UN Office on Drugs and Crime: Prison Reform
In recent decades, global incarceration rates have reached an unprecedented level. Countries around the world must now reckon with their prisons’ deteriorating conditions and complex legal framework. Overcrowding, health and sanitation issues, insufficient rehabilitative programs, and inequitable application of the law pervade criminal justice systems. As the world scrambles to create a more humane and effective version of justice, one question shines through: can we fix prisons? Today, the answer is up to delegates.
Background Guide
In recent decades, global incarceration rates have reached an unprecedented level. Countries around the world must now reckon with their prisons’ deteriorating conditions and complex legal framework. Overcrowding, health and sanitation issues, insufficient rehabilitative programs, and inequitable application of the law pervade criminal justice systems. As the world scrambles to create a more humane and effective version of justice, one question shines through: can we fix prisons? Today, the answer is up to delegates.
Background Guide
UN Human Rights Council: Sportswashing
From the Olympics to the FIFA World Cup, international sports competitions have always been major sources of national pride. But what happens when the sporting events grow from mere shows of friendly competition to a way for nations to hide dishonorable acts and boost dangerous nationalism? Together, delegates will work to find creative and efficient measures to mitigate the scale of sportswashing.
Background Guide
From the Olympics to the FIFA World Cup, international sports competitions have always been major sources of national pride. But what happens when the sporting events grow from mere shows of friendly competition to a way for nations to hide dishonorable acts and boost dangerous nationalism? Together, delegates will work to find creative and efficient measures to mitigate the scale of sportswashing.
Background Guide
UN Office for Outer Space Affairs:
Combating Cosmic Tensions
Sixty-one years after the first manned mission outside of Earth’s atmosphere, humanity continues to explore the new frontier of space. While the exploration of space promises great triumph and glory, it also brings unknown dangers to mankind. With technology advancing and as both governments and private companies expand the scope of their missions to the rest of our solar system, it becomes necessary to regulate how these various institutions operate in space. The job of delegates will be to work together to draft treaties and regulations regarding satellites, celestial bodies, manned missions, and the militarization of space. Remember, one small step for man is a giant leap for mankind.
Background Guide
Combating Cosmic Tensions
Sixty-one years after the first manned mission outside of Earth’s atmosphere, humanity continues to explore the new frontier of space. While the exploration of space promises great triumph and glory, it also brings unknown dangers to mankind. With technology advancing and as both governments and private companies expand the scope of their missions to the rest of our solar system, it becomes necessary to regulate how these various institutions operate in space. The job of delegates will be to work together to draft treaties and regulations regarding satellites, celestial bodies, manned missions, and the militarization of space. Remember, one small step for man is a giant leap for mankind.
Background Guide
Commission on Science and Technology for Development: The Microchip Future
Our lives are governed by microchips whose ubiquity and speed are increasing exponentially. About one trillion microchips are produced each year globally with little to no restrictions on this innovative technology seen in nearly all products like smart phones, cars, and life-saving medical equipment. Microchip shortages, hyper-concentration of manufacturing, uneven global access, use in autonomous vehicles and weapons of war, and the unknown dangers of artificial intelligence will no doubt shape the next few decades of human history. What role can the global community and the United Nations play in guiding the responsible production, use, and distribution of microchips? What can each country do to “chip in” and help mold our digital future?
Background Guide
Our lives are governed by microchips whose ubiquity and speed are increasing exponentially. About one trillion microchips are produced each year globally with little to no restrictions on this innovative technology seen in nearly all products like smart phones, cars, and life-saving medical equipment. Microchip shortages, hyper-concentration of manufacturing, uneven global access, use in autonomous vehicles and weapons of war, and the unknown dangers of artificial intelligence will no doubt shape the next few decades of human history. What role can the global community and the United Nations play in guiding the responsible production, use, and distribution of microchips? What can each country do to “chip in” and help mold our digital future?
Background Guide
Historical Security Council: 1974 Cypriot War
The year is 1974. Cyprus is a nation divided by ethnic lines, with Greek and Turkish nationalists battling over who is to control the country’s government. In July, Greek-Cypriot, right-wing extremists, backed by Greece’s military junta, staged a coup against the moderate President Makarios. In his place, Nikos Sampson, a pro-Greek-unification politician and nationalist, ascends to the office of president. Now Turkey is preparing to stage a counter-revolution against the new government. Will the Security Council be able to negotiate a peaceful end to the conflict, or will the violence in Cyprus continue without an end in sight?
Background Guide
The year is 1974. Cyprus is a nation divided by ethnic lines, with Greek and Turkish nationalists battling over who is to control the country’s government. In July, Greek-Cypriot, right-wing extremists, backed by Greece’s military junta, staged a coup against the moderate President Makarios. In his place, Nikos Sampson, a pro-Greek-unification politician and nationalist, ascends to the office of president. Now Turkey is preparing to stage a counter-revolution against the new government. Will the Security Council be able to negotiate a peaceful end to the conflict, or will the violence in Cyprus continue without an end in sight?
Background Guide
Joint Crisis Committee: The Troubles
The Irish Republican Army:
The year is 1979. Margaret Thatcher has only been in office for three months, and the Irish Republican Army has once again been called to arms as Thatcher brings a more militaristic opposition to the freedom of Northern Ireland. To send the English a message, you’ve just bombed the boat of Lord Mountbatten, killing him and three others. After the death of this symbol of British pride while he was gallivanting through Ireland, Britain’s anger and resolve to crush your movement only grows. It is up to you to bring about the reunification of Ireland. The Troubles seem to have only just begun. Our day will come.
Background Guide
The year is 1979. Margaret Thatcher has only been in office for three months, and the Irish Republican Army has once again been called to arms as Thatcher brings a more militaristic opposition to the freedom of Northern Ireland. To send the English a message, you’ve just bombed the boat of Lord Mountbatten, killing him and three others. After the death of this symbol of British pride while he was gallivanting through Ireland, Britain’s anger and resolve to crush your movement only grows. It is up to you to bring about the reunification of Ireland. The Troubles seem to have only just begun. Our day will come.
Background Guide
The United Kingdom:
The year is 1979. Margaret Thatcher formed a government in Her Majesty’s name not more than three months ago. The terrorists in Ireland are once again calling for Northern Ireland to leave the United Kingdom, and their voices have only gotten stronger and more violent. The vicious assassination of Lord Mountbatten—a British war hero, cousin to the Queen, and mentor to Prince Charles—must not go unpunished. It is your job to ensure the region remains under British control and the rebels are snuffed out. The Troubles seem to have only just begun. God save the Queen.
Background Guide
The year is 1979. Margaret Thatcher formed a government in Her Majesty’s name not more than three months ago. The terrorists in Ireland are once again calling for Northern Ireland to leave the United Kingdom, and their voices have only gotten stronger and more violent. The vicious assassination of Lord Mountbatten—a British war hero, cousin to the Queen, and mentor to Prince Charles—must not go unpunished. It is your job to ensure the region remains under British control and the rebels are snuffed out. The Troubles seem to have only just begun. God save the Queen.
Background Guide