General
Committees

Our General Committees simulate the early United Nations and other state and nation-based membership bodies during a period of significant international tension. Delegates will debate issues of security, human rights, and decolonization against the backdrop of superpower competition in the formative years of the Cold War. Please note that our General Committees include committees with both limited and hybrid crisis models (crises are on the table for all of CIMUN's committees depending on conference proceedings) -- the crisis expectations of each committee is specified in their individual description found below.

‍

UN General Assembly 1st Committee – Disarmament & International Security (DISEC), 1956

Committee Type: General Committee. (Limited crisis elements, with a General Assembly plenary session; delegates may be asked to respond to immediate international incidents, but will spend most of conference writing and debating resolutions.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation (in subcommittee); triple-delegation (in plenary)

Committee Level: DISEC is recommended for intermediate-to-advanced General Assembly delegates.

‍

***All UN General Assembly committees will be participating in a plenary session on Saturday. During the plenary session, delegates will work in national delegations to vote on resolutions passed within each of the UNGA’s individual committees; they will also address any international peace and security issues that require the entire organs’ focus.

‍

The General Assembly serves as the primary policymaking and deliberative organ of the United Nations, with representatives from each of the UN’s Member States. As set in Chapter IV of the United Nations Charter, the General Assembly discusses and makes recommendations on matters of international peace and security, economic and social concerns, and human rights, among other areas of focus.

‍

The Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) is the first of the UNGA’s six committees. It focuses on global peace, security, and disarmament issues, and seeks out solutions to international security threats. In 1956, DISEC is set to play a significant role addressing emerging security concerns of the Cold War era.

‍

The Agenda for DISEC at CIMUN XXII is as follows:

• Topic A: Developing a framework for international peacekeeping operations
• Topic B: International maritime trade security

‍

Background Guide Link

‍

UN General Assembly 3rd Committee – Social, Humanitarian, Cultural (SOCHUM), 1956

Committee Type: General Committee (Limited crisis elements, with a General Assembly plenary session; delegates may be asked to respond to immediate international incidents, but will spend most of conference writing and debating resolutions.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation (in subcommittee); triple-delegation (in plenary)

Committee Level: SOCHUM is recommended for intermediate-to-advanced General Assembly delegates.

‍

***All UN General Assembly committees will be participating in a plenary session on Saturday. During the plenary session, delegates will work in national delegations to vote on resolutions passed within each of the UNGA’s individual committees; they will also address any international peace and security issues that require the entire organs’ focus.

‍

The General Assembly serves as the primary policymaking and deliberative organ of the United Nations, with representatives from each of the UN’s Member States. As set in Chapter IV of the United Nations Charter, the General Assembly discusses and makes recommendations on matters of international peace and security, economic and social concerns, and human rights, among other areas of focus.

‍

The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) is the third of the UNGA’s six committees. SOCHUM discusses social issues, humanitarian and human rights, and cultural affairs, and seeks to advance social development worldwide. In 1956, SOCHUM is set to play a significant role discussing emergent humanitarian concerns as Cold War politics dictate much of international affairs.

‍

The Agenda for SOCHUM at CIMUN XXII is as follows:

• Topic A: The rights of stateless people
• Topic B: Gender equality and the rights of women and girls

‍

Background Guide Link

‍

UN General Assembly 4th Committee – Special Political & Decolonization (SPECPOL), 1956

Committee Type: General Committee (Limited crisis elements, with a General Assembly plenary session; delegates may be asked to respond to immediate international incidents, but will spend most of conference writing and debating resolutions.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation (in subcommittee); triple-delegation (in plenary)

Committee Level: SPECPOL is recommended for intermediate-to-advanced General Assembly delegates.

‍

***All UN General Assembly committees will be participating in a plenary session on Saturday. During the plenary session, delegates will work in national delegations to vote on resolutions passed within each of the UNGA’s individual committees; they will also address any international peace and security issues that require the entire organs’ focus.

‍

The General Assembly serves as the primary policymaking and deliberative organ of the United Nations, with representatives from each of the UN’s Member States. As set in Chapter IV of the United Nations Charter, the General Assembly discusses and makes recommendations on matters of international peace and security, economic and social concerns, and human rights, among other areas of focus.

‍

The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL) is the fourth of the UNGA’s six committees. SPECPOL is tasked with addressing issues related to decolonization, including the UN’s trust territories and the situation of occupied peoples worldwide. In 1956, SPECPOL plays a crucial role in guiding the global movement toward self-determination.

