English Committees

Every year MEDMUN includes three English committees. In these committees delegates have the chance to showcase their research, and debate skills in an atmosphere similar to that of the UN. The topics discussed in the committees transcend a variety of disciplines and points of views. 

English committees for MEDMUN 2022 have been announced, specific topics and background guides will be announced soon. 

Topic 1: The effects of climate change on natural resources and politics in the MENA region, 2019

Climate change is inextricably linked to the Middle East in that it is to a significant extent caused by the carbon emissions from Middle Eastern oil and natural gas production and external consumption. On the other hand, how is the Middle East linked to climate change? What consequences do Middle East and North African countries face due to the consequences of climate change? A committee dedicated to Environmental Protection looks at the bilateral connections between MENA nations and peoples and the continuing detriment of the environment, partially caused by these same MENA nations. Note: This is a historical council set in 2019. Delegates may not use any information or documents stemming from after 2019. Copying the real-world resolution that was reached on this issue is strongly discouraged.

Topic 2: The future of carbon emissions and natural–gas-dependency in relation to SDG7. 

Multiple MENA nations are dependent on natural gas and oil. In a world that aims to consume less of these, in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), how will these nations be affected? How will oil and natural gas-exporting nations support their economies when oil and natural gas consumption decreases globally? The United Nations Environment Program looks at this issue, acknowledging that its goal, the protection of the environment, is having detrimental effects on the economies of numerous states.

Topic 1: The Khartoum Massacre (2019)

To disperse a sit-in protest in the Sudanese capital, the governing military junta shot and killed more than 100 civilians on June 3, 2019. Many of the bodies were thrown in the Nile river by the military forces. As a consequence, the exact number of victims is unknown and estimated between 108 (confirmed deaths) and 130 (high estimates). Following this incident, Sudan’s membership at the African Union was suspended. In the midst of a transition of power, the Economic and Social Council meets especially in regards to the Social aspects of its mandate. How can the Council aid the Sudanese people? Does it have the responsibility to sanction its government the way the African Union did? What is the future of Sudan in the international community? Note: This is a historical council set in 2019. Delegates may not use any information or documents stemming from after 2019. Copying real-world resolutions that were reached on this issue is strongly discouraged.

Topic 2: The issue of COVID vaccine distribution in areas of conflict and extremist states (2021).

The COVID-19 pandemic has been ravaging the world for almost 2 years. Since the approval of various COVID-19 vaccines earlier this year, infection rates have been steadily declining as vaccination rates have been rising. One obstacle has made itself clear since the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines began: access to vaccines for civilians in areas of conflict and areas under the control of extremist states. This is an important issue as the COVID-19 pandemic will not reach its conclusion until people all over the world receive the necessary vaccine. Since some nations struggling with internal conflicts may be unable to provide its citizens with vaccines, the Economic and Social Council convenes to discuss possible solutions. Note: This is a historical council set in 2021. Delegates may not use any information or documents stemming from after 2021. Copying any real-world resolutions that were reached on this issue is strongly discouraged. 

Topic 1: Ghouta Chemical Attack (2013)

On August 21, 2013, rebel-controlled suburbs of Damascus were hit by chemical attacks containing the deadly toxic nerve agent Sarin. The estimated number of deaths lies between 281 and 1,729, depending on the source. This incident, in the height of the Syrian civil war, is part of a long series of human rights abuses. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic  was established by the Human Rights Council in 2011 to research alleged Human Rights Abuses in Syria. As a result of this chemical attack of dramatic proportions, the United Nations’ Human Rights Council convenes to discuss how such abuses can be avoided in the future. What sanctions will Syria face as a consequence of this attack? What can the international community do as a response to this attack on the small scale, and the effects of the Syrian Civil War in general, on the large scale? Note: This is a historical council set in 2013. Delegates may not use any information or documents stemming from after 2013. Copying real-world resolutions that were reached on this issue is strongly discouraged.

The Kafala (Sponsorship) System:

The Kafala or Sponsorship System is an institutionalized system by which migrant workers move to countries, notably Gulf countries, where they are sent to work under unfavorable conditions, sometimes having their passports or other documents confiscated. This system is strongly ingrained into these countries’ societies and many local families have domestic workers working full-time. The United Nations’ Human Rights Council convenes to discuss how this issue can be addressed. The HRC must remember that it cannot dictate the internal politics of any one country. Can this system, with such an extensive history and role in society be tackled?

The Qatari Diplomatic Crisis and Blockade (2017)

A tight alliance of Arab Countries, united by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab Union, fell apart virtually overnight in early June of 2017. A dozen former allies blockade Qatar and cut diplomatic ties. Justified by accusing Qatar of financing terrorism, the diplomatic crisis is currently raging during this session of the Security Council, which is set in 2017. Note: This is a historical council set in June 2017. Delegates may not use any information or documents stemming from after June 2017. Copying the real-world resolution that was reached on this issue (al-'Ula declaration) is strongly discouraged.

Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts:

Following the September 11 attacks, the United States declared war on terror. Two decades later, terrorism poses a veritable threat to international peace and security. Can international cooperation with states affected by, and states supporting, terrorist groups decrease this threat? Is military or humanitarian intervention necessary? The Security Council convenes to discuss these and other possible solutions to the issue posed by terrorist agents to international peace and security.