MUN Committee Topic Ideas List
Model United Nations (MUN) conferences offer a variety of topics that extend far beyond the formal bounds of the United Nations itself.
While many MUNs emulate real UN committees dealing with global security, human rights, and environmental challenges, the world of MUN has evolved to cover pretty much anything.
Whether you're simulating a General Assembly committee, tackling historical turning points, or debating the ethics of superhero regulation, MUN is a great way to developing both policy skills and creative problem-solving.
Here is just a small list of the different conference topics you could run into.
General Assembly Committees Topic Ideas
These topics are designed for larger committees with formal procedures and broad debates.
First Committee - Disarmament and International Security (DISEC)
- Cybersecurity and the Prevention of Cyber Warfare: Explore strategies for protecting critical infrastructure and international systems from cyber threats, while balancing national security and personal privacy.
- Regulating the Use of Autonomous Weapon Systems: Debate the ethical, legal, and strategic implications of deploying AI-powered weapons in military conflicts.
- The Role of Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Weapons in International Security: Examine how nuclear capabilities can be managed to maintain global stability while fostering disarmament efforts.
DISEC Press Releases
Second Committee - Economic and Financial (ECOFIN)
- The Impact of Emerging Economies on Global Trade: Discuss the shifting balance of economic power and its effects on global markets, trade policies, and international relations.
- Ensuring Equitable Access to Green Technology: Consider ways to bridge the gap between developed and developing nations in adopting sustainable technologies and practices.
- Debt Relief and Financial Aid for Developing Nations: Address how international financial institutions can balance providing support with fostering economic independence.
ECOFIN Press Releases
Third Committee - Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural (SOCHUM)
- Addressing Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking: Investigate global efforts to combat forced labor and exploitation through legislation, education, and international cooperation.
- Combating Misinformation and Its Impact on Democracies: Develop strategies to mitigate the spread of false information and ensure informed civic participation.
- Gender Equality in STEM Fields: Strategies and Policies: Explore initiatives to close the gender gap in STEM education and careers worldwide.
SOCHUM Press Releases
World Health Organization (WHO)
- Addressing Global Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plans: Examine how international cooperation can improve readiness and response to future pandemics.
- Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in Global Health: Propose measures to combat the misuse of antibiotics and preserve their effectiveness for future generations.
- Mental Health as a Global Priority: Addressing the Crisis: Highlight ways to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health care services globally.
WHO News Page
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Strategies to Combat Climate Change: Renewable Energy Mandates: Assess the feasibility and impact of mandatory renewable energy adoption at the national and international levels.
- Conservation of Biodiversity and Endangered Species Protection: Explore innovative approaches to safeguard ecosystems and species threatened by human activity.
- Global Policies for Reducing Plastic Waste and Ocean Pollution: Advocate for international agreements to reduce plastic waste and protect marine life.
UNEP News Page
UN Environment
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
- Freedom of Press and Journalist Protections Worldwide: Discuss ways to safeguard journalists and uphold press freedom in the face of authoritarian pressures.
- Improving Conditions for Refugees and Displaced Populations: Identify solutions to improve access to resources and rights for displaced individuals worldwide.
- Addressing the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Cultural Preservation: Promote policies to protect indigenous cultures and their rights against external pressures and exploitation.
UN News - Human Rights
Crisis Committee Topics
These topics cater to faster-paced, problem-solving simulations with smaller, more dynamic interactions.
Historical Crisis: Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
Topic Focus: Delegates will tackle the high-stakes diplomatic and military tensions of the Cold War, seeking ways to avert nuclear disaster while maintaining national security.
- Managing the Standoff Between the U.S. and the USSR
- Exploring Diplomatic Solutions to Avoid Nuclear Conflict
Background on the Cuban Missile Crisis
Futuristic Crisis: Water Wars of 2040
Topic Focus: Delegates will confront the geopolitical and technological challenges of managing water scarcity in a world pushed to its environmental limits.
- Navigating Conflicts Over Water Resources in a Drought-Stricken World
- Securing Technological Innovations for Water Purification and Distribution
The Fall of the Roman Empire
Topic Focus: Delegates will dive into the challenges of stabilizing a declining empire, addressing both external threats and internal political chaos.
- Managing the Political Turmoil and Barbarian Invasions
- Securing the Borders and Internal Stability of the Empire
Background on the Roman Empire
Corporate Crisis: Technology Giant’s Data Breach
Topic Focus: Delegates will explore the complexities of responding to a major corporate crisis, balancing ethical obligations with legal and reputational concerns.
- Responding to a Massive Leak of Sensitive User Data
- Navigating Public Relations and Legal Repercussions
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) – Ongoing Conflict Simulation
Topic Focus: Delegates will navigate pressing global security issues, with a focus on preventing escalation and maintaining international peace.
- Responding to an Escalation Between Major World Powers Over Arctic Claims
- De-escalating a Proxy War in a Resource-Rich Region
UNSC News
Alien Contact: First Encounter Crisis
Topic Focus: Delegates will address the unprecedented challenges of first contact with extraterrestrial life, balancing opportunities for collaboration with the risks of conflict.
- Managing Diplomatic Relations and Global Reactions to Extraterrestrial Contact
- Debating Resource Sharing and Technological Exchange
Fun MUN Topics
These are designed for lighthearted, creative sessions or MUN conferences with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Council for the Protection of Magical Creatures (Fantasy World Committee)
- Regulating the Trade of Phoenix Feathers and Unicorn Hair
- The Ethics of Dragon Taming and Conservation
International Wizarding Confederation
- Reforming the Statute of Secrecy After Increased Muggle Awareness
- Establishing Cross-School Quidditch Regulations
The Galactic Senate (Sci-Fi Theme)
- Negotiating Peace Between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire
- Regulating Trade Routes in the Outer Rim
International Superhero Regulation Committee
- Defining Superpower Registration and Liability Laws
- Setting Ethical Standards for Superhuman Intervention
World Council of Ice Cream and Dessert Affairs
- Resolving Disputes Over Global Dessert Trade Quotas
- Introducing a Global Ice Cream Flavor Standardization Initiative
United Nations for Pet Welfare (UNPW)
- Establishing Pet Rights Across Nations
- Combating the International Cat Meme Trade War
Video Game World Leaders Conference
- Forming Alliances Between the Mushroom Kingdom and Hyrule
- Negotiating Peace with Bowser and the Goomba Federation
Final Thoughts
Model UN offers an incredible variety of committee topics, ensuring there’s something to cater to everyone’s interests and ideas. From global crises to niche policy issues, the flexibility of MUN committees allows delegates to engage with subjects they are passionate about.
For conferences looking to brainstorm committee topic ideas, starting with recent news from key UN committees like the Security Council or General Assembly can provide timely and relevant inspiration. With so many possibilities, the right topic can spark meaningful debate and bring fresh perspectives to the table.
