Committee Topics

In West Africa, particularly in countries such as Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and the Central African Republic, belief in witchcraft and black magic remains deeply entrenched. Over 50% of the population in this region subscribes to these beliefs. This cultural context significantly influences the lives of children, especially those perceived as different due to physical or mental conditions.

Children who are most commonly accused of being witches often suffer from various physical or mental abnormalities. These include conditions such as handicaps, albinism, and being from single-parent households. The societal stigma surrounding these conditions often leads to accusations of witchcraft, which can have devastating consequences for the children involved. Accusations of witchcraft typically stem from community leaders, who may be extremist religious figures or local elites. These leaders exploit superstitions and fears within the community, often for personal gain or to reinforce their own authority. Their influence can lead to severe ostracism and abuse of the accused children.

Despite being a niche issue, the international community, led by organizations such as the United Nations, has recognized the gravity of child witchcraft accusations. Key UN bodies working to address this problem include the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children (SRSG VAC). These organizations focus on protecting the rights of children, advocating for their welfare, and working towards eradicating harmful practices rooted in superstition and ignorance. Efforts to combat the issue involve both advocacy and practical interventions. The UN works to raise awareness about the harmful impact of witchcraft accusations on children, promote legal reforms to protect vulnerable children, and support local initiatives aimed at education and community engagement. However, challenges persist due to deep-seated cultural beliefs and the powerful role of community leaders who perpetuate these practices.

In this committee, delegates will be tasked with tackling maritime piracy in international waters. Throughout history, maritime piracy has consistently remained a pressing issue, with piracy still remaining an issue today. From pirates attacking ships on important trade routes throughout the 18th century to piracy coinciding with organized crime in the 21st century, delegates will focus on better understanding how piracy has evolved over time. With maritime shipping and the logistics industry still playing an important role in the global economy today, this committee will touch on a wide range of factors associated with piracy. This committee will focus on the root causes of piracy, and the sociopolitical context that enable piracy to thrive in certain regions of the world. Delegates will examine the social, economic, and security implications of maritime piracy and work together to create cross-border solutions that will be beneficial for the global community.

With climate change leading the UN agenda, and conditions worsening, it is important to discuss how to sustainably develop and produce technologies that are going to be needed for an environmentally friendly transition. The challenges are seen with the increasing energy demand across developing nations and an imbalance of sustainable development and access to environmentally friendly technologies.

Therefore, UNEP will aim to develop ways in which raw materials can be more sustainably sourced and equitably distributed, while also aiming to create ways in which nations can work together to develop and transfer environmentally friendly technologies to developing nations. The goal of delegates is to work together to not only create ways in which all nations can benefit from eco-friendly technologies, but also how to protect developing countries from exploitation of raw materials and unsustainable extraction processes. These two components are essential for transitioning to a carbon neutral economy across the globe while protecting the environment in the process.

The global trend toward an aging population has undeniable and wide-ranging ripple effects across nations, presenting both key opportunities and new pressures. The strain this demographic shift may place on existing systems is notable on an international scale, potentially exacerbating healthcare disparities and socioeconomic divides.

The approaches to supporting current structures are varied and must take complex interactions and regional contexts into account. Given the growing pertinence of this development, it is crucial that nations take a multi-pronged strategy toward targeting social security, community-based and preventative health services, and employment opportunities. Throughout the committee, delegates may delve into topics such as the evolution of workforce distribution and responsibilities, mitigating and combating the risk of non-communicable diseases, and strategic community planning and urban infrastructure development. Delegates will also explore the integration of novel technological advancements that leverage AI and robotics to maximize the efficacy of and supplement established systems, ameliorating accessible and proactive care for all citizens as this trend continues. It will be the primary value of this committee to balance seeking to understand the nuances of national and local environments while fostering inclusive growth globally.

Every child was the right to a proper education — not only for their personal benefit by fostering critical thinking and skill development, but also for the enhancement of civic engagement, improvement of societal living standards, and macroeconomic growth.

South and East Asia is a region which homes some of the most acclaimed educational systems in the world — namely those in China, Singapore, and Japan — as well as some that still fall significantly short from full filling the needs of their population — such as those in India and Pakistan. Disparities within and across countries continue to pose a threat to the attainment of the 4th Goal of Sustainable Development. Technology is both revolutionizing education and racing it on a competition against human capital, yet there are still numerous regions which have either very limited or no access to technology at all. Likewise, a wide range of humanitarian crises hinder the ability for children to attend school: gender inequality holds back young girls in Pakistan; child labor impedes educational attainment in India; armed conflicts, safety concerns, forced migration and overpopulation — which leads to inefficient child-to-teacher ratios that negatively impact students — are all important areas of debate when facing the issue.

