Committees & Topics
ALTMUN Middle School Conference | April 25th 2025 |
COMMITTEE TYPES
Standard
DISEC, UNEP
Delegate Prep Work: PP and LoPS
Conference Experience: These committees are our conference standard with all skill levels welcome! In this committee, delegates will begin learning the mechanics of debate through the low-stakes environment of a mock debate. Then high school staff will guide them into formal debate and provide continuous support as delegates begin applying these parli pro and debate skills. Once in formal debate, high school staff will then also teach delegates about writing and introducing resolutions (the high school equivalent of LoPS).
Advanced
Delegate Prep Work: PP and Resolution
Conference Experience: This committee is for the delegate who is ready to elevate their experience. The topic in this committee is a little more challenging than the others and may require more research. Instead of writing a List of Possible Solutions (LoPS) like the other committees, Legal delegates will prepare resolutions (the high school standard) ahead of the conference. At the conference they will still start with a mock debate but will spend less time on teaching the fundamentals of parliamentary procedures. This committee will have a docket, in which some pre-written resolutions will be selected to start the debate. This committee most closely resembles our high school experience and will surely prepare them for the next conference in the ALTMUN system.
STANDARD COMMITTEES
DISEC
Disarmament & International Security
Water, a fundamental element of our societies and humanity, is being weaponized globally. This weaponization manifests in three forms: intentional contamination, deprivation, and flooding. These tactics, often used to weaken enemy troops and diminish morale, inflict irreversible consequences on civilians. For decades, weaponizing water has resulted in contaminated water supplies, disease, destroyed infrastructure, disrupted agriculture, displacement, and heightened poverty. The DISEC committee will convene to discuss the boundaries of water weaponization and explore regulatory measures to address all three applications.
UNEP
UN Environment Programme
2025 Topic:
Evaluating the Impact of Solar Panels on the Environment
As the sustainable energy market develops throughout the 21st century, solar energy is becoming increasingly more popular. As these panels are being used around the world, many are questioning the environmental impact of these panels. These developments have created a debate on the environmental benefits of solar panels. This issue is being addressed by the committee as they discuss and work towards a solution for this environmental dilemma.
ADVANCED
Legal
UN Legal Committee
2025 Topic:
The Abuse of Disinformation Laws
Factors such as a rise in the usage of social media, the Covid-19 pandemic, and controversial elections all have led to the increased regulation of disinformation, and it is up to the Legal Committee to ensure that it is not abused. The spreading of misinformation with malicious intent is being resisted by new laws across the globe designed to protect. However, these laws may very well be stripping individuals of their rights and freedoms, such as of speech and expression, in an attempt to have a more-controlling government. It is vital to find a balance of freedom and information validity, and it starts with this committee addressing the necessity and specificities of the laws that are in place.