‍

The Agenda for SPECPOL at CIMUN XXII is as follows:

• Topic A: Granting independence to colonial territories and peoples
• Topic B: Effects of atomic radiation and nuclear weapons testing on global health

‍

Background Guide Link

‍

International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), 1956

Committee Type: General Committee (Hybrid crisis & non-crisis elements; delegates will spend significant portions of conference both writing resolutions and responding to international issues requiring immediate attention.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation

Committee Level: INTERPOL is recommended for delegates of any experience level.

‍

Founded on September 7, 1923, the International Criminal Police Organization, or INTERPOL, is the world’s largest global police organization, coordinating cooperation between the police forces of different countries, as well as addressing global crimes. In 1956, the INTERPOL is at a critical juncture in determining its future. After over a decade of stagnation, delegates must prove that INTERPOL is a modernized organization that is ready to meet the challenges of a new global order, while working together to solve global crime during a time of deep-rooted Cold War division.

‍

The Agenda for the INTERPOL at CIMUN XXII is as follows:

• Topic A: Capture and extradition of war criminals
• Topic B: Combating transnational organization crime

‍

Background Guide Link (Pending)

‍

Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC), 1956

Committee Type: General Committee (Limited crisis elements; delegates may be asked to respond to immediate international incidents, but will spend most of conference writing and debating resolutions.)

Delegation Type: Double-delegation

Committee Level: ****ECOSOC is CIMUN XXII’s designated novice committee for delegates who are new to Model UN.

‍

The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the UN, as set out in the United Nations Charter. It is a central forum for discussing economic and social issues, as well as coordinating the work of the UN’s specialized agencies and regional commissions. In 1956, ECOSOC is set to play an important role in guiding the UN’s approach to the expansion and modernization of the post-World War II economy and social order, while navigating Cold War political tensions.

‍

The Agenda for the ECOSOC at CIMUN XXII is as follows:

• Topic A: International aid for refugees and displaced persons
• Topic B: Development of international economic cooperation and the expansion of international trade
• Topic C: Achieving higher standards of living and full employment

‍

‍Background Guide Link

‍

The Second Bandung Conference (Bandung 2), 1956

Committee Type: General Committee (Hybrid crisis & non-crisis elements; delegates will spend significant portions of conference both writing resolutions and responding to international issues requiring immediate attention.)

Delegation Type: Single-delegation

Committee Level: The Bandung 2 committee is recommended for delegates of all experience levels.

‍

From April 18 to 24, 1955, leaders from African and Asian countries – most of which were newly independent – met in Bandung, Indonesia to discuss issues of shared interest and explore a political path independent of the United States and Soviet Union’s blocs. This event was called the Bandung Conference. At CIMUN XXII, we are simulating an alternative future in which the Bandung Conference reconvened in 1956 to continue their discussion and collaboration. Delegates in this committee will represent a large portion of the Global South and decolonized world, and must work to chart an independent future for decolonized states asserting their influence on global politics in a chaotic international environment.

‍

The Agenda for the Second Bandung Conference at CIMUN XXII is as follows:

• Topic A: Supporting anti-colonialism and self-determination efforts
• Topic B: Navigating Great Power relationships as non-aligned states
• Topic C: Protecting natural resources from hegemonic exploitation

‍

Background Guide Link

‍

UN Security Council (UNSC), 1956

Committee Type: Specialized Committee (Hybrid crisis & non-crisis elements; delegates will spend significant portions of conference both writing resolutions and responding to international issues requiring immediate attention.)

Delegation Type: Double-delegation

Committee Level: The Security Council is recommended for intermediate-to-advanced delegates.

‍

Delegates in the Security Council should note UNSC-specific modifications to the CIMUN XXII Rules of Procedure – specifically, the veto power possessed by the UNSC’s Permanent Five members: the United States, Soviet Union, France, the United Kingdom, and China.

‍

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the UN, as set out in the United Nations Charter. Charged with maintaining international peace and security, the UNSC is one of the most powerful bodies in the UN, with the ability to issue binding resolutions, recommend new Members of the General Assembly, and approve any changes to the United Nations Charter. In 1956, the UNSC is establishing its role in addressing international conflicts, while navigating internal Cold War tensions. Can the UNSC play a major role in resolving global crises ongoing and yet to come, or will it succumb to infighting and ineffectiveness?

‍

The Agenda for the UNSC at CIMUN XXII is as follows:

• Topic A: International maritime trade security
• Topic B: The self-determination of colonial peoples
• Topic C: UN Membership for Applicant Countries (Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Japan)

‍

Background Guide Link

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

• 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.

‍