• The issue of regional cooperation to combat food insecurity

• The question of the elimination of Official Development Assistance (ODA)

As the selected chair for the committee mentorship program, I got to meet with Mr. Halpert, a high school math teacher. Through a quick interview, I was able to get a deeper insight into MUN and the African Union’s topics.

Firstly, I asked Mr. Halpert on his opinion on this conference’s topic, “The role of sovereignty in diplomacy towards international responsibility”. He responded with that “[This theme is] how you have discussions without devolving into identity politics or emotional arguments. So you can really hear out the other side.” He also connected this to MUN as a whole, saying “People aren’t listening to each other so much anymore. You just get stuck in these camps of ‘I am right’ and we miss that we’re all human and mostly good people, whether we believe in one way or another.” 

Next, I went on to ask the committee specific questions, “The issue of regional cooperation to combat food insecurity” and “The question of the elimination of Official Development Assistance (ODA)”. Although he didn’t know in detail what ODA was, after a brief explanation he responded with “Not all topics (the second one)  can be seen as a good thing. That’s why I think it’s important that they debate upon it.” When asked his opinion on the topics as a whole he stated that “There’s a lot of economic disparity in the world. So I think all governments need to do a better job of redistributing wealth. So the ODA program I don’t really think about it, but the philosophical idea is a rising tide lifts all ships right? So it sounds like we shouldn’t be doing away with those types of programs.” 

Lastly, I asked Mr. Halpert about any tips for MUNers. He responded saying that “Try to consider both sources. If there is a political conflict, issue, or something, try to diversify your sources so you see what the typical needs are from the different interests that are involved.” 

Honorable chairs, distinguished delegates, and most esteemed guests,

My name is Joan Kim, a freshman at The United Nations International School of Hanoi. This conference will be my 6th time participating in MUN and the 3rd time as a chair. I am honored to serve as the African Union’s head chair in the November 2025 UNISMUN conference. 

In this conference, the overarching theme of the conference is “The role of sovereignty in diplomacy towards international responsibility", this topic is a truly important one given the ongoing conflicts that our generation is facing. This theme can help us reflect on how ongoing issues—such as the Russo-Ukraine war or the Palestine-Israel conflict—should not end with degrading or identity based arguments, rather that each nation has sovereignty and should be treated with respect. That even with disagreements, diplomacy is the best solution. 

The African Union’s 2 topics connect to this theme. The 2 topics, “The issue of regional cooperation to combat food insecurity” and “The question of the elimination of Official Development Assistance (ODA)” both connect to how cooperation should be used to solve issues regarding the economic state of a nation. 

The first topic may not be related to any international responsibility, it does connect to cooperation between regional sovereign states. The African Union is made up of 55 member states that all are sovereign, which means that even though it may not show international responsibility, the African Union is able to show the role of sovereignty in diplomacy towards responsibility. This topic is important for discussion as food insecurity is a serious issue, especially within the nations of the African Union. It is highly recommended that delegates check out the Food and agriculture organization of the United Nations, specifically section 1.2 for deeper information or data on Africa’s current situation with food insecurity.

The second topic, regards to the Official Development Assistance. The official development assistance is a governmental aid program created to help countries that may be struggling economically through economic assistance or non-economic provisions. This organization on its own demonstrates the theme of the conference. This shows international cooperation between nations to help those who are less fortunate or economically developed. This is an important developmental program that helps support over 150 nations. For more information delegates are encouraged to check out the official website from OECD and data from Our World in Data. 

I hope that with this conference, that not only I will be able to grow as a chair, but also provide guidance and support for the delegates. I hope to see lots of fruitful discussions in the African Union and that delegates will continue to strive for a higher standard of debate by the end of this conference. See you in the November conference!

Best Regards,

Joan Kim

Honorable chairs, distinguished delegates, and most esteemed guests,

My name is Dam Bao Nhi, a sophomore in the Singapore International School Gamuda Gardens. This conference would mark my 3rd UNISMUN conference and my first as chair. I am highly honoured to serve as deputy chair in the upcoming November UNISMUN conference in the African Union.

