Committees Overview
NTUMUN 2022 is proud to showcase its 10 committees this year. Check them out!
NTUMUN 2022 is proud to showcase its 10 committees, classified into two difficulty levels: Beginner and Regular Councils.
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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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Additionally, the International Press Corps also remains as an excellent choice for delegates with a flair for journalism and literature.
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*Committee and Council are used interchangeably as they have the same meaning in the NTUMUN context.
World Health Organisation (WHO)
The World Health Organisation was founded under its 1948 Constitution with the goal to connect nations to promote healthier lives, coordinate health emergency response, and serve the vulnerable. WHO’s supreme body of decision-making is the World Health Assembly, which is participated in by all Member States, and the Executive Board that carries its policies to action. WHO is funded by assessed contribution from Member States as well as voluntary contributions from its partners. The Independent Expert Oversight Advisory Committee and The Office of Compliance, Risk Management and Ethics advise and promote transparency within WHO respectively.
TOPIC 1: Implementing Measures to Promote Gender Equality In Healthcare Systems
The World Health Organisation has recently published a series of papers on “Women’s Health and Gender Inequalities”, analysing progress made towards the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform For Action on Women, as well as emerging gender inequities in the present-day health sector. Delegates may discuss points under this agenda such as reinforcing health systems to eliminate sexual harassment and violence in the female health workforce, confer about the existence of male bias in diagnostics and vaccine and drug development, and the question of promoting bodily autonomy in healthcare decisions.
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TOPIC 2: COVID-19 Recovery and Preparing For Future Pandemics
In light of the devastating damage done by the current COVID-19 outbreak, greater attention is being given to reforming the international efforts by the World Health Organisation catered towards pandemics. Delegates may discuss means to build trust towards government healthcare initiatives and vaccination, and strengthen disease-specific healthcare capacities. It will be important to consider the priority of preparing for future pandemics, the specific measures that will be undertaken, as well as the amount of funds/resources to be allocated towards this cause.
UN EVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (UNEP)
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading advocate for the global environment andsupports implementation of the UN's sustainable development agenda. UNEP uses its expertise tostrengthen environmental standards and helps to put these into practice at the country, regional andglobal levels. Its mission is to provide leadership, encourage partnerships and deliver solutions on arange of environmental issues including climate change, disasters, ecosystem management, resourceefficiency and green economic development.
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TOPIC 1: Strengthening disaster preparedness and relief assistance
Climate disasters, including extreme rainfall in China, brutal droughts in the US, and wildfires from Siberia to Greece, ravaged every corner of the globe in 2021. With natural disasters driven by climate change becoming inevitable, countries need to ensure their cities and communities adapt by building stronger national capabilities for monitoring, warning, and risk reduction. The international community also has a lot of work to do in improving the coordination of relief efforts to provide timely and effective assistance like ground support and financial aid. Delegates could also consider the question of climate refugees, a challenge that is yet to be officially addressed by the UN, and discuss the related responsibilities of their nations and potential international protection mechanisms.
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TOPIC 2: Promoting sustainable production and consumption
IAccording to latest projections, by 2050 we may need the equivalent of three planets to provide the natural resources required to sustain current lifestyles. This is despite a large share of the world population still consuming far too little to meet even their basic needs. Without a reduction in the global ecological footprint, by changing the way we produce and consume resources, it will soon be impossible to achieve economic growth and sustainable development. Discussion will focus on the key areas of cutting losses in food and water supply chains, industrial resource efficiency and improving waste management systems. The committee should review progress made towards the 2030 targets of SDG 12, strengthen the monitoring framework and revise its current recommendations.
FOOD & AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION (FAO)
Established in 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organisation is a specialised agency in the United Nationssystem which aims to end world hunger. To this end, the FAO assists countries in building food securityby promoting international collaboration, advancing research and development in food production, andproviding policy advice alongside supplementing countries with necessary information.
