• The question of the privatization of armed forces and warfare

• The question of enhancing international cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and verification mechanisms

• The question of preventing an arms race and the weaponization of outer space

Greetings, honorable directors, distinguished delegates, and esteemed guests,

My name is Hyunchan Cho, a senior at St. Paul American School Hanoi, and it is my utmost honor to serve as the Head Chair of the General Assembly 1 for the 2025 March UNIS MUN Conference.

This conference’s theme is “Is our rules-based international system able to adapt to contemporary challenges to security and sovereignty?” This theme is central to the General Assembly 1 council and its mission for Disarmament and International Security. GA1 is a key forum where states assess existing international norms and collaborate to reform and strengthen them in response to emerging and evolving threats to international security while respecting national sovereignty, which is what you as a delegate will have a chance to practice.

It is exciting to chair the debate on the first issue of the privatization of armed forces and warfare. In many ongoing armed conflicts such as the Sudanese Civil War, more and more use of privatized warfare is being reported. As efficient as these forces are to the armed groups, they are simultaneously some of the deadliest weapons against civilians, and it is indispensable for GA1 to step up and address this issue.

The question of enhancing international cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and verification mechanisms is highly relevant to the globally complex, dynamic political landscape nowadays. The tensions between nuclear-armed states not only are some of the most longstanding issues but also have been rising to the extreme recently, as shown in Iran’s nuclear enrichment and the United States’ strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Therefore, it is urgent for GA1 delegates to address this issue and cooperate to come up with solutions.

Finally, the issue of preventing an arms race and the weaponization of outer space shows how the dynamics regarding international security and national security are evolving beyond the traditional domains. This topic challenges delegates to examine how international cooperation and legal frameworks can balance national security interests with collective responsibility, making it a crucial issue for debate within GA1.

I wholeheartedly look forward to everyone in this conference and the exciting debate in GA1. As a person who started his MUN career as a nervous GA1 delegate, I understand what it feels like to be a beginner delegate in GA1, so please don’t be afraid to ask for help. My co-chairs and I will do our best to guide you and our council through every aspect.

Thank you, and see you in March!

Greetings honorable directors, fellow chairs, distinguished delegates, and most esteemed guests,

My name is Wen-De (Ethan) Hsiao, I am a junior at the United Nations International School of Hanoi. It is my greatest pleasure to be your Deputy Chair for the General Assembly 1 of the March 2026 Conference. This conference will be marked as my 6th Conference in UNISMUN, while also being my second experience as a chair. I am very excited and looking forward to meeting everyone at the March 2026 Conference!

This year’s UNISMUN conference’s theme will be focusing on “Is our rules based international system able to adapt to contemporary challenges to security and sovereignty?”. This theme stood out to me as it also deeply resonates with me to an extent that it inspired me to critically reflect and question whether global institutions and norms are able to quickly manage and evolve to address the complex threats of the modern societies of the world. 

General Assembly 1, also known as GA1 and the (Disarmament and International Security Committee is a committee that deals with issues regarding to economic growth, development such as macroeconomic policy questions; financing for development; sustainable development; globalization and interdependence; eradication of poverty; operational activities for development; agriculture development, food security, and nutrition; and information and communications technologies for development.

The three topics we will be covering as a committee are the question of the privatization of armed forces and warfare, the question of enhancing international cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and verification mechanisms, and the question of preventing an arms race and the weaponization of outer space. All three issues address crucial issues faced regarding the resilience of the rules-based international system in an era of evolving security and sovereignty challenges.

The first topic covers how the privatization of armed forces and warfare can pose challenges and destabilization to nations’ security and sovereignty. The second topic dives into specifications on ways to enhance international cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and verification mechanisms, such as strengthening IAEA safeguards to uphold global stability. Lastly, the last topic explores the key factors in consideration for collaboration among nations to reduce space competition and advance disarmament.

At this conference, I will be attempting to help every delegate in need, giving all kinds of guidance the delegates need, and ensuring all delegates have a firm understanding of the conference theme and committee topics. I wish all the best for everyone attending.

Thank you,

Wen-De (Ethan) Hsiao

Greetings, honorable chairs, distinguished delegates and most esteemed guests, 

My name is Shreya Raghavan, and I’m a junior at Hanoi International School (HIS). It is my honour to welcome you to UNISMUN 2026, where I will be serving as the procedural chair in General Assembly 1 for the first time after three years of participating in this conference as a delegate. Having experienced UNISMUN from the floor of the committee, I am incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to now guide the debate from the dais. 

This year’s conference theme, “Is our rules-based international system able to adapt to contemporary challenges to security and sovereignty?”, is especially relevant in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape. I believe it encourages us to question not just the effectiveness of the existing international norms but also their flexibility in the face of emerging global threats.

GA1 particularly interests me as it sits at the core of how the international community responds to evolving threats to peace and security. The privatisation of armed forces and warfare demonstrates how the growing role of private military and security companies blurs the line between state responsibility and non-state action, raising serious concerns about accountability, regulation, and human rights in modern conflicts. 

At the same time, strengthening international collaboration on nuclear nonproliferation and verification is critical in a world where geopolitical tensions, technical developments, and diminished state trust endanger decades of progress in weapons control. Finally, the challenge of stopping an arms race and the weaponisation of outer space exemplifies how security rivalry is moving outside conventional areas.

GA1 is important in the real world because it allows nations to cooperatively modify current standards and establish cooperative frameworks to confront emerging dangers, making it a committee that is both contemporary and vitally relevant to the future of global peace and security. 

On a personal stance, these subjects speak to my interest in global politics and international relations, specifically how institutions may adapt to remain relevant in an increasingly polarised world. I'm looking forward to seeing how each of you brings your country's viewpoint to the table and adds to this year’s thoughtful and respectful debate. Thank you, and see you in March! 

Sincerely, 

Shreya Raghavan