This upcoming conference’s theme, “The role of sovereignty in diplomacy towards international responsibility”. This theme is deeply relevant to the African Union as it represents the balance between national independence and global duty. In today’s world, diplomacy cannot be seen merely as defending borders or advancing national interests, but as balancing sovereignty with the universal responsibility to uphold peace, human rights, and collective security.

The 2 topics of the African Union are highly connected to this theme, “The issue of regional cooperation to combat food insecurity” and “The question of the elimination of Official Development Assistance (ODA)” highlights that sovereignty is not just independence, but a way to use diplomacy responsibly.

The first issue, “The issue of regional cooperation to combat food insecurity” remains one of the greatest and more important challenges in many parts of the world particularly in Africa, where conflict, climate change, and economic instability disrupt access to safe and sufficient food. It emphasises the regional cooperation needed between member nations of the African Union to tackle this serious issue. Most importantly it shows how sovereignty, while not internationally, can be used to protect the citizens rights to food. Delegates are encouraged to check out the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP),.. and policy frameworks such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) for more information

The second issue, “The question of the elimination of Official Development Assistance (ODA)”. The official Development Assistance (ODA) refers to the financial aid provided by developed countries to support the economic growth and welfare of developing nations. This issue is viewed in different ways, with some countries considering ODA a source of dependency, while others regard it as an important tool for development. Delegates should consider looking at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Development Assistance Committee (DAC), World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF),..

In this conference, I would hope to grow as a chair, assist my fellow co-chairs and other delegates to have many fruitful discussions and debates. Most of all to have a memorable and enjoyable conference with everyone. 

Best regards,

Dam Bao Nhi

Honorable chairs, distinguished delegates, and most esteemed guests

My name is Jay Lee, a freshman at the United Nations International School of Hanoi. I have been a part of UNISMUN for 2 years, participating in 4 conferences as a delegate. This is my first conference as a chair, and I am highly honored to serve as the procedural chair for the African Union in the November UNISMUN conference. 

This upcoming conference theme, “The role of sovereignty in diplomacy towards international responsibility,” is truly relevant to the current events happening around the world. This theme questions the conflicts ongoing around the world and how all countries with sovereignty should be treated with respect. Sovereignty should be seen as a charge of responsibility, as in the state not just being accountable for its own citizens but also the international community. 

The 2 topics of the African Union are highly connected back to the theme. The topics “The issue of regional cooperation to combat food insecurity” and “The question of the elimination of Official Development Assistance (ODA)” both connect to how international cooperation is necessary for certain problems regarding the country’s state of sovereignty. 

The first topic, “The issue of regional cooperation to combat food insecurity” is shown as a severe problem throughout the world and most importantly among the 55 nations of the African Union. The issue challenges the many regions of Africa with nations suffering from conflict, climate change and government instability leaving them an insufficient amount of resources to take care in food insecurity. It emphasizes the necessity of cooperation between African nations among the African Union to be able to protect the citizens rights for food security. Delegates are highly encouraged to check the UN Regional Food Overview for Africa (FAO), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa regional meeting report (UNECA Meeting Report) and additional documents providing policy frameworks for the certain issue. 

The second topic, “The question of the elimination of Official Development Assistance (ODA)” is an important issue for the OECD countries and mostly to the many developing countries in Africa. The Official Development Assistance is a governmental aid system for developing countries, promoting economic development and welfare in developing countries. This topic connects back with the topic of the conference showing the international cooperation between developed and developing countries. However, the perspective on this issue varies from country to country due to the thought of ODA as an obstacle to independence while other countries think of it as a way to develop. Delegates should look through the OECD reports on the cuts of ODA (OECD), of the policy brief by African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) for information about the ODA’s usage in Africa. 

Throughout this conference, I would like to not only develop as a chair but also be able to work with my peer chairs for a enjoyable and fruitful debate for the delegates. I hope I can be helpful for delegates and provide support throughout this conference. See you at the November Conference.