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TOPIC 1: Pesticide and Herbicide Use in Agriculture
The rapid increase in the global population over the last century has consequently resulted in increasing demand for food. An estimated 80 percent of the required increases in food production must come from higher crop yields, and even a small percentage loss in crop yield can be disastrous. To protect crops against pest damage and competition from other plants, pesticides and herbicides have been employed at an increasing rate. This has led to severe health consequences in humans, and in terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Delegates are hence tasked with providing suggestions on how countries should reduce reliance on pesticides and herbicides, and transform agriculture into a safer industry for all.
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TOPIC 2: Sustainability of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Fish and other seafood are essential sources of proteins and nutrients for many countries, and over the past few decades, global fish and seafood consumption has increased fourfold. Continually increasing demand from a growing population places pressure on expanding fishing activities. This pressure is even more so on the aquaculture industry, which has already surpassed the production volume of wild catch. With the threat of overfishing looming alongside drastic environmental changes, this adversely impacts both inland and marine aquaculture hubs, putting part of the world’s food supply at risk. As such, delegates will discuss methods to develop the resilience and sustainability of fishery and aquaculture industries.
Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
The Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), which is also known as the First General Assembly (GA1), is one of the six general assemblies in the United Nations (UN). Established in 1945, DISEC was made to discuss international security issues. Unlike the United Nations Security Council, DISEC is composed of more member countries and does not have the ability to enforce laws onto its members. Instead, DISEC is responsible for the proposal of issues that are to be tackled in the UNSC. DISEC also provides suggestions to the UNSC and possible measures that can be taken to resolve any security-related issue.
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TOPIC 1: Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the military
With the advancement of AI, the military has been finding ways to integrate such systems into their arsenal. From speech recognition systems to lethal autonomous weapons the presence of AI in the military has been increasingly prominent. The issue related to the topic is the power and ethical dilemma provided by such machines. Without proper guidelines on the integration of AI, some argue that it may pose ethical issues in wars. Therefore, delegates will be tasked with determining the ‘ethical’ uses of AI, as well as the opportunities and threats that surround the use of new technology in the military.
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TOPIC 2: Resolving the issue of terrorism in a digital world
The internet serves as a medium for people to connect with others from around the world. However, due to the public nature of the internet, terrorist groups also have access to it. A prominent example is that of the 9/11 attack when investigators claimed that Al-Qaeda used the internet to send messages to each other days before the attack. Today, the internet is mainly used as a means of spreading propaganda and buying equipment. While war on terrorism on the physcial front remains more controlled, the presence of terrorism groups online remain prominent. Delegates will have to discuss how new international legal frameworks against cyberthreats can be applicable to the management of terrorist ideologies online, alongside the spread of violence and sale of illegal weapons.
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC)
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), is one of the main committees of the UN. Composed of 5 permanent members and 15 non-permanent members, the UNSC is responsible for handling security-related issues and ensuring international peace. The UNSC has permission to enforce policies amongst UN members and has authority to change policies in the UN charter. The UNSC is also responsible for permitting new members into the general assemblies.
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TOPIC 1: Addressing the issue of Bioweapons
The use of bioweapons dates back to the year 1347; at the time the Mongolians used infected bodies to ward off their enemies. Since then, bioweapons have advanced as the fields of chemistry and biology grew. From the discovery of new elements to the ability to modify bacteria, bioweapons have become more deadly. In the 1900s, Anthrax was used as a means to shorten livestock in an attempt to slow down soldiers. Due to this, scientists predict that current bioweapons have the ability to have longer infection rates which calls for nations to invest in decontamination efforts. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the possible virality of diseases, delegates will need to review how the international community can prevent diseases from being weaponized.
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TOPIC 2: Management of Resurgent Terrorist Threats
Since the departure of US military troops, the Taliban has taken control of Afghanistan by storm. With politicians and civilians alike attempting to flee from the country, this event serves as a victory for the terrorist group. Although only one terrorist group was responsible for such a catastrophe, it has served as inspiration for others who aim to achieve similar goals. Since the take over by the Taliban, intelligence agencies have gathered information that other terrorist groups aim to achieve a similar goal. As a looming security threat, delegates in the UNSC are required to review past resolutions that have addressed terrorism, and how they may be adapted to combat the ever-changing nature of terrorist threats.
