COUNTRIES
China, USA, Russia, India, Germany, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, South Africa, UK, France, Algeria, Singapore, DPRK, Kenya, Morocco, Ghana, Iran, Syria, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela, Argentina, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Cuba
Topic A: Colonization and Militarization of Outer Space
During the Cold War, the USA and USSR made significant development in military technologies. This “Space Race” started with artificial satellites to take images of competing for military powers, but soon developed anti-satellite weapons, and eventually ballistic missiles. These then developed into Intercontinental ballistic missiles, which are launched into sub-orbital spaceflight and could reach and destroy any destination on earth within minutes. With the power of these technologies, a new area of militarization emerged. On the other hand, private companies like SpaceX and Amazon are working towards moving humanity to other planets. Over the past decade, Mars has been the target of colonization by several multinational companies. However, it is not just about settling on another planet, space tourism is an Idea growing in popularity. Though incidents of space warfare, tourism and settlement may seem rare or far fetched, there are space treaties such as the Outer Space Treaty and Space Preservation Treaty help to organize and limit space weaponry, pollution and monopolistic colonization of space. Delegates may discuss the history and development of the militarization of outer space, as well as make use of existing treaties to create further resolutions as to how we can approach the rapid expansion and potential danger of it.
Topic B: The Construction of Artificial Islands and Military Bases in International Waters
Artificial islands are used often for non-military, as well as military purposes. Because these islands are often created in unclaimed international waters, there is a question of legality, purpose, and guidelines as to the creation and use of artificial islands (especially for military use). The islands should technically abide by the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), but its actual position in international law has always been unclear. There are several questions and sub-topics that can be discussed by delegates; formulating a legal definition for artificial islands, the jurisdiction of these islands in international waters, conflicts that use artificial islands as military bases, and the question of whether artificial islands can be considered sovereign territory. Modern projects of land reclamation in the Netherlands, UAE, Qatar can prove that artificial-islands can have other purposes besides military bases, but the main issue lies in the militarization of these man-made islands in international water. For example, the Chinese government-built “Mischief reef” in the South China Sea has sparked controversy whether it will be used for military purposes and the legality of it.
CHAIRS
Silvia
Silvia Mosquera Lago is a second-year student of Sociology, International Relations and Cooperation Development in the Complutense University of Madrid.
Born and raised in Vigo (Galicia, northern Spain), she discovered MUNs when she started college in Madrid. For the past year, she has participated in numerous Conferences as a delegate, Chair, and organizer – but never outside Madrid! AUCMUN will be her first ever international MUN, and she could not be more stoked for it.
Whenever she is not working on academic commitments, you will most likely find her swimming or dancing. Apart from reading about pretty much anything, she also loves working with children.
She is truly looking forward to experiencing everything the Netherlands have to offer, and giving her everything so delegates can have the best experience possible.
Kevin
Distinguished aspiring delegates,
My name is Kevin Sloots, 20 years old and I study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the John Stuart Mill College here in Amsterdam.
I am really excited to be the chair of the 4thCommittee of the GA for two prime reasons: first, I am curious about the topics myself and therefore look forward to the resolution you will come up with. Second, it will be my first time chairing at a conference that is not a training for my delegation, so expect me to be filled with enthusiasm! I always participated in debating competitions during secondary school before I discovered the beauty of model UN in university at which I had the most amazing chairs. They motivated me to become more engaged and experienced in international relations and I’ve taken part in several international conferences so far and will participate in my second World MUN this March at which a similar topic as Topic A will be discussed.
As a chair, I hope to both motivate and teach you in the beauty of the United Nations. As a disclaimer, I will likely be quite strict in adhering to the Rules of Procedures, but don’t worry, I’m in for a lot of fun too!
As for my other hobbies, I am a frequent swimmer at my student swim team; I love the gym and I like to write.