
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These times bode well for the independence of the continent, yet the risk of neocolonial violence, partisan conflict, and even economic collapses loom heavy overhead. Will you lead Africa to realise its full potential under the Pan-African banner, or will the forces of the world around you tear you apart?
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17th Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC)
Council type: Advanced - Physical
Three decades after Deng Xiaoping initiated economic reforms, China stands at a crossroads. While incomes and living standards have indubitably risen, new societal tensions and contradictions have also appeared. Driven by rising income inequality, land expropriation and poor treatment of workers, the number of “mass incidents” have risen significantly since 2000. Tensions continue to fester among ethnic minorities in China’s frontiers. Despite public relations efforts promoting “China’s peaceful rise,” relations with the rest of the world remain vexed. Behind the high headline GDP growth figures and China’s rise as the “world factory” lies an economy which top economic policymaker Premier Wen Jiabao has described as “unstable, unbalanced, uncoordinated and unsustainable.”
The national mood is nonetheless optimistic. The 2008 Olympics are on the horizon, an opportunity to showcase China’s enormous progress to the world. Agricultural taxes have been abolished and rural social protections expanded, alleviating the burden of farmers. China’s GDP is expected to overtake that of Germany and Japan in the next several years.
As the most powerful body in the country, how will the Politburo and the Party respond to these developments? Comrades, the future of the world’s most populous country and soon-to-be second-largest economy lies in your hands. ​
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TOPIC 1: The Question of Preserving Communist Party Rule
“Without successful political reform, it is impossible to fully institute economic reform, and the gains we have made in this area may be lost [...] historical tragedies such as the Cultural Revolution may reoccur." - Premier Wen Jiabao
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The Communist Party of China came to power through violent revolution. It now governs through wealth creation under the veil of “consent.” Within the past century, the Chinese people have lost two systems of belief and life orientation – Confucian tradition and Marxism-Leninism. ​
The Party, too, has undergone vast changes. In three decades, it has evolved from strict Marxist orthodoxy to welcoming foreign investment and promoting “Chinese brands” abroad, and oscillated from “Criticise Lin, Criticise Confucius” to invoking Mencius in official ideology.
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These profound changes have led to worrying trends. Corruption remains a major issue; public anger towards officialdom for graft and sexual sins have reached new heights. Stories abound of the bad behaviour and venality of the children of the rich and powerful, even that of Politburo members. Amidst these developments, the spectre of the Soviet collapse and the Party’s own near-death experience in 1989 continue to loom large.
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What will the Party choose – greater “democracy,” resilient authoritarianism, or political repression and hard authoritarianism?
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TOPIC 2: The Question of Deepening Economic Reform and Promoting Growth
“Some people think […] one must bake a large cake before dividing it; they are mistaken. If the distribution is unfair, those who make the cake won’t feel motivated to bake it." - Chongqing Party Secretary Bo Xilai
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Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms have generated impressive growth since 1978. They have also caused massive inequality and environmental degradation. The rural backwaters of China’s vast interior and the rust belt cities of the Northeast stand in stark contrast to the gleaming skyscrapers of Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. One-third of the Yellow River is deemed unsafe for any use, and the People’s Republic overtook the United States as the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in 2007.
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No doubt, China has the ingredients to become a prosperous, middle-income economy: infrastructure, political will and capital. Nevertheless, important questions remain. Should China maximise GDP growth, or pursue more equitable development and reduce regional disparities? What role should state-owned enterprises play in the economy? In case of an external economic downturn, how should the government respond? How can environmental protection be balanced with economic growth? As China appears poised to become the world’s second-largest economy, the Party’s answers may change not just China, but the world.
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National Assembly of France (NAF)
Council type: Advanced - Physical
The National Assembly is the lower house of the French Parliament, under the Fifth French Republic and is directly elected by universal suffrage. It traces its legacy back to the First French Republic in 1789. As part of the legislative wing of the government, it is responsible not just for proposing and voting upon legislation, but to keep the executive accountable through the threat of motions of no confidence. Welcome to the NAF. ​​
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TOPIC: The 2024 French Political Crisis (Dynamic Agenda)
“My thoughts are too complex for journalists.” - (attributed to) Emmanuel Macron
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France, 2024.
Nobody may know the true intentions of President Macron’s decision to hold the snap elections, but it has returned to him an Assembly far less advantageous to his Ensemble coalition, and one far more polarised between the left and right. No party has the mandate to govern, without the toleration of the others. Unfortunately, the President’s rhetoric and near-dogmatic adherence to centrist politics has made him far more enemies than friends.