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (UNHRC)
The United Nations Human Rights Council consists of 47 Member States elected by the General Assembly, to promote human rights around the world and attend to cases of violations according to the Charter of the United Nations, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international laws and treaties. Meeting at the UN Office in Geneva, the council is able to confer about urgent issues that require its attention year-round. The UNHRC works with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, Advisory Committee, Complaint Procedure, and UN Special Procedures, to assess thematic issues and recommend solutions with expertise.
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TOPIC 1: Humanitarianism in the Age of Global Terrorism
This agenda seeks to identify and make efforts towards resolving issues in operations and policy of humanitarian organisations in nations under effect of terrorist regime. Delegates are required to consider new and growing challenges. Additionally, delegates are to propose solutions to balance counter-terrorism policies with methods to simultaneously protect human rights defenders, safely meet humanitarian needs, and alleviate the suffering of conflict-affected communities. As such regions typically face major abuse and violation of human rights, sensitive and effective action is of critical concern, while staying within the jurisdiction of the Human Rights Council.
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TOPIC 2: Addressing Cyber-censorship of Online Activism
The current era has seen the surge of ‘online activism’, that utilises internet technologies as platforms for spreading awareness and mobilising action towards social justice campaigns. It is especially important to acknowledge that events such as internet blackouts and cyber-censorship prevent reporting of human rights violations, attacks on protesters by security forces, and activist social media communication, especially in authoritarian contexts. Potential points of contention for delegates include the question of the extent of mass surveillance and freedom of speech that should be tolerated, and how protection of rights, such as civil liberties and the right to free speech, can be upheld in an online space.
UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP)
As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. It helps countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Their work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. They advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.
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TOPIC 1: Impact of COVID-19 on Global Poverty
There has been an alarming rise in the number of people living under extreme poverty, COVID-19 exacerbating the situation. However, the complex links that lead to this crisis for global poverty remain underexplored. For this council, delegates will explore the incomes and living costs of vulnerable households, analyze the impact of government initiatives — such as lockdowns, examine historical trends, and debate on global preparedness and economic resilience to future pandemics. Ultimately, delegates will be required to recommend ways to alleviate the situation and provide suggestions for future crises.
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TOPIC 2: The Next Generation of Data Governance
Organisations today are beginning to realise the value of the data they hold and generate, and are actively looking to exploit it. While there has been a lot of focus on external data to enhance business, there is still a very small proportion of organisations that come close to exploiting their internal data. The focus of traditional data governance has been on policies, procedures and roles. However, the pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in existing methods of data governance. As a delegate in this council, one will be required to analyze and project trends in the governance of digitalization over the years, exploring emerging data governance models, and to rethink data governance for inclusive and sustainable development.
HISTORIC CRISIS COUNCIL
TOPIC: 9/11 Commission
The Commission's mandate is to provide a full and complete accounting of the attacks of September 11, 2001 and recommendations as to how to prevent such attacks in the future. Specifically, Section 604 of Public Law 107-306 requires the Commission to investigate "facts and circumstances relating to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001," including those relating to intelligence agencies; law enforcement agencies; diplomacy; immigration, non-immigrant visas, and border control; the flow of assets to terrorist organizations; commercial aviation; the role of congressional oversight and resource allocation; and other areas determined relevant by the Commission for its inquiry.
9-11 Commission, formally National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, was a bipartisan study group created by Former U.S. President George W. Bush and the United States Congress on November 27, 2002, to examine the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The commission’s report served as the basis for a major reform of the U.S. intelligence community, marking some of the most far-reaching changes since the creation of the modern national security bureaucracy at the start of the Cold War in the late 1940s. The commission was composed of five Republicans and five Democrats. The commission’s findings, compiled as ‘The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States’, were delivered in July 2004.
