[MUNUC 34] Special Political and Decolonization Committee SPECPOL

The United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee, otherwise known as the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, is one of the six main committees of the UN General Assembly. Originally, the committee was created to address sensitive political issues and decolonization-related matters in the second half of the twentieth century. Today, SPECPOL deals with issues ranging from peacekeeping and peaceful uses of outer space, to the Middle East and the effects of atomic radiation. With the ultimate goal of maintaining international peace and security, this GA-formatted committee at MUNUC XXXIV will delve deep into issues that will only grow more pressing in the near future.

Topic A: Exploration of Outer Space
The exploration of outer space is a topic that has captivated humanity for generations. Ever since humans first orbited the Earth and walked on the Moon, scientists have pushed the bounds of technology further to reach farther into the cosmos. In the twenty-first century, there are even more entities involved in space exploration. Both private companies and government agencies are involved in developing new technologies and achieving new exploration feats in our solar system and beyond. In such a crowded environment, it is important to provide structure to preserve outer space as a domain for all. Therefore, delegates will have the opportunity to come up with innovative and comprehensive solutions to the problems that are arising in this topic area.

Topic B: Regulating the Rare Earth Mineral Trade
The rare earth mineral trade is one of vital importance to the functioning of the entire world economy. They are highly valuable raw materials that are entrenched in the development and production of everyday technologies, from rechargeable batteries to computer chips. Yet, while rare earth minerals are universally used, they are currently only found in economically extractable quantities in a few countries scattered across the globe. Furthermore, they are often extracted in ways that negatively impact the environment and human rights. In this committee, delegates will be tasked with ensuring that there will be an affordable, reliable, and sustainable use of these finite resources for years to come.

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