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The Assembly must now grapple with the “Jupiterian” president and his Pantheon’s attempts to rule against their interests, and will bring down the government if they must. But at the same time, the President is deeply aware of his weaknesses, and is resolved to barge through cohabitation in a show of force and presidential authority embedded in Article 49.3 of the Constitution. Neither is he above maneuvering the political backstage to secure gains from the peripheries of his opponents. Jupiter must fall so that the Assembly can live.
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This is not an indictment of France. Neither is it an indictment of Emmanuel Macron
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It is an indictment of democracy.
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*Macron has been perennially described as “Jupiterian”. ​
United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
Council type: Advanced - Physical
“The rule of law is being replaced by the law of the jungle.” - UN Secretary-General António Guterres
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Indeed, “the rule of law is being treated as an ala carte menu,” as Guterres puts it. Despite being the most powerful organ of the UN in theory, with the ability to adopt decisions binding on all members, the UNSC has been largely paralysed with regard to key decisions. Amidst geopolitical competition and rifts, the Permanent Five great powers have increasingly utilised veto powers to serve their own narrow national interests, all but ensuring cooperation is impossible. Its continued inaction in the face of the Russo-Ukrainian War and the Israel-Hamas War have only further deepened long-lingering scepticism of its efficacy and undermined its institutional credibility. Even its traditional function as a forum for great powers to negotiate and deliberate is being undermined by the increased number of vetoes and the more confrontational stances some great powers have adopted in recent years.
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Delegates, what will you be? Will you proactively work to ensure the UNSC plays a productive role in upholding global peace and prosperity? Or will you ensure that the UNSC continues to be mired in vetocracy and remain fundamentally “UN-involved” in peace? ​
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TOPIC: The Question of the 2026 Iran War
Since the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas, the Middle East, never renowned for peace to begin with, has been plunged into a new series of destructive conflicts and wars. With Iran and the “Axis of Resistance” on one side and Israel, the United States and their allies on the other, military conflicts from Lebanon to Syria have directly contributed to the Twelve Day War and the 2026 Iran War. During the latter war, the world’s worst fears were realised after the Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent global oil prices skyrocketing and sparked fuel shortages worldwide. Despite some 8,976 – 18,310 casualties* and the Islamabad Memorandum in June, the conflict has continued. Predictably, the Memorandum has collapsed amidst mutual accusations of violations.
The significance of the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz to global energy markets means the 2026 Iran War is no longer a regional issue, but a global one with significant repercussions. With the belligerents seemingly stuck in a forever war, can the Security Council marshall the political will to end the conflict and build a lasting peace? Or is the cycle of violence that blights the region doomed to repeat itself?
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*As of 4 August 2026
World Bank (WB)
Council type: Advanced - Physical
The World Bank, founded in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference, is a worldwide development bank aimed at supporting developing countries and eradicating poverty. It comprises over 70 recipient states, and disburses over 100 billion USD in developmental aid annually. As of August 2026, the World Bank holds almost 400 billion USD in assets. The World Bank’s core principles revolve around fiscal and economic sustainability, as well as promoting the role of the private sector and healthy free markets.
TOPIC: The Question of Mobilising Private Capital
With the role of private capital in economic development slowly increasing, it represents one of the last solutions to resolve critical investment shortfalls in development and climate targets globally. Since 2017, a “Cascade” approach to global economic development has seen the World Bank place private-sector investment by MNCs at top priority for financial support, in contrast to the traditional approach of direct international redistribution of wealth through member states’ contributions. However, this has raised many concerns, such as the possibility of institutional capture by private capital of the World Bank, and the fact that many private actors are less incentivised to contribute to investing in the commanding heights of the economy that are critical for supporting further development, such as railways. Delegates must navigate the complexities of international development and potentially strike it rich, or be labeled as subservient to the whims of international corporations.
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Council type: Intermediate (Specialized) - Physical
As Pierre de Coubertin, Founder of the modern day Olympics once said, "The important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well."
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The Olympics was revived in 1896, where countless athletes across earth convened in a city, to compete against each other in sports. Although it was created to honour Zeus way back in 776BC, the Olympics has evolved into one of the most prestigious sporting events in the modern world, which fosters competition and social cohesion. The International Olympic Committee has remained as the central order of command for the Olympics. All actions, decisions and budgeting come from this committee. As the brains and backbone of the event, members have to come up with steadfast decisions to ensure the event runs smoothly and the integrity of the event is preserved. Otherwise, it could lead to devastating consequences which could jeopardize the credibility of the event.
