2024 Committees
How much preparation will I have to do before the conference?
The more research and preparation the better! But as a rule of thumb, you should be able to participate in the debate as long as you have done a minimum of 4–5 hours of research on top of reading the background guide.
What do the different difficulty levels indicate about the committees?
We have geared this year’s committees to cater to different levels. You will be able to see the suggested level for each committee in their description.
Novice committees are general-topic committees, double-delegate (two delegates representing each country), and do not have crisis elements in their rules of procedure.
Intermediate committees are general-topic committees and they also do not have crisis elements in their rules of procedure. Their delegation size might vary across committees.
Advanced committees are single-delegate committees that have specialised topics. They might include crisis elements in their rules of procedure if highlighted in their description.
Experienced committees also have specialised topics, but their delegation sizes vary according to the committee and they always include crisis elements in their rules of procedure.
gENERAL ASSEMBLY (GA)
Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL)
Topic A: Conventions of Territorial Disputes
Topic B: Effective Foreign Aid
Novice Committee - Double Delegate
Prepare to dive into the heart of global politics at the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations: Special Political and Decolonization Committee, set against the backdrop of Oxford University’s esteemed Examination Schools. Delegates will grapple with a myriad of intricate political and decolonization-related issues, navigating the complexities of our modern world.
How big will this committee be?
This is the largest committee of this conference.
How much experience do I need to sign up for this committee?
While delegates of all skill levels are welcome, this committee is well-suited for novice delegates. The double-delegate format allows for more nervous delegates to collaborate with a partner.
How much will I have to speak in this committee?
Due to the large number of delegates, you will likely speak 3-4 times at most per committee session.
How will debate be structured in this committee?
This committee will follow our standard Rules of Procedure.
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL COMMITTEE (ECOFIN)
Topic A: Combatting Tax Evasion and Illicit Financial Flows
Topic B: Government Debt Crisis
Intermediate Committee - Single Delegate
Welcome to ECOFIN, the Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) of the General Assembly. Here, representatives from member states gather to shape economic policy, financial regulation, and fiscal coordination. Join us as we address pressing issues and work towards sustainable economic growth and stability around the world.
How big will this committee be?
This committee will be a large committee.
How much experience do I need to sign up for this committee?
This committee is designed for delegates who are familiar with the basics of MUN, but all skill levels are welcomed. It’s an excellent choice for delegates who have some experience debating in pairs, and would like to try a single-delegation format discussing exciting topics.
How much will I have to speak in this committee?
Due to the large number of delegates, you will likely speak 5-6 times at most per committee session.
How will debate be structured in this committee?
This committee will follow our standard Rules of Procedure.
EConomic and social Council / Regional Bodies (ES)
African Union (AU)
Topic A: Combatting the Spread of Military Coups
Topic B: Sustainability and Threats of Foreign Investment
Intermediate Committee - Double Delegate
Welcome to the African Union (AU), the cornerstone of African unity and progress. As the continent's premier intergovernmental organization, the AU convenes member states to address challenges and pursue opportunities for development and stability. Through collaboration and dialogue, the AU strives to promote peace, economic integration, and social cohesion across Africa.
How big will this committee be?
This will be a medium-sized committee.
How much experience do I need to sign up for this committee?
While delegates of all skill levels are welcome, this committee is designed for delegates who are not entirely unfamiliar with MUN. This committee is an excellent choice for delegates who have some experience debating in pairs, and would like to try a more regional committee.
How much will I have to speak in this committee?
Due to the medium size of this committee, it will likely be more speaking heavy than larger committees, but still less than a traditional crisis. While speaking more is always encouraged, you will only have to speak as much as you are comfortable with in this committee. Stand up and voice your opinions to the uproar of the room, or sit back and wait for your moment to pounce… the decision is up to you!
How will debate be structured in this committee?
This committee will follow our standard Rules of Procedure.
United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD)
Topic A: Equitable Development of New Technologies,
Topic B: Access to Healthcare
Intermediate Committee - Single Delegate
Welcome to the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), where we explore how science and technology can drive global progress. As a vital part of the UN, we foster collaboration and innovation to address pressing challenges, from sustainable development to digital inclusion. Join us as we work towards a brighter future for all through the transformative power of science and technology.
How big will this committee be?
This will be a medium-sized committee.
How much experience do I need to sign up for this committee?
While delegates of all skill levels are welcome, this committee is designed for slightly more experienced delegates looking for a challenge in the form of a specialised committee in the single-delegation format.
How much will I have to speak in this committee?
Due to the medium size of this committee, it will likely be more speaking heavy than larger committees, but still less than a traditional crisis. While speaking more is always encouraged, you will only have to speak as much as you are comfortable with in this committee. Stand up and voice your opinions to the uproar of the room, or sit back and wait for your moment to pounce… the decision is up to you!
How will debate be structured in this committee?
This committee will follow our standard Rules of Procedure.
