Special Political and Decolonization Committee

Double Delegation

 
 

Topic A: Tech Monopolies and Global Power

Topic B: Climate-Induced Displacement and the Status of Climate Refugees

Foreign interference in elections is nothing new. What is new, however, is the role of technology, cyberattacks, and AI in these activities. From cyberattacks on electronic election infrastructure, to AI deepfakes and social media misinformation, the methods and risk from foreign election interference is increasing across the globe. This committee will seek to ensure free and fair elections in this new age of technology and AI. In addition to addressing geopolitical issues here on earth, an additional, unique aspect of the SPECPOL committee’s mandate is ensuring “peaceful uses of outer space.” This goal is becoming challenging, as nations have increasingly been developing and testing space-based weapons (such as the infamous 2021 Russian anti-satellite missile test). This committee will grapple with how to ensure peace and stability in this unique domain. 


 

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to HMUN 2027’s Special Political and Decolonization (SPECPOL) committee! My name is Pavan Thakkar, and I am delighted to serve as a director of this committee for the second consecutive year. To tell you a bit about myself, I am a junior at Harvard College in Quincy House, but I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. I’m concentrating (majoring) in the History of Science with a secondary (minor) in Global Health and Health Policy, on the pre-med track. I have been participating in Model UN since I was in middle school, and at Harvard, I am a member of our Intercollegiate Model UN team. I have staffed HMUN and HNMUN (our collegiate conference) since 2025. In addition to MUN, I also am an EMT for CrimsonEMS, conduct clinical research, and serve as a photographer for our campus newspaper, The Harvard Crimson.

Two of the most valuable and transferable skills developed by MUN are communication and collaboration. I look forward to seeing how you all work together—both with your co-delegate and other delegations—to navigate the timely and critical global issues addressed by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee. Please feel free to reach out via the email address below if you have any questions or concerns.

I look forward to meeting you all and working together to make the committee a lively, fun, and productive one.

Sincerely,

Pavan

Co- Director, Special Political and Decolonization Committee

specpol@harvardmun.org

Harvard Model United Nations 2027

 
 

Esteemed Delegates,

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Special Political and Decolonization Committee for the 2027 session of Harvard Model United Nations. I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve as your Co-Director, and I look forward to working with you all over the span of this conference!

My name is Maggie Leighton. I am a current sophomore at Harvard, and I am originally from Leominster, Massachusetts. I am studying History of Science with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy, with the intent to attend law school after finishing college. Model United Nations was a surprising addition to my college extracurriculars, as I had never had the chance to experience it in high school, but I am so thankful that I joined this community! At Harvard, I compete on the Intercollegiate Model United Nations (ICMUN) team and will direct at both HMUN Boston and HNMUN this year. Outside of Model United Nations, I am a senior staffer for Harvard Model Congress Boston, San Francisco, and Europe, a member of Harvard’s Women’s Club Volleyball Team, and a leader for Harvard’s First-Year Urban Program.

In this committee, we will address two pressing issues facing the international community: the growing influence of technology on global power structures and the effect climate change has on displacing communities. I am looking forward to working with you all as you bring your countries’ perspectives to life and debate potential policies about sovereignty, equity, human rights, and international cooperation. I encourage everyone to participate and have a voice in committee discussions, and I am excited to see everyone grow as delegates as we work through the conference together! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or anything else. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Maggie Leighton

Co-Director, Special Political and Decolonization Committee

specpol@harvardmun.org

Harvard Model United Nations 2027