MUNprep Research Resources Database

Introduction

Welcome to the MUNprep Research Resource Database! This guide is designed to help Model UN delegates find credible, well-sourced information efficiently. It contains a curated list of websites, databases, and journals that can provide everything from background guides to in-depth analyses of specific topics. Here’s how to make the most of it:

How to Use the Database

1. Filter by Resource Type

• Background Guides: These resources provide foundational knowledge on various global issues and topics that are commonly debated at MUN conferences.

• UN Documents & Reports: These resources provide official UN resolutions, reports, and recommendations on specific issues.

• Academic Journals: Use these for in-depth analysis, data, and insights on complex issues.

• News Outlets: Use these to stay updated on current events and emerging issues.

• Statistics Databases: Use these for accurate data to support your arguments.

2. Search by Topic

• Type in keywords like “climate change,” “refugee crisis,” or “gender equality” to see a list of recommended sources.

3. Review Source Ratings

• Each resource comes with a rating based on credibility, depth, and ease of use. The ratings range from 1-5 stars:

  • 5 Stars: Highly reliable, comprehensive, and user-friendly.

  • 4 Stars: Reliable with good depth.

  • 3 Stars: Reliable but may have limited scope.

  • 2 Stars: Supplementary sources; cross-check recommended.

  • 1 Star: Not recommended as primary sources; use with caution.

Categories of Reliable Resources

1. UN Documents & Reports

• UN Digital Library ★★★★★

  • Access UN resolutions, reports, and meeting records from various committees, including the General Assembly and Security Council.

• UN iLibrary ★★★★★

  • Offers a wide range of UN publications, including in-depth analysis and data.

• ReliefWeb ★★★★☆

  • Provides reports on humanitarian issues and crises, with UN and NGO insights.

2. Academic Journals

• JSTOR ★★★★★

  • A vast collection of peer-reviewed articles on a range of international topics, ideal for deep research.

• Google Scholar ★★★★☆

  • A free search engine for scholarly articles, papers, and theses across various topics.

• SSRN ★★★★☆

  • Offers research papers on international relations, economics, and law.

3. News Outlets

• BBC News ★★★★★

  • Comprehensive international coverage with special reports on global issues.

• Reuters ★★★★☆

  • A global news outlet that provides up-to-date reports on current events.

• The Guardian Global Development ★★★★☆

  • Focuses on development issues, human rights, and global politics.

4. Statistics Databases

• World Bank Data ★★★★★

  • Offers global statistics on economic development, education, poverty, and more.

• UNESCO Institute for Statistics ★★★★☆

  • Provides data on education, science, culture, and sustainable development.

• UN Data ★★★★☆

  • A comprehensive database with statistics on global issues, including health, education, and economics.

Additional Research Resources by Common MUN Subject Areas

1. Human Rights

• Human Rights Watch ★★★★★

  • Comprehensive reports on human rights abuses and policy recommendations globally.

• Amnesty International ★★★★☆

  • Up-to-date news, campaigns, and reports on human rights issues worldwide.

• OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) ★★★★★

  • Official UN reports, guidelines, and case studies on human rights.

2. Climate Change & Environment

• IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) ★★★★★

  • Scientific reports and assessments on climate change impacts and solutions.

• UN Environment Programme (UNEP) ★★★★☆

  • Resources on environmental issues, sustainable development, and climate policies.

• Climate Action Tracker ★★★★☆

  • Independent analysis of government climate actions versus the Paris Agreement targets.

3. Refugees & Migration

• UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) ★★★★★

  • Data, reports, and news on global refugee and migration issues.

• IOM (International Organization for Migration) ★★★★☆

  • Information on migration policies, statistics, and trends.

• Migration Policy Institute ★★★★☆

  • Analysis and data on international migration and displacement trends.

4. Global Health

• World Health Organization (WHO) ★★★★★

  • Research, reports, and data on global health issues and policies.

• Global Health Council ★★★★☆

  • Insights and reports on international health initiatives and crises.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Global Health ★★★★☆

  • Resources on infectious diseases, health promotion, and emergency responses.

5. Economic Development

• World Bank Open Knowledge Repository ★★★★★

  • Comprehensive data and research on economic development, poverty reduction, and policy solutions.

• OECD iLibrary ★★★★☆

  • In-depth reports and data on economic growth, education, and sustainable development.

• IMF (International Monetary Fund) Data ★★★★☆

  • Economic data, reports, and analysis on global financial systems and economic stability.

6. Peace & Security

• UN Peacekeeping ★★★★★

  • Official information on current and past UN peacekeeping operations, mandates, and results.

• Global Conflict Tracker ★★★★☆

  • Updated information on global conflicts and security crises.

• Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) ★★★★☆

  • Research on global arms control, conflict management, and international peace efforts.

7. Women & Gender Issues

• UN Women ★★★★★

  • Reports, data, and updates on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

• The Gender Data Portal (World Bank) ★★★★☆

  • Global gender statistics and indicators across sectors like education, health, and economy.

• Equality Now ★★★★☆

  • Advocacy reports on gender-based violence, legal equality, and women's rights globally.

8. Education

• UNESCO ★★★★★

  • Data, reports, and initiatives on global education systems and policies.

• Education Cannot Wait ★★★★☆

  • Resources on education in emergencies and crisis-affected areas.

• Global Partnership for Education ★★★★☆

  • Information on global efforts to improve education access and quality.

9. Water & Sanitation

• UN Water ★★★★★

  • Reports and resources on water-related challenges, policies, and progress.

• Water.org ★★★★☆

  • Research on global access to clean water and sanitation.

• World Water Council ★★★★☆

  • Insights and data on global water management and policies.

Tips for Effective Research

1. Cross-Verify Information: Always check facts across multiple sources.

2. Use Advanced Search Options: Use filters and advanced searches for more targeted results.

3. Stay Updated: Check the news section regularly to stay informed about ongoing developments.

4. Organize Your Research: Use research binders or digital tools to organize and annotate resources.