Cabinets

Cabinet committees offer our most dynamic experience through continuous crisis and full immersion within CIMUN's integrated 24/7 simulation model. Cabinet delegates represent real-life historical figures serving as Ministers of a specific portfolio, while advising their country's President, Prime Minister, or Head of Government. Cabinet delegates must be prepared to help chart the course of their respective nations and respond to rapidly evolving crises, while managing both domestic and international pressures. Please note that CIMUN does not use a notepad system for crisis notes, and delegates are strictly limited to *realistic* portfolio or political powers in pursuing any “backroom” actions.

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Cabinet of the United States, 1956

Committee Type: Cabinet (Continuous crisis; delegates will neither debate nor write traditional resolutions. Rather, they will spend the conference reacting to a series of ongoing crisis updates. CIMUN does not use a notepad system for crisis notes, and delegates are strictly limited to realistic portfolio or political powers in pursuing any “backroom” actions.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation

Committee Level: The Cabinet of the United States is open for delegates of all experience levels, though delegates wishing to participate should note the fast pace and complexity of CIMUN’s cabinets.

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To facilitate immersion, accuracy, and enjoyment, delegates in Cabinets should note Cabinet-specific Rules of Procedure (RoP). They are much more lax than standard Model UN RoP. They can be found at the end of each Cabinet background guide. Here are some toplines to keep in mind for the U.S. Cabinet:

1. The Cabinet of the United States will be led by its Head of Government (HOG), President Dwight Eisenhower. More information on the role and power of HOGs is available in the Rules of Procedure.
2. The United States Senate will also be in session at CIMUN. As the Senate possesses subpoena power over the Cabinet, as well as the duty of approving nominations, passing declarations of war, and ascending treaties, U.S. Cabinet delegates will be in frequent conversation with CIMUN’s Senate.

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At CIMUN, the Cabinet of the United States serves as a gathering of its most prominent security officials, leading the country’s executive decision-making in foreign and domestic affairs. In 1956, the U.S. Cabinet is led by Republican President Dwight Eisenhower, and is attempting to cement its vision for a rules-based international order after the end of the Second World War. It has two primary goals: limiting the rise of communism and the Soviet Union, and securing its own sphere of influence. Though the United States is a superpower, it faces challenges across from the emergent Soviet Union and its allies, as well as internal political friction from the Democratically-controlled House and Senate. Delegates in the Cabinet of the United States must secure their country’s international strength, while simultaneously expanding their party’s political power in the 1956 congressional elections.

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The topics to consider in preparation for the Cabinet of the United States at CIMUN XXII are as follows:

• Topic A: Containing Soviet aggression and defending free peoples from communism
• Topic B: Winning the 1956 elections

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Background Guide Link

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Cabinet of the United Kingdom, 1956

Committee Type: Cabinet (Continuous crisis; delegates will neither debate nor write traditional resolutions. Rather, they will spend the conference reacting to a series of ongoing crisis updates. CIMUN does not use a notepad system for crisis notes, and delegates are strictly limited to realistic portfolio or political powers in pursuing any “backroom” actions.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation

Committee Level: The Cabinet of the United Kingdom is open for delegates of all experience levels, though delegates wishing to participate should note the fast pace and complexity of CIMUN’s cabinets.

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To facilitate immersion, accuracy, and enjoyment, delegates in Cabinets should note Cabinet-specific Rules of Procedure (RoP). They are much more lax than standard Model UN RoP. They can be found at the end of each Cabinet background guide. Here are some toplines to keep in mind for the UK Cabinet:

1. The Cabinet of the United Kingdom will be led by its Head of Government (HOG), Prime Minister Anthony Eden. More information on the role and power of HOGs is available in the Rules of Procedure.

1. The British House of Commons (BHOC) will also be in session at CIMUN. Due to the structure of the British parliamentary system, in which the Cabinet is composed of Members of the House of Commons, UK Cabinet delegates will be in frequent conversation with CIMUN’s BHOC.

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At CIMUN, the Cabinet of the United Kingdom serves as a gathering of its most prominent national security and political officials, leading the country’s executive decision-making in foreign and domestic affairs. In 1956, the UK Cabinet is led by the Conservative Party’s Prime Minister Anthony Eden, and seeks to maintain its position as a premier global power in the wake of the Second World War, which saw the rise of the United States and Soviet Union in contrast to older colonial empires. With many of its former colonies becoming independent, the United Kingdom must assert its high-status profile internationally while facing challenges to its remaining imperial holdings. Will you let the sun set on the British empire? And will you be able to keep your country together in the meantime?

