UNSC A 2026 Update Brief: The Situation in West Africa and the Sahel

Introduction The regional violence within West Africa and the Sahel has been increasing for decades. Within the past few months, terrorist groups have been working with little resistance in the area due to a lack of an organized counterterrorism strategy. Groups like The Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have caused...

Read more...

UNPFII 2026 Update Brief: Preserving and Revitalizing Indigenous Languages

Introduction Indigenous languages face the growing risk of being lost and forgotten. Currently, digital access is mainly offered for major languages across the world. Hence, many Indigenous languages are left behind. This exclusion creates barriers, not only in cultural expression but also in workplaces and daily life, leaving Indigenous communities...

Read more...

OAS 2026 Update Brief: The Political Influence of Narco-Trafficking in Latin America

Introduction Recent events in drug trafficking are impacting Latin America. In late 2025, diplomatic issues and increased conflicts have changed how countries tackle crime. Political conditions in Latin America also vary widely. Trust between some states is decreasing, and for others, conflicts are rising.  Diplomatic Concerns The political impact of the drug...

Read more...

OAS 2026 Update Brief: Responding to the Situation in Nicaragua

Introduction Since protests began in 2018, Nicaraguans have faced a serious humanitarian crisis. Citizens who speak out against the government face violence, imprisonment, or enforced disappearance. Government actions, like stripping individuals of their citizenship and expanding state surveillance, have made the situation worse.  Loss of Citizenship and Exile Denaturalization, the process of...

Read more...

ICJ 2026 Update Brief: Australia v. China

Introduction Earlier this year, during routine inspections of the Great Barrier Reef, large deposits of oil were found to be lingering in the reef and its surrounding areas, as well as some washing up on nearby beaches. These have been found to cause ongoing damage to the environment and necessitate...

Read more...

ICJ 2026 Update Brief: Guyana v. Venezuela

In light of recent political developments in Venezuela, it is important to clarify their relevance to this committee. Despite ongoing changes within the Venezuelan political landscape, the country’s position on the Essequibo territory remains a rare point of consensus across both the Maduro-aligned government and the opposition. As both...

Read more...

COPUOS 2026 Update Brief: Space Technology for Sustainable Environmental Practices

Introduction In July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark advisory opinion stating that countries must protect the environment under international law. To accomplish this, governments need climate data. Space technology provides this data and helps countries follow their climate duties.  July 2025 ICJ Climate Change Advisory Opinion...

Read more...

COPUOS 2026 Update Brief: Developing Equal Access to Space Technology

Introduction Fair access to space is a key goal for many developing countries. To support this goal, countries are working more closely together. One result is a partnership between the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Through the KiboCUBE program, this...

Read more...

WTO 2026 Update Brief: Promoting Free Trade of Agricultural Products

Introduction The World Trade Organization (WTO) was created to promote fair trade around the world, including farm products that are vital for global food security. However, talks under the WTO’s farm trade agreement, called the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA), have been stalling for years. This lack of progress has left...

Read more...