October Topic: Peacekeepers in Active Conflict

Peacekeepers are a prominent feature of the UN’s response to conflict and are defined to be “a unique and dynamic instrument developed by the Organization as a way to help countries torn by conflict to create the conditions for lasting peace.” However, the role of peacekeepers in active conflict has come into question in light of events such as those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, during the late 1990’s, there was an active Civil War in which thousands of people were killed. In 2001, the UN reacted by sending in the largest troop of Peacekeepers in history, in a mission that was intended to stop the mass-atrocities. However, not only were the Peacekeepers unable to critically engage to stop the fighting for fear of choosing one side over another and engaging improperly with civilians, but they remained in occupation for a substantial period of time with no decisive conclusion to the occupation in sight. 

In this committee, we’ll look at the questions that follow on the lines of these three: How can the UN more effectively instate the role of Peacekeepers to actively stop conflict? At what point is a Peacekeeping mission considered complete? Lastly, what purpose do Peacekeepers serve in an occupation that takes place post-conflict? We will attempt to reconsider and redefine the role of Peacekeepers in the UN.

December Topic: Disputed Territory in the East China Sea

Ever since World War Two, The Senkaku Islands, as they are known in Japan, or the Diaoyu Islands, as they are known in the People’s Republic of China have been a source of conflict in the East China Sea. In recent history, this has been and remains a provoking topic due to the rise of China in the economic, political, and military spheres.

Economically, these islands and the marine area surrounding these islands, the exclusive economic zone, are a rich resource for oil and fishing, and could be very profitable for the Chinese economy if they were procured under Chinese sovereignty. Politically and militarily, these islands generate considerable tension. China has put in place an “Air Defense Identification Zone,” which poses an immediate threat to Japan, and could be seen as an attempt to assert dominance over the territory. In doing so, the United States have entered into situation as Japan’s ally to try to ease tensions.

This idea of disputed territory in an era following colonization is not limited to the East China Sea. There are conflicts regarding contested land in the Western Sahara as well, where the Sahrawi People and the Moroccan government remain in dispute over territorial claims. There are cases even beyond these two that exemplify the tension, the potential for human rights violations, and the eminent involvement of allied countries that can be detrimental in working towards a worldwide goal of peace and cooperation. How can we negotiate a territory? How can we prevent military conflict? How can we insure equal distribution of resources? These are only a few of an abundance of questions, of which I hope to tackle as many as possible in committee.

Dear Delegates,

My name is Himani Yarlagadda, and I am incredibly excited to serve as your director of SPECPOL in the very first iteration of HMUN Online! I’m looking forward to meeting you all leading up to and during the conference. I’m originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and at Harvard, I am concentrating in Applied Mathematics with a focus in biological sciences along with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy.

I was first introduced to Model UN in my freshman year of high school, and I’ve continued with it ever since. HMUN, in particular, holds a special place in my heart, being one of my favorite conferences that I attended in my senior year of high school. Besides being your director for HMUN Online 2025, I have staffed HMUN Boston, HMUN Australia, and HMUN India and serve on Secretariat for HMUN 2026.

To me, Model UN has always represented a beautiful convergence of collaboration, research, creativity, and global affairs, and it is my hope that our committee will embody that. I’m looking forward to seeing how each of you utilize your specific country and bloc positions to devise unique solutions to our committee topic. Above all, I will look for delegates that are able to balance their own ideas with other delegates’ and actively integrate different solutions and perspectives with each other, when possible, to create a more comprehensive and stronger resolution. Diplomacy and compromise is the central pillar of Model UN, and I expect everyone in committee to embrace this spirit and to maintain a welcoming environment for each and every delegate.

The larger issues discussed in SPECPOL are multi-facted ones, and I am excited to witness how your debate and ideas emerge throughout the conference. While you all are preparing and counting down the days to HMUN Online, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns!

Sincerely,

Himani Yarlagadda

Dear Delegates, 

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the SPECPOL of the 2025 session of Harvard Model United Nations Online! I am honored to serve as your Director and cannot wait to see how you all collaborate and resolve key issues during this committee. 

My name is Becca Faber and I am a rising sophomore in Quincy House studying Government and Japanese. I started participating in Model UN last year and have absolutely loved my time competing on the college circuit. Last year, I assistant directed a NATO 1955 General Assembly at HNMUN and a G77 General Assembly committee on Trade at HMUN. These experiences motivated me to become more involved this year and direct a committee this year! I hope to use these experiences and lessons to deliver a rewarding and memorable experience for all of you.

Aside from Model UN, I enjoy sewing and thrifting (as a combo) and also love to hike in my hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I also enjoy writing for our Harvard International review and am very interested in US Asia Relations particularly with Japan. This summer, I spent 2 months in Tokyo interning with a local university and devouring an ungodly amount of sushi. 

I am here for each and every one of you before, during, and after our committee session. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting all of you soon! 

Sincerely, 

Becca Faber