Welcome to the DISEC Committee sessions for the Schoolhouse Fall Model United Nations 2024!
Schoolhouse MUN is an online Model United Nations event organized by a team of volunteers from schoolhouse.world. Delegates will have the opportunity to represent different countries in six distinct committees of the United Nations. This experience will enhance their understanding of current world issues and improve their public speaking, collaboration, and leadership skills.
Agenda: Reducing the Threat of Biological and Chemical WeaponsStrengthening international frameworks to prevent the proliferation and use of biological and chemical weapons.
Chairs: Aritro G and Sneha M
Overview of the Committee's Agenda: As of 2024, 193 states are party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, yet the threat persists. Since 2020, over 99% of declared chemical weapon stockpiles worldwide have been verifiably destroyed – but new threats emerge. In recent years, investigations have confirmed multiple chemical weapons attacks, including the use of Novichok agents in high-profile assassination attempts. The OPCW has verified the destruction of 72,118 metric tonnes of chemical agents, representing a staggering 98.7% of declared stockpiles.
Meanwhile, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the catastrophic potential of biological threats, with experts warning that a weaponized pathogen could be even more devastating. The WHO reports that over 59 BSL-4 laboratories (the highest biosafety level) now operate globally, double the number from a decade ago. Each facility, while crucial for legitimate research, also represents a potential security concern. Recent advances in synthetic biology and gene editing have made it possible to modify pathogens in ways that were unimaginable just years ago.
As delegates in DISEC, you face an evolving challenge: how do we maintain crucial scientific research while preventing its weaponization? With non-state actors showing increasing interest in CBRN(Chemical, biological, radiological and/or nuclear) capabilities, and new delivery systems becoming more sophisticated, your role is more critical than ever.
Through robust debate and collaborative problem-solving, you must forge new paths in international security to ensure these devastating weapons remain firmly in the past.
Main Series: https://schoolhouse.world/series/28597
Please note that each delegate must attend a minimum of three committee sessions to be eligible for a participation certificate. You are also welcome to join as an audience member!
We look forward to your participation!
