Introduction to DISEC
Its role is to provide a forum for the passing of resolutions in order to promote disarmament and control arms development and production. Disarmament has a rich political-intellectual tradition with its origins in the thought and speeches of Woodrow Wilson during the First World War. DISEC, one of the original subsidiary committees of the GA and known as the First Committee, it specifically works on these issues. It identifies different problems facing the international community in regards to arms control and world peace, debates these issues, and then attempts to come to a consensus, forwarding its opinions to the Security Council for further debate and eventual implementation.
Past agendas have included everything from reduction of military budgets worldwide to the ongoing debate over nuclear proliferation. DISEC receives annual reports from agencies like the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) to assist in its evaluations and decision making. DISEC convenes every October to discuss threats to international peace and security. All 191 member nations are welcome to attend. DISEC also coordinates with different UN bodies as well as non-UN bodies. Specifically, it coordinates with the Secretariat through the Department for Disarmament Affairs. While the committee cannot issue resolutions itself, it has the power to directly recommend action to the Security Council.
Topics For BUMUN 2012:
Topic A: Countering the threat of International Maritime Piracy