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It is safe to say that after every rendition, the Olympics have come back bigger and stronger. However, what about better?
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TOPIC 1: The Question of Strengthening Pre-Olympic Preparation for Athletes
The Olympics champions itself as an event which seeks out fairness and equality among its competitors. However, it is important to note that that reality is far from likely. Athletes have different access to resources due to their National Olympic Committees (NOC). Some NOCs’, like those in wealthier countries such as the United States, France and the United Kingdom have more funds and money to supply their athletes with proper coaches, training equipment and dietitians. However, for countries with an underpaid NOC, they would not have this equal access. Instead, they would have to rely on themselves to train and work hard, resulting in a large gap in terms of preparation for the Olympics. Although there are scholarships and bursaries like the Olympics Solidarity, many still complain that this is not enough due to the sheer amount of athletes from these ‘poorer’ countries. Thus, how can fairness be maintained throughout the preparation for this prestigious event despite these disparities?
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TOPIC 2: The Question of Athlete Reintegration from Sanctioned States
When Russia invaded Ukraine, the IOC did not hesitate to ban Russia’s National Olympic Committee from sending its representatives for the Olympics. This action alone resulted in the public heavily criticising the IOC. Since the inception of the Olympics, the Olympics has often stressed its principle of political neutrality through Paragraph 5 of the Olympic Charter and Rule 50 of the Olympics. However, this action of barring individuals from Russia to participate directly threatens and disobeys this principle of neutrality. Is it justifiable for such a ban to take place despite the IOC’s constant commitment for neutrality?
Star Wars: The Jedi Council
Council type: Advanced (Specialized) - Physical
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a civilization stood, committed to maintaining peace and to live in harmony throughout the galaxy. For centuries, the Jedi have sought to uphold peace and remained steadfast in repelling the forces of darkness. No matter what stood in their way, be it the Sith or Separatists, the Jedi never failed to subdue these issues quickly. The Jedi Council consists of 12 Jedi Masters, who have proven themselves as worthy masters of the force through their commitment and action for the Jedi Order and code. The Jedi Masters within the Jedi Council frequently convene and discuss on how they can improve the Jedi Order and their methods of teaching, to ensure the future and legacy of the Jedi Order is not compromised. ​
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TOPIC: The Clone Wars (Dynamic Agenda)
Everything seemed serene in the galaxy until recently. It all started from a journey to Kamino by Master Jedi Obi-wan Kenobi to seek reason towards the assasination attempt on Senator Padmé Amidala. The clone army was then discovered and used by the Jedi, to act as a weapon against the Separatists, the biggest threat to peace back then.
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Wars. Battles. Death. These are the only things that are witnessed in the galaxy as of today. The Clones have brought many victories for the Jedi. Used as extra backup and weapons, they have brought down countless enemies for the Republic. However, something dark was brewing under their noses this whole time… something evil… something bad… The fate of the galaxy does not remain on the battlefield, but within the chambers of the Jedi Council. Will the Jedi order become instruments of war, or bringers of peace and order?
ASEAN Community
By the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the ASEAN Community is a regional integration framework built on three sub-communities — the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC). Consisting of 11 Member States, the ASEAN Community aims to achieve deeper regional cooperation and a people-centred future. ​
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Central Topic: The Question of the South China Sea Territorial Dispute
For many years, the South China Sea territorial dispute has been a heated topic for debate. The overlapping territorial and maritime conflict involves many entities, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The long-lasting conflict of over 50 years holds a lot at stake — control over vital shipping lanes carrying over $3 trillion in annual global trade, rich fishing grounds, and significant oil and natural gas reserves. Within the ASEAN Community, the South China Sea territorial dispute will be broken down into 3 topics to explore its economic impacts in the AEC, security impacts in the APSC, and environmental impacts in the ASCC.
ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)
Council type: Intermediate - Physical
Officially established in 2015, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) stands as a pillar of the Declaration of ASEAN Concord II. Its role is vital, having served as a platform that has propelled ASEAN to the 5th largest economic bloc globally and becoming China’s largest trading partner.
Looking forward, the AEC is focused on building a resilient and inclusive ASEAN economic ecosystem through initiatives including, inter alia, plans to value-add in the blue economy and by improving the region’s global value chain (GVC) competitiveness. Throughout these advances, the AEC is to keep in sight ASEAN’s founding principles of consultation and consensus. Hence, this council works to advance ASEAN’s economic interests rain or shine by establishing a unified market that is equitable and prosperous.
