Topics:

"Sovereignty and Resource Exploitation on International Waters" and "Balancing Economic Interests with Environmental and Politics"

 

Topic summary: 

Topic A:

     Under international law, no country owns the North Pole or its surrounding regions. As the Arctic begins to melt, countries and corporations are seeking to capitalize on its resources for their own advantage. Furthermore, under these circumstances, everybody wants to use the Arctic to obtain resources and gain land. Not only is some of the Arctic’s land used for trading, but its land also has an abundant reserve of gold, diamonds, and other rare elements. The question is, can anyone obtain sovereignty over the Arctic, whether forcefully or otherwise? That is the issue that the delegates will have to discuss, concluding the dispute over this newly available land.

 

Topic B:

      The melting ice in the Arctic was caused by global warming, CO2 emissions, and marine pollutants, among others. Though it might be beneficial to some countries and corporations, it is harmful to the environment. Not only is it damaging the ecosystem, but also changing our geography. Similarly, without diplomatic communication, geopolitical tensions may grow and cause instability between allies and disrupt economic matters. With such a complex issue, can a balance between economics, environment, and politics be reached? Each delegation is in charge of coming up with a solution that results in the best interest of the Arctic.