The UNESCO Task Force for Addressing Educational Challenges in South and East Asia will focus on studying the present and analyzing the past in order to create innovative and feasible solutions. Receiving an education characterized by quality and inclusivity is a cornerstone for building a better future — one that where a child’s smile can thrive.

The well-being of children remains a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. Yet, millions of children continue to face severe challenges that threaten their health, safety, and future opportunities. Among the most pressing issues are malnutrition and child marriage—two crises deeply rooted in poverty, inequality, and systemic failures. As the United Nations agency dedicated to advocating for children’s rights, SOCHUM plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing humanitarian aid, shaping policy, and working with governments to implement sustainable solutions. This committee will focus on strengthening international efforts to protect children and ensure a healthier, more secure future for the next generation.

Child malnutrition is a critical problem in today's world, and ongoing conflicts, climate change, and economic instability have exacerbated food insecurity for millions of children. Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a leading cause of child mortality, particularly in regions affected by war, displacement, and natural disasters. This committee will explore strategies to strengthen food aid distribution, improve access to Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs), and develop long-term solutions (e.g. school feeding programs).

Child marriage is a serious human rights violation influenced by factors such as poverty and inadequate civil registration systems. While girls are disproportionately affected, it remains a grave issue for all children affected. Ending child marriage is the only way to prevent its consequences, yet states continue to allow the practice. Delegates should propose diverse solutions, advocating for international cooperation and sustainable reforms to ensure the complete eradication of child marriage and the protection of children’s rights worldwide.

Latin America (LATAM) trade has grown 26-fold in the past 21 years according to the World Economic Forum — with the balance of trade growing by $433 billion since 2020. (Committee on Foreign Affairs, 2022). From 2013 to 2023, BRI countries in Africa saw a 47 percent increase in construction contracts and a whopping 114 percent increase in investments. (Nedopil, 2023) A significant amount of research indicates the positive potential for international Global South collaboration on climate finance and renewable energy projects, while critical stakeholders argue that international investments is a "major driver" of environmental degradation. Nearly 65% of energy engagement investments was comprised of fossil fuels, raising concerns about adherence to global climate goals and sustainability regulations. (Wang 2023)

From NGO concerns of violations of environmental regulations by investors in infrastructure and energy sectors across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, to reports of exploitative agricultural exports at the cost of domestic food insecurity, to the construction of dams, ports, and mines has incited significant concern. What is the best path forward for environmental protection, sovereignty, and justice in the context of ever-expanding investment by other countries in the Global South?

In an era of accelerating climate change, the transition to a green and sustainable global economy has become one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. Rising global temperatures, biodiversity loss, and increasing extreme weather events are putting pressure on governments and industries to adopt renewable energy, sustainable industrial practices, and climate adaptation strategies. Developed nations face mounting pressure to reduce emissions and provide financial and technological support, while developing countries struggle to balance environmental goals with economic growth and energy security. Global initiatives such as the European Union’s Green Deal, China’s renewable investments, and the World Bank’s climate programs have accelerated progress but also raised concerns over economic dependency, environmental justice, and national sovereignty. As the world navigates this critical shift, a key question emerges: how can the global community drive a green transition that is equitable, sustainable, and beneficial for all nations?

Delegates in the UNFCCC (COP30) – Green Transition: A World’s Effort for a Better Future will engage in a high-stakes debate on how to accelerate the global shift toward sustainability. Taking place just a couple months before COP30 in Brazil, this committee gives delegates a rare opportunity to anticipate the issues that world leaders will soon debate. Delegates must address the political, economic, and technological dimensions of the green transition while balancing the interests of developed, emerging, and vulnerable nations. Success will depend on crafting innovative and enforceable policies that reflect the urgency of the climate crisis while considering the developmental needs of all nations. Through strategic negotiation and consensus-building, delegates will seek to shape a more sustainable and just global future.

In an age of rapid globalization, the development of infrastructure in emerging economics has become a defining challenge for sustainable growth and stability, particularly in third-world countries. Across the developing world, the lack of efficient infrastructure (i.e. energy, transportation, connection to the digital world) hinders the ability for a country to achieve economic progress, social equity, and overall quality of life. Efforts to address these gaps often come with significant geopolitical and ethical concerns.

The expansion of infrastructure in developing nations has largely been shaped by foreign investment, with global superpowers and international organizations playing a pivotal role. Initiatives such as the China's Belt and Road Initiative, the United States' Build Back Better World (B3W), and the World Bank's development projects have accelerated modernizations efforts in developing countries, but also raised concerns around economic dependency, environmental sustainability, and national sovereignty. As developing countries navigate these opportunities and challenges, a question is raised: how can infrastructure investment be mobilized in a way that fosters long-term growth, but also is ethical and equitable?