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TOPIC: The Question of Protecting Maritime Economic Activity Amidst South China Sea Territorial Disputes
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“For whosoever commands the sea commands the trade; whosoever commands the trade of the world commands the riches of the world, and consequently the world itself.” - Sir Walter Raleigh.
The South China Sea is one of the busiest maritime regions in the world that witnesses the flow of goods and services that are worth trillions of dollars. This area is frequently described as the “chokepoint” which links the Strait of Malacca and Strait of Taiwan to an increasingly connected ASEAN. Hence, there are economic implications whenever a conflict happens - whether the flows are smooth or disrupted relies heavily on the happenings in the South China Sea, which is exactly why South China Sea’s territorial disputes never cease to be a hot topic in such a volatile world. The overlapping claims in this region for decades further amplify this complex relationship between both claimants and non-claimants in shaping the economic scene of South China Sea. If left without solutions, maritime economic activities can be halted in times of heightened territorial disputes, potentially damaging countries’ ties and their subsequent economic power balance.
Solutions were put forth, but their effectiveness varies due to states’ conflicting interests and willingness to abide. Can the ASEAN Economic Council come together once again to solve such a dilemma? Delegates, let’s get the ship going!
ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC)
Council type: Intermediate - Physical
Eleven ASEAN countries, one regional body, and one core goal: to act as the sword and shield for ASEAN’s political security.
Established in 2015, the ASEAN Political-Security Committee (APSC) is one of the pillars of the ASEAN Community, tasked with ensuring that countries in the region live at peace with one another and with the world in a just, democratic and harmonious environment. It promotes political development according to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights as enshrined under the ASEAN Charter. As a whole, the APSC encourages countries to resolve disputes peacefully while also acting as a platform for defense and security talks, such as ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) to manage issues like terrorism and human rights.
Delegates, the time has come — put on your armor, raise your shield, and join the APSC today to safeguard the security of our region!
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TOPIC: The Question of Maintaining Maritime Security Amidst South China Sea Territorial Disputes
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Spanning over 3.55 million square kilometres, the South China Sea (SCS) is a crucial waterway, containing some of the most important shipping routes in the world, and also an abundance of natural resources which sustains the livelihood of millions. Possessing such immense potential, it is no wonder that countries have claimed the various zones of this sea as early as the 1970s. This scramble for territory has led ASEAN-China tensions to steadily mount, with clashes on the ground showing no sign of stopping.
But beneath the raging sea of conflict lies a highly complex web of security issues—from Grey Zone operations and overlapping territorial claims, to the erosion of Freedom of Navigation (FoN) and an increase in transnational crime, it is safe to say that the South China Sea is more than one single territorial dispute, and every country’s involvement is vital to the outcome. What seems to be a petty conflict on the surface actually hides a precarious battle for territory, and a single military outburst could trigger a chain of serious conflicts.
Delegates, amidst the stormy sea ahead, the onus now lies on you to safeguard our security: how will you join hands and sail your boat safely to shore?
ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)
Council type: Intermediate - Physical
Officially launched in 2015, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) is one of the three foundational pillars of ASEAN. It has a focus on cultivating mutual understanding and shared values among states, while ensuring development is sustainable and people-oriented in the face of external threats and regional challenges. The ASCC operates through 15 sectoral bodies covering various areas, such as environmental conservation and disaster management. For NTUMUN 2027, ASCC will be adopting the mandate of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment (AMME), which focuses on a wide range of environmental issues, including the preservation of the marine environment. Through frameworks such as the ASCC Blueprint 2025, and collaboration with ASEAN’s other pillars and foreign partners, the ASCC guides social development projects to promote a greater quality of life for Southeast Asian citizens.​
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TOPIC: The Question of Protecting the Marine Environment Amidst South China Sea Territorial Disputes
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Recent tensions between China and ASEAN Member States in the South China Sea have resulted in severe ecological damage and environmental harm for the 6500 marine species and 1.87 billion people inhabiting the region. Island dredging, and large-scale construction projects, which have been used to assert territorial claims or provide military and humanitarian assistance, have damaged coral reefs, polluted waters, and depleted marine life.
In recent years, violations of the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) related to preserving the marine environment and unresolved maritime jurisdictions on disputed waters have compounded challenges to conservation efforts. While confrontations arise and claimant states grapple for power, ministers must tackle the difficult question of establishing environmental protection and accountability frameworks, while navigating intricate territorial disputes, self-interested geopolitical dynamics, and funding gaps.
Will ASCC be able to collaborate on shared conservation efforts, or are the existing barriers impossible to overcome?