C34 2026 Update Brief: Environmental Sustainability of Peacekeeping Operations

Introduction UN peacekeeping is a massive, fast-moving operation involving thousands of people, heavy equipment, and vast stretches of land. While these missions are vital for protecting civilians, their nature often creates a heavy environmental footprint. In the past, the urgency of a crisis meant the environment was often overlooked. However,...

Read more...

C34 2026 Update Brief: Pre-deployment Training for Peacekeepers

Introduction The role of UN peacekeepers has only become more divisive in the second half of 2025. Budget cuts have changed how peacekeeping missions are run. The lack of adequate funding has shifted the direction of pre-deployment training, cutting the inclusion of certain aspects of training to make it more...

Read more...

UN-HABITAT 2026 Update Brief: Fostering Urban and Rural Links

Introduction Strong ties between urban and rural groups are key to a state’s prosperity. Especially when children do not have the proper infrastructure or guidance in school, they start to struggle. Thus, UN-Habitat must ensure that students in both rural and urban regions globally have equal access to educational resources....

Read more...

UNESCO 2026 Update Brief: Protecting Cultural Heritage in Conflict Zones

Introduction  Cultural heritage is more than just physical objects; it is the histories and identities of communities. It connects communities to both their pasts and futures. One of UNESCO’s top priorities is working to prevent loss in these cultures. Supporting proactive plans protects this heritage. As conflict and disasters continue...

Read more...

UNESCO 2026 Update Brief: The Ethics of Emerging Health Technologies

Introduction As health technology improves, guidelines must keep up with new developments. Two concerns to note are standards for neurotechnology and the digital health field. Neurotechnology gives a better grasp of the brain and the nervous system. Its emergence has the potential to change patients’ access to care. Yet, delegates...

Read more...

UNEA 2026 Update Brief: Environmental Approaches to Combat Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Introduction There has been a rise in locally transmitted dengue outbreaks across Europe and a recent chikungunya case in New York. Both cases show how regions that were once considered low-risk for mosquito-related diseases now experience new patterns of transmission. These events stress the need for environmental control, sustainable infrastructure,...

Read more...

UNEA 2026 Update Brief: Environmental Impact of Artificial Intelligence

Introduction Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the fastest-growing technologies today. It is changing lives across the world. In 2025, global investment in AI reached USD 300 billion. As AI is used more in health, transport, communication, and finance, it also increasingly affects the environment. The challenge for delegates is...

Read more...

SPECPOL 2026 Update Brief: Sovereignty of Disappearing Island Nations

Introduction  At the November 2025 COP30 conference, discussions relevant to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) focused on building capacity through finance, debt relief, and climate observation. This was done rather than formally addressing statehood. SIDS participated through the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), but their small delegations and limited...

Read more...

SPECPOL 2026 Update Brief: The Status of France’s Overseas Territories

Introduction The relationship between France and its overseas territories is complex. A lot of these territories depend on France’s help but also value their autonomy. Thus, France’s regions hope to create a solution for economic development and stability that both parties agree with. Delegates in committee should ensure the voices...

Read more...