Special Political and Decolonization Committee SPECPOL

The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL) is the Fourth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly. Originally two separate committees, the Fourth Committee focused solely on decolonization affairs before 1993, when it was merged with the Special Political Committee during the end of the United Nations Trust Territory system. The committee is focused on a broad range of issues, including the effects of atomic radiation and reviewing peacekeeping operations. This year, SPECPOL will be focused on two issues, each one broadly corresponding to a pre-merger committee. Delegates will focus either on managing and reducing resource exploitation by modern corporations or issuing recommendations on how best to manage the relationship between indigenous groups and national governments.

Topic A: Resource Exploitation by Multinational Corporations

In the modern era, a nation’s natural resources are frequently exploited by corporations with only a tenuous connection to the state where their extractive facilities are located. Many nations have also found themselves in a scenario of state capture, where multinational corporations utilize their economic power to become effectively immune from civil and criminal liability or regulation by the government. This topic will allow delegates to consider how best to tax and regulate multinational resource extraction corporations, how to manage the environmental concerns raised over extractive industries in loosely-regulated economies, and what strategies can be employed to foster and promote local business competition, among other concerns.

Topic B: Promoting Cooperation Between Indigenous Groups and National Governments

In the 21st century, the divide between indigenous groups and their respective national governments has been increasing at a consistent rate. Indigenous populations transcend the traditional borders of a country and hence lead to ideological struggles between governments on the topic of conservation of culture and traditions. While this is occurring, many citizens have found that governments limit advocacy of these said groups which in turn leads to a lack of education and respect. Whether it be due to the effects of modernization or cultural barriers, the voices of indigenous people have been long overlooked. By acknowledging the rights and the voices of indigenous groups, delegates have the ability to produce cohesive resolutions that address not only the political boundaries and powers of native communities, but also how best to celebrate and manage cultural differences in order to foster greater cooperation and success in countries.