Delegates in the "Commission on Science and Technology for Development" will engage in a thought-provoking discussion on infrastructure expansion in developing nations and explore strategies to balance foreign investment and national autonomy. The committee will examine approaches to how infrastructural investment is sustainable, transparent, and aligned with the needs of local populations. By fostering international cooperation and promoting responsible investment, delegates will work together towards solutions that empower developing nations, while representing the views of their delegation; and will build resilient, independent, and thriving societies.

The Sudanese Civil War is one of many examples that highlight the unstable political landscape that Africa has faced for decades. With this war culminating from years of coups and violence, tensions have affected Sudan and the surrounding states in numerous ways.

Millions of Sudanese are trapped in homes and many have become refugees, causing nearby states to adapt for their increasing populations. While the UN and other intercontinental bodies have intervened in the past, negotiations and peace talks have been unsuccessful. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, delegates to the African Union will attempt to use intracontinental cooperation to solve this conflict from a humanitarian, cultural, and political point of view. By working collaboratively and embodying the African Union’s mantra: African Solutions to African Problems, delegates will seek to utilize their collective resources to usher in a new wave of peace in Sudan. Addressing the civil war in Sudan is not only a matter of peace but a matter of long-term stability and growth for Sudan and for Africa as a whole.

It is January 9, 1964, and tensions in Panama have reached a breaking point. Earlier today, a group of Panamanian students marched toward the U.S.-controlled Canal Zone, carrying their national flag with the intent of raising it alongside the American flag at Balboa High School. But instead of a symbolic gesture of unity, the moment unraveled into chaos. The Panamanian flag was torn, and clashes between students, Panamanian civilians, and U.S. residents of the Zone quickly escalated. What began as a peaceful protest has ignited violent riots across Panama City, leaving casualties on both sides and plunging the nation into crisis.

The events of this day—remembered in Panama as Día de los Mártires—mark a turning point in the country’s long struggle for sovereignty. Decades of resentment toward U.S. control over the canal and the zone have exploded into widespread unrest. As the violence spreads, the world watches closely. The strategic importance of the Panama Canal for global trade cannot be overstated, and the future of U.S.–Latin American relations hangs in the balance.

In this hybrid crisis–General Assembly committee, delegates will step into a volatile moment in history. The events of January 9 have just occurred, and no one knows what happens next. Will Panama demand full control of the Canal? Will the U.S. double down on its authority? Will regional powers or international bodies intervene? Delegates must react to rapid developments, negotiate resolutions, and ultimately decide the course of history.

The future of Panama—and of the Canal itself—is now in your hands.

Committee topic coming soon.

The Treaty of Fontainebleau in 1814 saw the abdication of Emperor Napoleon I and his exile to the island of Elba, as King Louis XVIII of the Bourbon dynasty was placed on the French throne. Europe believed the era of French conquest to be over, and the other great powers of the continent turned their attention to the Congress of Vienna and began to imagine a new future of Europe. Napoleon would not be so easily pushed aside; by March 1st, 1815, Napoleon had made his way back onto the French metropole. Twenty days later, he had effectively reclaimed the French Empire for himself.

Delegates will participate in the politics and war making of this chaotic period in the history of France, and of Europe in general. As Napoleon's generals, counselors, advisors, and administrators, the fate of the French Empire will be in the hands of this committee. Will France crumble under the collective might of the Seventh Coalition? Or will Napoleon's dynasty see a resurgence like none other?

The global financial system is undergoing significant transformation as China, BRICS nations, and emerging economies seek alternatives to U.S. dollar dominance. The expansion of BRICS+, de-dollarized trade settlements, and the rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) like China’s digital yuan (e-CNY) challenge the existing financial order. As BRICS explores alternative financial mechanisms, including a potential common currency and trade systems outside of SWIFT, global institutions must respond to monetary fragmentation, financial stability risks, and new economic power shifts.

Rising protectionism and economic nationalism are accelerating this shift. President Donald Trump’s 2025 tariffs—including a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods—have deepened trade tensions and reinforced concerns over weaponized interdependence, where existing financial and trade networks are leveraged for geopolitical gain. As major economies seek to shield themselves from U.S. economic influence, de-dollarization has become not just a financial strategy but a geopolitical necessity. Countries are expanding non-dollar trade agreements, cross-border CBDCs, and alternative financial institutions to reduce their exposure to the dollar-dominated system, setting the stage for a forthcoming multipolar financial order in which the WTO must adapt to uphold a rules-based trade system.