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The topics to consider in preparation for the Cabinet of the United Kingdom at CIMUN XXII are as follows:

• Topic A: Defending British commercial interests in and around former colonies
• Topic B: Domestic politics and navigating our relationship with Parliament

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Background Guide Link

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Cabinet of France, 1956

Committee Type: Cabinet (Continuous crisis; delegates will neither debate nor write traditional resolutions. Rather, they will spend the conference reacting to a series of ongoing crisis updates. CIMUN does not use a notepad system for crisis notes, and delegates are strictly limited to realistic portfolio or political powers in pursuing any “backroom” actions.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation

Committee Level: The Cabinet of France is open for delegates of all experience levels, though delegates wishing to participate should note the fast pace and complexity of CIMUN’s cabinets.

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To facilitate immersion, accuracy, and enjoyment, delegates in Cabinets should note Cabinet-specific Rules of Procedure (RoP). They are much more lax than standard Model UN RoP. They are included at the end of your background guide, and will also be available on the CIMUN XXII website. Additionally, the Cabinet of France will be led by its Head of Government (HOG), President of the Council of Ministers Guy Mollet. More information on the role and power of HOGs is available in the Rules of Procedure.

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At CIMUN, the Cabinet of France serves as a gathering of its most prominent national security officials, leading the country’s executive decision-making in foreign and domestic affairs. In 1956, the French Cabinet is led by the Socialist President of the Council of Ministers’ Guy Mollet. It seeks to maintain its global influence in the wake of the Second World War, which saw the rise of the United States and Soviet Union, while France is still politically and economically rebuilding after years of occupation by the Vichy regime. With many of its former colonies becoming independent, the French Cabinet must make a strategic assessment of its international threats, including the ongoing war in Algeria, in order to maintain its existing strongholds and influence. Can France adapt and assert its position in an ever-changing world order?

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The topics to consider in preparation for the Cabinet of France at CIMUN XXII are as follows:

• Topic A: Defending French commercial interests in and around former colonies
• Topic B: Restoring peace and security in the Algerian departments

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Background Guide Link

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Cabinet of the Soviet Union, 1956

Committee Type: Cabinet (Continuous crisis; delegates will neither debate nor write traditional resolutions. Rather, they will spend the conference reacting to a series of ongoing crisis updates. CIMUN does not use a notepad system for crisis notes, and delegates are strictly limited to realistic portfolio or political powers in pursuing any “backroom” actions.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation

Committee Level: The Cabinet of the Soviet Union is open for delegates of all experience levels, though delegates wishing to participate should note the fast pace and complexity of CIMUN’s cabinets.

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To facilitate immersion, accuracy, and enjoyment, delegates in Cabinets should note Cabinet-specific Rules of Procedure (RoP). They are much more lax than standard Model UN RoP. They are included at the end of your background guide, and will also be available on the CIMUN XXII website. Additionally, the Cabinet of the Soviet Union will be led by its Head of Government (HOG), Premier Nikita Khrushchev. More information on the role and power of HOGs is available in the Rules of Procedure.

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At CIMUN, the Cabinet of the Soviet Union serves as a gathering of its most prominent national security officials from the Communist Party, guiding the country’s executive decision-making in foreign and domestic affairs under the leadership of Premier Nikita Khrushchev. In 1956, the Soviet Union finds itself in a position of strength, with a policy of supporting national liberation struggles to diminish the United States’ sphere of influence and grow its own, aiming to create communist states in a rapidly-decolonizing world. The Soviet Cabinet, however, should be prepared to face opposition from the United States, while needing to manage both tensions within the Warsaw Pact in addition to internal party politics after the death of Joseph Stalin and the resulting wave of de-Stalinization. Will you catapult the Soviet Union’s rise to global power?