SPECIALISED AGENCIES, OFFICES, ORGANISATIONS, AND TREATIES (SA)
WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO)
Topic A: Restrictions on the Development and Use of Biowarfare
Topic B: Mitigation of the Effects of Climate Change on Global Health
Novice Committee - Double Delegate
Step into the world of global health diplomacy with the World Health Organization (WHO), where delegates will convene to tackle pressing issues ranging from emerging biotechnologies to promoting health equity. Join us for a dynamic debate at the forefront of international healthcare!
How big will this committee be?
This will be a very large committee.
How much experience do I need to sign up for this committee?
While delegates of all skill levels are welcome, this committee is well-suited for more novice delegates. The double-delegate format allows for more nervous delegates to collaborate with a partner.
How much will I have to speak in this committee?
Due to the large number of delegates, you will likely speak 3-4 times at most per committee session.
How will debate be structured in this committee?
This committee will follow our standard Rules of Procedure.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Marshall Islands v Pakistan, UK and India
Experienced Committee - Single Delegate
Welcome to the esteemed International Court of Justice (ICJ), the pinnacle of global legal authority where nations come together to resolve disputes and uphold international law. As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the ICJ meticulously adjudicates matters between states, ensuring fair and impartial judgments that shape the landscape of international relations.
Within the solemn chambers of the ICJ, legal scholars and diplomats engage in rigorous debates, presenting compelling arguments rooted in the principles of justice and equity. From boundary disputes to issues of sovereignty, the Court navigates a diverse array of cases, playing a vital role in promoting stability, cooperation, and respect for human rights worldwide. As delegates enter this prestigious arena, they embark on a journey of legal scholarship and ethical responsibility, contributing to the advancement of global peace and security through their advocacy for justice and adherence to the rule of law.
How big will this committee be?
This will be a small committee.
How much experience do I need to sign up for this committee?
While delegates of all skill levels are welcome, this committee is designed for more experienced delegates who are looking to try a different format of MUN. This committee is an excellent choice for delegates with experience in Moot Court, Legal committees of MUN, or who have an interest in law.
How much will I have to speak in this committee?
Due to the small size of this committee, it will likely be more speaking heavy than a General Assembly.
How will debate be structured in this committee?
This committee will follow an alternative Rules of Procedure set forth by the International Court of Justice. Delegates will be required to attend one of the two ICJ Rules of Procedure sessions we are hosting to train for this particular format. There will also be an introductory debrief prior to the first committee session. There will be no crisis elements.
THE 30TH SESSION OF THE annual united nations climate change conference (COP30)
Topic A: Involving Indigenous Communities’ Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Topic B: Climate- Induced Conflicts
Intermediate Committee - Single Delegate
Delegates are invited to the Annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, this year held in Oxford University’s Examination Schools! As the world grapples with the urgency of the climate crisis, nations will unite to discuss, negotiate, and innovate their way towards sustainable solutions.
How big will this committee be?
This will be a very large committee.
How much experience do I need to sign up for this committee?
This committee is designed for delegates who are familiar with the basics of MUN, but all skill levels are welcomed. COP30 is an excellent choice for delegates who have some experience debating in pairs, and would like to try a single-delegation format discussing exciting topics.
How much will I have to speak in this committee?
Due to the large number of delegates, you will likely speak 3-4 times at most per committee session.
How will debate be structured in this committee?
This committee will follow our standard Rules of Procedure.
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ)
Topic A: Forceful Policing
Topic B: Media Freedom
Intermediate Committee - Single Delegation
Embrace the challenge of navigating the complexities of global crime prevention and justice at the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ). Assembled at this year's conference, delegates will dive deep into discussions, devising strategies to combat crime and uphold justice on a global scale.
How big will this committee be?
This will be a medium-sized committee.
How much experience do I need to sign up for this committee?
While delegates of all skill levels are welcome, this committee is designed for more experienced delegates looking for a challenge from a more specialised committee in the single-delegation format.
How much will I have to speak in this committee?
Due to the medium size of this committee, it will likely be more speaking heavy than larger committees, but still less than a traditional crisis. While speaking more is always encouraged, you will only have to speak as much as you are comfortable with in this committee. Stand up and voice your opinions to the uproar of the room, or sit back and wait for your moment to pounce… the decision is up to you!
How will debate be structured in this committee?
This committee will follow our standard Rules of Procedure.
Contemporary Crisis: United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
Topic: Peacekeeping
Advanced Committee - Single Delegation
The UNSC will debate both contemporary problems currently affecting the world, as well as fictional crises that might occur without forewarning. Issues brought before the Security Council will be both topical and global - allowing all delegates to take part in debate.
How big will this committee be?
This will be a small committee.
How much experience do I need to sign up for this committee?
This committee is designed for delegates who are very familiar with MUN.
How much will I have to speak in this committee?
Due to the small size of this committee, you should expect a lot of speaking time. If you don’t feel ready for that, try one of our other committees!
How will debate be structured in this committee?