As a part of its mandate, the Commission was required to pick up where the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities before and after the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001 left off. This inquiry was conducted by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, into the activities of the U.S. Intelligence Community in connection with the September 11, 2001 attacks. The investigation began in February 2002 and the final report was released in December 2002. The inquiry had made a significant contribution in explaining some failures of American intelligence in preventing the attack, and the role of the commission was to report all the facts and make recommendations.
The aim of this commission would be to assume a real-time role (as of November 27, 2002) and conduct thorough investigations and debates on this front, and pass a resolution outlining recommendations for reforming and restructuring the U.S. intelligence community and other national security agencies to deal with the threat of 21st-century terrorism.
THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967 as a regional forum to promote cohesive cooperation between its member states. It is now globally recognized as the mainstay for Asian-Pacific diplomacy and as a strong coalition for international cooperation outside the organization. ASEAN consistently works towards joint growth by promoting regional policies which strengthen cooperation on economic, socio-cultural, political and security matters.
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TOPIC 1: Combating the rise of synthetic drug trade in Southeast Asia
Despite the decline in opium and heroin trade, Southeast Asia’s drug economy has grown dramatically to an estimated annual worth of US$70 billion due to the rise in production and trafficking of synthetic drugs. A 19% increase in the quantity of methamphetamines seized in the region in 2020 amidst the pandemic border shutdowns indicates a shift in the traditional operations of drug syndicates and transnational organized crime. Recent developments of concern include the emergence of new trafficking routes through Laos and illegal laboratories for the production of precursor chemicals in the Golden Triangle sub-region. Member states will need to develop new approaches and improve regional cooperation for cross-border security, tighter financial governance and supporting local communities if they would like to continue pursuit of a drug-free ASEAN.
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TOPIC 2: Revitalizing the tourism industry post COVID-19 to promote economic growth
Southeast Asia’s tourism industry - which contributed US$380 billion and employed 42.3 million people in 2019 - has suffered a great blow due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border shutdowns. Even as borders reopen globally, the region is falling behind in its recovery plans due to low vaccination rollout and a complex patchwork of rules. Mutual cooperation is urgently required to implement common standards and protocols for resumption of intra-ASEAN and international travel. As delegates discuss policies to facilitate the reopening of ASEAN’s tourism sector and to attract tourists, they must carefully consider the safety of their citizens and the tourists, and restrictions due to COVID-19.
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme is an agency mandated by the General Assembly to assist the advancement of sustainable towns and cities and provide adequate shelter for all. To achieve these goals, the UN-Habitat provides technical assistance, aids capacity-building efforts and promotes collaboration at local, national and international levels.
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TOPIC 1: The Question of Sustainable Energy in Cities
Rapid urbanization means that an estimated seventy percent of the world’s population will be living in cities by 2050, a drastic increase from the fifty-five percent today. As urban areas expand, opportunities for business increase, and populations migrate to and from cities, thus changing their socio-economic landscapes. Poor urban governance would lead to disputes revolving around administrative matters including housing and access to public utilities, and generate further inequality between metropolitan areas and the outskirts. Hence, there must be a continuous process of improving urban governance, so as to encompass social, economic and geographical developments in cities.
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TOPIC 2: The Question of Strengthening Urban Governance
Rapid urbanization means that an estimated seventy percent of the world’s population will be living in cities by 2050, a drastic increase from the fifty-five percent today. As urban areas expand, opportunities for business increase, and populations migrate to and from cities, thus changing their socio-economic landscapes. Poor urban governance would lead to disputes revolving around administrative matters including housing and access to public utilities, and generate further inequality between metropolitan areas and the outskirts. Hence, there must be a continuous process of improving urban governance, so as to encompass social, economic and geographical developments in cities.
INTERNATIONAL PRESS CORPS
As part of the Press Corps, delegates will take on the role of journalists of various press agencies in covering and reporting on the discussions of various UN bodies. Delegates in Press can expect to be tasked with representing the perspectives of their agencies in penning articles and during participation in press conferences.