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The topics to consider in preparation for the Cabinet of the Soviet Union at CIMUN XXII are as follows:

• Topic A: Crushing Western capitalism and defending free peoples from imperialism
• Topic B: Ensuring the internal stability of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU)

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Background Guide Link

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Cabinet of Egypt, 1956

Committee Type: Cabinet (Continuous crisis; delegates will neither debate nor write traditional resolutions. Rather, they will spend the conference reacting to a series of ongoing crisis updates. CIMUN does not use a notepad system for crisis notes, and delegates are strictly limited to realistic portfolio or political powers in pursuing any “backroom” actions.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation

Committee Level: The Cabinet of Egypt is open for delegates of all experience levels, though delegates wishing to participate should note the fast pace and complexity of CIMUN’s cabinets.

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To facilitate immersion, accuracy, and enjoyment, delegates in Cabinets should note Cabinet-specific Rules of Procedure (RoP). They are much more lax than standard Model UN RoP. They are included at the end of your background guide, and will also be available on the CIMUN XXII website. Additionally, the Cabinet of Egypt will be led by its Head of Government (HOG), President Gamal Abdel Nasser. More information on the role and power of HOGs is available in the Rules of Procedure.

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At CIMUN, the Cabinet of Egypt serves as a gathering of its most prominent national security and political officials, guiding the country’s executive decision-making in foreign and domestic affairs under the leadership of President Gamal Abdel Nasser. In 1956, the Republic of Egypt is caught between two superpowers. With both the United States and United Kingdom pulling out of funding the Aswan High Dam, the Soviet Union is a tempting alternative to the pretensions of the British. Meanwhile, Pan-Arabism is a rising movement advocating for a unity of Arab nations, which poses another appealing path forward for Egypt. Delegates in the Egyptian Cabinet must chart their country’s future while employing every diplomatic chip in their pockets to defeat any potential opposition. Will Egypt side with the West, the Soviet Union, or attempt to forge its own path as a non-aligned, Pan-Arab state?

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The topics to consider in preparation for the Cabinet of Egypt at CIMUN XXII are as follows:

• Topic A: The Suez Canal
• Topic B: Egypt’s role in the Pan-Arab revolution

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Background Guide Link

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Cabinet of Israel, 1956

Committee Type: Cabinet (Continuous crisis; delegates will neither debate nor write traditional resolutions. Rather, they will spend the conference reacting to a series of ongoing crisis updates. CIMUN does not use a notepad system for crisis notes, and delegates are strictly limited to realistic portfolio or political powers in pursuing any “backroom” actions.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation

Committee Level: The Cabinet of Israel is open for delegates of all experience levels, though delegates wishing to participate should note the fast pace and complexity of CIMUN’s cabinets.

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To facilitate immersion, accuracy, and enjoyment, delegates in Cabinets should note Cabinet-specific Rules of Procedure (RoP). They are much more lax than standard Model UN RoP. They are included at the end of your background guide, and will also be available on the CIMUN XXII website. Additionally, the Cabinet of Israel will be led by its Head of Government (HOG), Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. More information on the role and power of HOGs is available in the Rules of Procedure.

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At CIMUN, the Cabinet of Israel serves as a gathering of its most prominent national security and political officials, guiding the country’s executive decision-making in foreign and domestic affairs under the leadership of Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. In 1956, Israel is operating from a position of anxiety – it feels its existence is threatened by the Arab states that surround it, which are equally hostile towards Israel. Chiefly among their concerns includes the association between Israel and Palestinian militants operating out of the Sinai peninsula, as well as maintaining the support from Western nations crucial to its continued prosperity (namely the United States and United Kingdom). Delegates in the Cabinet of Israel must ask themselves how to secure their country’s continued existence, while facing potential disagreements between the countries they rely on for support.

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The topics to consider in preparation for the Cabinet of Israel at CIMUN XXII are as follows:

• Topic A: Protecting Israel from regional hostility
• Topic B: Securing Israel’s international alliances and partners

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Background Guide Link

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Cabinet of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, 1956

Committee Type: Cabinet (Continuous crisis; delegates will neither debate nor write traditional resolutions. Rather, they will spend the conference reacting to a series of ongoing crisis updates. CIMUN does not use a notepad system for crisis notes, and delegates are strictly limited to realistic portfolio or political powers in pursuing any “backroom” actions.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation

Committee Level: The Cabinet of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam is open for delegates of all experience levels, though delegates wishing to participate should note the fast pace and complexity of CIMUN’s cabinets.