This committee will follow our standard Rules of Procedure , with crisis elements included. One of the main differences would be the Permanent 5 Nation’s extraordinary abilities to influence decisions, standard to UNSC.
SPECIAL COMMITEES
Bridging the Rift - Somalia’s Star of Unity
Topic A: Establishing a New Government
Topic B: Rehabilitating the New Country
Experienced Committee - Triple Delegation
Delegates will negotiate to form a new Somali government as representatives of a number of factions: parties, clans, and governments. But, that’s not it! Each faction will be represented by three delegates, representing individuals within the faction, and the three delegates will have to decide amongst themselves how to act before they can debate with other factions. This introduces another layer of collaboration, debate, and diplomacy. Once a new government is established, there is no telling what plethora of problems they will face, and it will be the delegates’ task to work together and address the issues that may arise
How big will this committee be?
This committee will be a medium-sized committee.
How much experience do I need to sign up for this committee?
This committee is designed for more experienced delegates looking for a challenge in the form of a nuanced committee.
Can I sign up for this committee alone?
Yes. This committee will have a triple-delegate format. Similar to a double-delegate committee, there will be three individuals representing a single “faction” of the Somali political landscape. However, the difference between this and our traditional double-delegate committees is that you can join forces with delegates from other schools for this committee.
How much will I have to speak in this committee?
Due to the nature of the triple delegation, and the fact that delegates will have to come to an agreement within their own delegation first, all delegates will have to speak a significant amount, on par with traditional 15-people crisis committees.
How will debate be structured in this committee?
With its one of a kind triple-delegation system, delegates will have to debate both within their own delegation as well as in the broader committee on behalf of their delegation. The general debate within the broader committee will follow the Rules of Procedure outlined on our website, with potential crisis updates included. This will allow for specific twists to reflect the turbulent environment of the Somali political atmosphere.
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Topic A: What is an Olympian
Topic B: Ethics of the Olympics
Advanced Committee - Single Delegation
Welcome to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the global leader in promoting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. As the guardian of the Olympic Movement, the IOC oversees the organization and staging of the Olympic Games, as well as the development of sports worldwide.
How big will this committee be?
This will be a medium-sized committee.
How much experience do I need to sign up for this committee?
While delegates of all skill levels are welcome, this committee is designed for more experienced delegates looking for a challenge in the form of a specialized committee in the single-delegation format.
How much will I have to speak in this committee?
Due to the medium size of this committee, it will likely be more speaking heavy than larger committees, but still less than a traditional crisis. While speaking more is always encouraged, you will only have to speak as much as you are comfortable with in this committee. Stand up and voice your opinions to the uproar of the room, or sit back and wait for your moment to pounce… the decision is up to you!
How will debate be structured in this committee?
This committee will follow our standard Rules of Procedure.
Historical: The Council of Empress Wu Zetian
Topic A: Power Struggles in the Court
Topic B: Military Conflict with the Nomads
Advanced Committee - Single Delegation
As the advisors to the famous Empress Wu Zetian, the only female ruler of Ancient China, you will face many foes and friends. You will have to debate the approach that the Tang Empire must take to not only survive the foreign threats, but also avoid inner turmoil, in order to build a legacy worth celebrating.
How big will this committee be?
This will be a small committee.
How much experience do I need to sign up for this committee?
This committee is designed for delegates who are at least somewhat familiar with MUN. This committee is an excellent choice for delegates who have previously only debated in traditional conferences before and are looking for a chance to explore the crisis side of MUN.
How much will I have to speak in this committee?
Due to the small size of this committee, it will likely be more speaking more heavily than in a General Assembly. While speaking more is always encouraged, you will only have to speak as much as you are comfortable with in this committee. Stand up and voice your opinions to the uproar of the room, or sit back and wait for your moment to pounce… the decision is up to you!
How will debate be structured in this committee?
The debate will follow a slightly altered version of a traditional Crisis Rules of Procedure, changed to more accurately reflect the Tang Dynasty court debates. The detailed rules of procedure will be included in the background guide, as well as explained in detail during the actual conference.
Ad Hoc Crisis
Topic: To be Revealed
Experienced Committee - Single Delegate
How big will this committee be?
This will be a small committee.
How much experience do I need to sign up for this committee?
While delegates of all skill levels are welcome, this committee is designed for experienced delegates looking for a challenge from a closed crisis (also known as ad hoc) committee, where the topic of debate won’t be revealed until the day of the conference!
How much will I have to speak in this committee?
Due to the small size of this committee, it will be more speaking heavy than a General Assembly. The ad hoc nature will also mean that you have less time to prepare speeches in advance.
How much preparation will I have to do before the conference?
Since you will neither know the topic being debated, nor the individual that you will be representing, you will not have to prepare anything coming into the conference. Due to the small size and ad-hoc nature of this committee though, it will likely cater to more experienced delegates who have a certain degree of confidence with MUN.
How will debate be structured in this committee?
This committee will follow our standard Rules of Procedure, with crisis elements included.