Featured Committees
Security Council
Chairs: Olwen Brown, Rylan Holt
Topic 1: The Situation In Niger
The Security Council is the UN body responsible for the maintenance and restoration of international peace and security, as well as the reconciliation of friendly relations between nations. It is made up of 15 members, 5 of which are permanent, and has the power to intervene in the case that international peace has been broken.
Chairs: Yoyo Ngai, Arthur Ho
Topic 1: Addressing sustainable tourism in developing countries
Topic 2: Addressing the implementation of carbon taxation in the EU
The Economic and Financial Committee addresses a wide range of global finance and economic matters including the promotion of sustained economic growth and sustainable development, and the maintenance of international peace and security.
ECOFIN
NATO
Chairs: Belle Tse, Nicholas Tsang
Topic 1: Addressing the Issues of the Kosovo War
Topic 2: Addressing the issue of the trafficking of CBRN materials
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 member states. Established in the aftermath of WWII, NATO is characterised by its collective security system in which member states agree to defend one another in the case of an attack by a third party.
Chairs: Nikaash Daswaney, Brandon Yip
Topic 1: Promoting Security in the Horn of Africa
Topic 2: Addressing the Proliferation of Violent Non-State Actors in the Levant
The Disarmament and International Security Committee deals with disarmament and international security matters. These include the prevention of nuclear war and arms races and a comprehensive programme of disarmament and transparency in armaments.
DISEC
GA
Chairs: Jenna Chu, Mia Lee
Topic 1: Ensuring safe access to active euthanasia and physician assisted suicide
Topic 2: Addressing the challenges to conserve biodiversity and protect endangered species
The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. It serves as its main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ. It receives reports from other parts of the UN system, making recommendations through resolutions.
Chairs: Ashley Wong, Ka Ho Cheung, Gianna Kwok
Topic 1: Addressing Honour Crimes and Femicide
Topic 2: Addressing the status of women in Afghanistan
The Commission on the Status of Women is the chief UN organ promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. It congregates to evaluate progress gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and advancement of women worldwide.
CSW
USS
Chairs: Ava Au Yeung, Kate Jung
Topic 1: Discussing the impeachment proceedings against President Trump
Topic 2: Combatting Domestic Disinformation Campaigns
The United States Senate is the upper chamber of the United States Congress. It plays a role in the passage of federal legislation; it also confirms presidential appointments and provides a vital check and balance on the powers of the executive and judicial branches of government.
Featured Committees
BEGINNER COUNCILS
Chairs: Sander Day, Aastha Sethy
Topic 1: Examining the right to development in developing countries
Topic 2: Evaluating child marriage and child marriage laws globall
The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) is one of the UN General Assembly's main committees, focusing on social, humanitarian, and cultural issues. It addresses human rights, social development, and cultural preservation, promoting the rights of women, children, and marginalized groups. SOCHUM fosters international cooperation to enhance policies aimed at improving global well-being and social justice.
Chairs: Andrew Zeng, Vanessa Chan
Topic 1: Addressing the Global Issue of Statelessnes
Topic 2: Addressing the issue of Environmental Racism
The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. It serves as its main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ. It receives reports from other parts of the UN system, making recommendations through resolutions.
Chairs: Ines Baud, Angelina Au Yueng
Topic 1: Addressing Overpopulation in Africa and its Economic and Social Implications
Topic 2: Addressing income disparities and increasing access to financial services to promote equitable development in Africa
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is a key UN organ that coordinates the economic and social work of 15 specialized agencies and commissions. It focuses on promoting sustainable development, addressing social issues like poverty and education, and fostering international economic cooperation. ECOSOC plays a vital role in shaping global policies and facilitating dialogue among member states and stakeholders to advance economic and social progress.
Chairs: Alicia Leung, Kayle Ho
Topic 1: The Prevalence Of Drug Trafficking
Topic 2: Mitigating The Impact Of The Opioid Epidemic
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is an agency focused on combating drugs, crime, and terrorism. It promotes international cooperation, assists member states in addressing drug trafficking and organized crime, and supports the implementation of relevant UN conventions. UNODC also conducts research and provides policy guidance to enhance global security and justice.
INTERMEDIATE COUNCILS
Chairs: Alco Chan, Anne Ellis
Topic 1: Discussing the ethical and social implications of the emergence of novel medical technologies
Topic 2: Assessing the considerations to harnessing frontier technologies in sustainable development
Specially chosen for VSAMUNXIV to fit the theme of "Catalyst".
The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) advises the UN Economic and Social Council on leveraging science and technology for sustainable development. It promotes innovation, addresses the digital divide, and facilitates dialogue among member states to shape policies that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Chairs: Ian Poon, Isaac Chan
Topic 1: Addressing the Refugee Crisis Arising from the Darién Gap
Topic 2: Discussing the Northwest Passage and its Implications for Global Security
The Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), also known as the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, focuses on issues related to disarmament, global security, and arms control. It addresses challenges such as nuclear disarmament, conventional weapons, and the prevention of armed conflict. DISEC facilitates discussions among member states to promote international peace and security through cooperation, negotiation, and the formulation of treaties.
Chairs: Rose Lyden, Ann Ann Leung
Topic 1: Responding to 'Equilibrium' Within Northern Ireland
Topic 2: Reassessing EU’s Role as the Liberal International Order
The European Union (EU) Committee at the United Nations represents the collective interests of EU member states in UN discussions and negotiations. It focuses on promoting peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development while addressing global challenges such as climate change, migration, and humanitarian crises. The EU Committee works to enhance cooperation between the EU and the UN, ensuring that the EU's policies and priorities are reflected in international deliberations and initiatives.
ADVANCE COUNCILS
Chairs: Alexander Nolens-Liu, Kush Zingade
Topic 1: Addressing the ongoing territorial Kashmir conflict
The Security Council (SC) is one of the six main organs of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has the authority to make binding decisions on member states, including imposing sanctions and authorizing the use of force to address threats to peace. The Security Council comprises 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power, and it plays a crucial role in conflict resolution, peacekeeping operations, and addressing global security challenges.
Chairs: Ethan Lam, Chenming Song, Jay So
Topic 1: The Secession Crisis of 1860-61
The United Nations Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (USS) focuses on decolonization issues. It addresses the rights of people in non-self-governing territories, promotes self-determination, and provides recommendations to enhance the well-being of affected populations in line with the UN Declaration on Decolonization.