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To facilitate immersion, accuracy, and enjoyment, delegates in Cabinets should note Cabinet-specific Rules of Procedure (RoP). They are much more lax than standard Model UN RoP. They are included at the end of your background guide, and will also be available on the CIMUN XXII website. Additionally, the Cabinet of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam will be led by its Head of Government (HOG), President Hồ Chí Minh. More information on the role and power of HOGs is available in the Rules of Procedure.

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At CIMUN, the Cabinet of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, better known as North Vietnam, serves as a gathering of its most prominent national security and political officials, guiding the country’s decision-making in foreign and domestic affairs under the leadership of communist President Hồ Chí Minh. After the defeat of France in the First Indochina War, North Vietnam gained independence in the 1954 Geneva Convention. Yet Vietnam remains divided at the 17th parallel, with the United States assuming financial and military support for South Vietnam. According to the Convention, reunification elections for Vietnam are scheduled July 20, 1956. In preparation, since the beginning of March 1956, North Vietnam has been planning for a strategy of renewing communist insurgency in rival South Vietnam, in hopes of finally realizing a unified communist Vietnam. Meanwhile, Minh’s communist government is working to carry out agricultural reform and secure its control across North Vietnam. Delegates in the Cabinet of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam must work to rebuild their country in the wake of the First Indochina War, while securing the support of potential partners in preparation for future confrontation with South Vietnam.

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The topics to consider in preparation for the Cabinet of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam at CIMUN XXII are as follows:

• Topic A: Preparing for a war of reunification
• Topic B: Securing the revolution at home

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Background Guide Link

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Cabinet of the Republic of Vietnam, 1956

Committee Type: Cabinet (Continuous crisis; delegates will neither debate nor write traditional resolutions. Rather, they will spend the conference reacting to a series of ongoing crisis updates. CIMUN does not use a notepad system for crisis notes, and delegates are strictly limited to realistic portfolio or political powers in pursuing any “backroom” actions.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation

Committee Level: The Cabinet of the Republic of Vietnam is open for delegates of all experience levels, though delegates wishing to participate should note the fast pace and complexity of CIMUN’s cabinets.

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To facilitate immersion, accuracy, and enjoyment, delegates in Cabinets should note Cabinet-specific Rules of Procedure (RoP). They are much more lax than standard Model UN RoP. They are included at the end of your background guide, and will also be available on the CIMUN XXII website. Additionally, the Cabinet of the Republic of Vietnam will be led by its Head of Government (HOG), President Ngô Đình Diệm. More information on the role and power of HOGs is available in the Rules of Procedure.

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At CIMUN, the Cabinet of the Republic of Vietnam, better known as South Vietnam, serves as a gathering of its most prominent national security and political officials, guiding the country’s decision-making in foreign and domestic affairs under the leadership of President Ngô Đình Diệm. After the defeat of France in the First Indochina War, South Vietnam gained independence in the 1954 Geneva Convention. Yet Vietnam remains divided at the 17th parallel, with the United States assuming financial and military support for South Vietnam. According to the Convention, reunification elections for Vietnam are scheduled July 20, 1956. South Vietnam must prevent a potential communist uprising, while securing a functional state within their own borders. Delegates in the Cabinet of the Republic of Vietnam must work to rebuild their country in the wake of the First Indochina War, while preparing for potential conflict with North Vietnam.

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The topics to consider in preparation for the Cabinet of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam at CIMUN XXII are as follows:

• Topic A: Preparing for a war of reunification
• Topic B: Securing the new constitutional regime

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Background Guide Link

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Committee Type: Cabinet-style (Continuous crisis; delegates will neither debate nor write traditional resolutions. Rather, they will spend the conference reacting to a series of ongoing crisis updates. CIMUN does not use a notepad system for crisis notes, and delegates are strictly limited to realistic portfolio or political powers in pursuing any “backroom” actions.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation

Committee Level: The Ad Hoc Cabinet of the Secretary General is the most advanced committee at CIMUN. It is recommended for experienced delegates only.

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THE AD HOC COMMITTEE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL SHALL REMAIN A SECRET TO ALL DELEGATES AND ADVISORS UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF CIMUN XXII. DELEGATES WILL RECEIVE THEIR POSITIONS ON THURSDAY EVENING.

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LIKE ALL OF CIMUN XXII’S COMMITTEES, THE AD HOC COMMITTEE WILL HAVE A START DATE OF JULY 26, 1956 AND WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE BROADER CONFERENCE NARRATIVE. THE AD HOC CABINET WILL USE CIMUN’S STANDARD CABINET RULES OF PROCEDURE TO GOVERN ITS PROCEEDINGS.

