Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL)
APPROXIMATE COMMITTEE SIZE: 165 double delegations
SPECPOL covers a diverse set of issues that includes responding to the effects of decolonization, ensuring the peaceful use of space, and reviewing all UN-run peacekeeping missions. Topic A will be about preventing the exploitation of natural space resources, a burgeoning industry due to the increasing volume of space missions. Delegates will consider how many of these resources are extracted, by who, and for who. Topic B will be digitizing and innovating peacekeeping efforts. Delegates will be tasked with considering ways to innovate peacekeeping that improve communications and cooperation, help peacekeepers make better decisions, and protect citizens.
Chairs: Moira christ & Madeline erickson
TOPICS
Topic A: Preventing Exploitation of Natural Space Resources
Topic B: Digitizing and Innovating Peacekeeping Efforts
lEARNING OBJECTIVES
Grapple with the current state of outer-space geopolitics and how outer-space resources can be used and exploited.
Understand the role the United Nations system can play in promoting international peace and dialogue.
Acknowledge the advantages and shortcomings of the current United Nations peacekeeping system, and how it balances peacekeeping and protecting civilians.
about the chairs
Moira Christ is an undergraduate in the Class of 2026 studying International Politics, German, and African Studies, and is also pursuing a Master of Science in Foreign Service with a concentration in Global Politics and Security as a member of the Class of 2027. She is unbelievably excited to meet you all and chair SPECPOL. Moira has been involved with Georgetown MUN since stepping foot on campus, chairing and staffing at both NAIMUN and NAIMUN’s sister conference NCSC each year (always in GAs!). Outside of MUN, Moira studied abroad in Singapore during her junior spring and spent a gap year in Germany through the U.S. Department of State’s CBYX program. Moira interned for the U.S. Department of State in the summer of 2023 and interned on Capitol Hill on the Senate side in the summer of 2024. This will be her last MUN conference ever, so she can’t wait to make it the best one yet!
Madeline Erickson is a member of Georgetown's class of 2026, where she studies in the Walsh School of Foreign Service, majoring in International Politics with a concentration in International Law, Institutions, and Ethics, as well as minors in Spanish and Art History. She is originally from Bismarck, North Dakota. Madeline became involved with Georgetown MUN during her sophomore year, staffing Georgetown’s collegiate conference NCSC. Since then she has continued to staff both NAIMUN and NCSC and has loved every minute of it. She is excited to continue her time with MUN by chairing the Special Political and Decolonization Committee. Outside of MUN, Madeline works for Georgetown University Campus Recreation as a Customer Service Representative and Swim lessons Instructor. In her free time, she enjoys exploring DC museums, and taking long walks with her dog, Indigo. Madeline is thrilled to be chairing this committee and can’t wait for an unforgettable weekend!