The United Nations (UN) Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) was created as the first of the Main Committees in the General Assembly when the charter of the United Nations was signed in 1945. Thus, DISEC is often referred to as the First Committee. DISEC was formed to respond to the need for an international forum to discuss peace and security issues among members of the international community. According to the UN Charter, the purpose of DISEC in the General Assembly is to establish ‘general principles of cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security, including the principles governing disarmament and the regulation of armaments and also to give “recommendations with regard to such principles to the Members or to the Security Council.” Although DISEC cannot directly advise the Security Council’s decision-making process, the UN Charter explains that DISEC can suggest specific topics for Security Council consideration. Aside from its role in the General Assembly, DISEC is also an institution of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), formally named in January 1998 after the Secretary-General’s second special session on disarmament in 1982. The UNODA is concerned with disarmament at all levels—nuclear weapons, weapons of mass destruction, and conventional weapons—and assists DISEC through its work conducted in the General Assembly for substantive norm-setting support to further its disarmament initiatives.

Throughout the 20th century, Latin America has seen a rise in guerrilla forces. These are armed military groups and fighters that employ unconventional tactics in warfare. Guerrilla military groups differ significantly in both power and capabilities from traditional militaries. For example, their fluid and flexible organization allows for quick adaptation to evolving conflicts and technology. Guerrilla insurgencies have long plagued many Latin American countries, destabilizing governments, terrorizing civilian populations, and increasing existing economic or social divides within states. To combat this issue, delegates must strengthen security in Latin American countries through improving border control, increasing information sharing, and investing in economic development. Delegates must also develop solutions that address the root causes of guerrilla activity, including the protection of minority groups and increased investments in social services. By doing so, a more sustainable and peaceful future can be achieved.

The presence of terrorist groups throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is a constant threat to millions of civilians. Groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Hezbollah, or al-Qaeda often aim to overthrow existing governments and impose their ideologies, justifying extreme actions through religious, political, or social beliefs. This is achieved through acts of terror that disrupt governments or by taking advantage of existing political unrest. Terrorist activities have caused extensive civilian casualties and displacement. Over the last three decades, terrorist attacks in the MENA region account for a quarter of all attacks worldwide, with over 100,000 civilian casualties throughout this period. States within the MENA region face a unique set of challenges when dealing with terrorism. Challenges include economic instability, political corruption, and social inequalities. These factors create environments where terrorist groups can thrive and recruit new members, exploit resources, and conduct operations relatively easily. With the current instability within the region, members of the Disarmament & International Security Committee (DISEC) must work to address the causes of terrorism while also protecting civilians and preventing further loss of life. Ultimately, addressing terrorism in the MENA region requires a nuanced approach that balances immediate security needs with long-term stability and growth.