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WE WISH THE BEST OF LUCK TO ALL PARTICIPANTS.

At CIMUN XXII, each committee, its topics, and our overall simulation will be focused on the theme of "The New World Order." This theme centers around the prevailing narratives of 1956: decolonization, the emergence of superpowers at the end of the Second World War, and the still-nascent "international community" as coordinated by Intergovernmental Organizations. Delegates and educators alike are encouraged to consider this theme while preparing for conference.

In order to facilitate realism, critical substantive inquiry, and stronger adherence to national policy, CIMUN asks its delegates to produce two kinds of position papers:white papers and black papers. As a general principle, white papers should outline the public-facing policy of your country or character, while black papers should outline your country or character's secret strategic priorities and objectives. Delegates will be able to read the white papers of other delegates in their committee or cabinet. Black papers will be kept confidential for the eyes of CIMUN staff only.

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All delegates must submit their position papers by November 10, 2025 to be considered for CIMUN's position paper awards. Delegates who do not submit a position paper will not be considered for awards. More information on paper submission logistics is forthcoming.

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Please find a committee-by-committee breakdown of position paper requirements below. In addition, these requirements will be laid out in all committee-specific background guides.

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• General Committee delegates must submit 1 white paper per topic, and 1 black paper in total. (These rules encompass all committees not noted in the Specialized Committee section below.)
  
  • White papers should be approximately 1 page single-spaced, and black papers should be approximately half a page single-spaced.
  • The white papers should focus on your country’s public position on the given topic. You will be able to read the white papers of other delegates in your committee, and they will be able to read yours.
  • The black paper should focus on your national delegation’s strategic approach and goals.
  • Please cite all sources. Any standard citation format (MLA, APA, Chicago) is acceptable.
    
    • Delegates who do not cite their sources will be disqualified from position paper awards.
• Cabinet delegates must submit 1 white paper in total, and 1 black paper per topic.
  
  • Black papers should be approximately 1 page single-spaced, and the white paper should be approximately half a page single-spaced.
  • The white paper should focus on your administration or department’s public position and role. You will be able to read the white papers of other delegates in your committee, and they will be able to read yours.
  • The black paper should focus on your strategic recommendations for how the Cabinet should approach the given topics.
  • Please cite all sources. Any standard citation format (MLA, APA, Chicago) is acceptable.
    
    • Delegates who do not cite their sources will be disqualified from position paper awards.
• Specialized Committee (ICJ, IPD, Ad Hoc, national legilatures) delegates have different position paper requirements for each committee.
  
  • U.S. Senate and British House of Commons must submit 1 white paper per topic, and 1 black paper in total. They should be written from the perspective of your character, guided by the perspective of your political party and other allegiances.  
    
    • White papers should be approximately 1 page single-spaced, and black papers should be approximately half a page single-spaced.
    • The white papers should focus on your legislator and party’s public position on the given topic. You will be able to read the white papers of other delegates in your committee, and they will be able to read yours.
    • The black paper should focus on your individual’s strategic approach and goals.
    • Please cite all sources. Any standard citation format (MLA, APA, Chicago) is acceptable.
• International Court of Justice delegates must submit a Judge’s Briefing demonstrating an understanding of international law relevant to the cases being heard, rather than a position paper.  
  
  • In the Judge’s Briefing, we will be looking for an understanding of international treaties and legal principles that may be relevant to the committee’s cases; and a basic understanding of the legal system of your nation and how the career history and legal training of the judge you represent will inform any decision you will be called upon to render. You will be able to read the Judge’s Briefings of other members of your committee, and they will be able to read yours.
  • Judge’s Briefings should be approximately 2 pages single spaced.
  • Please cite all sources. Any standard citation format (MLA, APA, Chicago) is acceptable.
    
    • Delegates who do not cite their sources will be disqualified from position paper awards.
• CIMUN Chronicle journalists must submit an article to prepare for conference. The article should be a 300 to 350 word piece previewing CIMUN XXII. All articles should use the inverted pyramid format and follow the CIMUN Chronicle style guide (see the background guide for more information on this!).  ‍
• Ad Hoc delegates are exempt from writing position papers.

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