MUN Rome 2025: GA1 Committee Overview

A specific topic or issue that a UN committee will discuss and attempt to find solutions for.

A formal document that outlines a country's or organization's position on a particular issue. It includes their stance, priorities, and proposed solutions.

A set of rules that govern how a Model UN committee operates, including how to submit motions, debate, and vote.

Exploring the history, background, and current state of a topic to understand its complexities. Using credible sources to gather information.

Proposing concrete ideas and actions to address an issue. These may be specific solutions, recommendations, or guidelines.

The impact of a topic on a country or organization's national interests, economic growth, social well-being, or international relationships.

The stance or position that a country or organization takes on a topic, which often reflects their values, priorities, and national interests.

The main goal of a Model UN conference, where delegates from different countries and organizations come together to discuss global issues, propose solutions, and learn about real-world diplomacy.

The main deliberative, policy-making, and representative body of the UN where every member state has an equal voice.

The GA can discuss and recommend measures for global issues, promote collaboration in various fields, and approve the UN budget and member state assessments.

A charter outlining the principles, functions, and structure of the United Nations, including the establishment of the GA in 1945.

A principle ensuring that all UN member states have an equal vote in the General Assembly, regardless of their size, power or wealth.

The GA works to address any problems that threaten peace, friendly relationships between nations, and global well-being through recommendations and measures.

The ability of the GA to recommend actions, promote shared goals and influence the direction of the UN through its discussions and resolutions.

The GA works to resolve global issues by addressing them through shared discussions and by bringing together UN members to collaborate.

The GA meets annually from mid-September to December.

The formal meeting of all UN member states where they discuss global issues and propose solutions.

Heads of state, foreign ministers, or ambassadors from each UN member state address the General Assembly.

Issues addressed by the UN General Assembly are often new or recurring global concerns.

The UN General Assembly can call special sessions and world summits to address major topics of global concern.

Resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly are not legally binding, but they hold significant moral weight and can inspire treaties and conventions.

The UN General Assembly is often viewed as the voice of world public opinion, representing the collective views of all UN member states.

The UN General Assembly’s primary challenges stem from its relationship with the Security Council, particularly regarding security issues and potential UN reforms.

The UN General Assembly plays a crucial role in addressing global concerns not tackled by the Security Council, making it a vital platform for international dialogue and cooperation.

A global effort to ensure that everyone benefits from AI while mitigating potential risks and ensuring responsible development.

A collective approach to regulate AI that prevents countries from having weak rules to attract businesses, leading to harm.

The United Nations' advisory body formed in 2023 to guide international AI governance efforts.

The UN's recognition of the potential threats and risks of AI to societal values and stability.

A non-binding resolution passed by the UN in 2023 setting global norms for ethical AI development and use.

A key area of AI regulation that focuses on ensuring that AI systems are used for good and do not violate human rights.

A crucial aspect of AI regulation that focuses on protecting personal information and ensuring transparency in how data is used.

The UN's efforts to address the gap in AI access and knowledge between different countries.

AI technologies should be developed and used in a way that respects human rights and dignity, ensuring fairness and avoiding discrimination.

The United Nations believes that AI should not be weaponized for mass surveillance, profiling, or deepening social inequalities.

The United Nations emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the development and use of AI.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concerns about potential misuse of AI for discriminatory practices and surveillance.

The UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights treaties provide a framework for regulating AI to ensure it does not violate human rights.

The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence sets out guidelines for responsible AI, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and non-discrimination.

Tech companies have a responsibility to design AI systems that avoid amplifying biases or causing harm to individuals or communities.

Collaboration and international cooperation are essential for mitigating risks associated with AI and ensuring its ethical application.

Cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, including nuclear facilities, healthcare systems, transportation networks, and financial institutions, pose a major threat to global stability and the potential for malicious actors to exploit these vulnerabilities has underscored the need for robust cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to safeguard essential systems.

The development of Artificial intelligence further complicates the security landscape. AI's potential to revolutionize warfare through autonomous weapon systems and enhanced surveillance raises serious ethical and operational concerns.

The dual-use nature of these technologies – where innovations designed for peaceful purposes can also be adapted for military applications – necessitates regulation and oversight to mitigate risks while fostering innovation.

The international community has responded through various frameworks and treaties aimed at leveraging technology for peace while addressing associated risks.

Key agreements, such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), emphasize the use of technology for monitoring and preventing the spread of weapons.

The 2001 Convention on Cybercrime sought to harmonize legal standards to combat cyber threats, particularly against CI.

International organizations, including the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), and UNESCO, play vital roles in addressing the intersection of technology and security.

Resolutions such as the 2022 General Assembly resolution on international cooperation in the context of emerging technologies further illustrate the growing recognition of science and technology as both a potential risk and a tool for achieving global security and disarmament goals.