Report

Report

Report

Greetings honorable directors, distinguished delegates, and esteemed guests,

My name is Liz Park, a junior attending UNIS Hanoi. This is my fifth year being a part of the MUN Community, with this UNISMUN November 2026 Conference marking my eighth conference, sixth as a chair. I will serve as the Head chair of the African Unions. Through my multiple experiences as not only chairs, but also delegates, I aim to make this conference memorable for many participants through support and knowledge. 

The theme of the November 2026 conference is “To what extent can multilateralism remain effective in an increasingly divided world?” This theme is highly relevant to our topics of the question of increasing cooperation over shared resources in Africa and the question of establishing freedom of movement within the African Union as both of the topics directly test whether regional multilateral frameworks can overcome national sovereignty concerns and geopolitical fragmentation. 

To further understand our topics, it is important to understand Africa’s critical resources such as Nile and Niger River basins, underground aquifers, and Lake Chad, which are shared across artificial national borders. As many external factors such as climate change are accelerating resource scarcity, many nations face a choice between unilateral resource hoarding or multilateral management. This topic highlights the tension between national survival and collective governance as a whole. It questions whether multilateral bodies or river basin authorities can effectively mediate conflicts and enforce sharing when divisions intensify. 

Another aspect we have to consider is the AU’s protocol on Free movement of persons. This aims to create borderless Africa, mirroring the continent's push towards economic integration in the African Continental Free Trade Area. However, implementation has stopped regarding security, job competition, and sovereignty. This showcases the gap between high-level multilateral commitments which were tried to be implemented and the reality. 

With all this said, I look forward to working with you at the upcoming UNIS MUN conference. 

See you in November. Thank you. 

Liz Park

Honorable directors, distinguished delegates and esteemed guests,

My name is Vu Thanh An, a junior in the Singapore International School Gamuda Gardens. This conference would mark my 4th 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, “To what extent can multilateralism remain effective in an increasingly divided world?”, This theme is particularly relevant to the African Union, where collaboration between member states is of utmost importance in  achieving regional stability and development .The two topics, “The question of increasing cooperation over shared resources in Africa” and “The question of establishing freedom of movement within the African Union,” reflect the importance of multilateralism in overcoming national differences, promoting regional integration, and addressing the shared challenges African States face while balancing individual national interests.

The first issue, “The question of increasing cooperation over shared resources in Africa” , concerns the distribution of essential resources such as water and energy. Tensions may occur between member states due to differences in national interests. Therefore delegates should consider how regional agreements can be reached while also considering external factors such as but not limited to: climate change, differences in national interests, unequal access to resources, etc. 

The second issue “The question of establishing freedom of movement within the African Union” explores the possibility of allowing African citizens to travel and live more freely between states. Freedom of movement could bring about stronger economic integration, however risks stemming from border security and regional instability remain obstacles. Therefore delegates should consider how the African Union can balance national interests with continental integration. 

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

Vu Thanh An

Honorable chairs, distinguished delegates, and most esteemed guests,

My name is Karin Kurashima, and I am attending United Nations International School as a 9th grader. I am honored to be the procedural chair for the African Union (AU) at this conference. Having attended six previous conferences and chaired in three of them, this will be my seventh conference and fourth experience as a chair. As this is also my first high school conference, I look forward to learning more about how MUN operates at this level while continuing to develop my skills in diplomacy and leadership. 

The theme for this conference is: “To what extent can multilateralism remain effective in an increasingly divided world?” In a world where countries have competing interests and priorities, cooperation can be crucial to address challenges that cannot be solved independently. However, multilateralism requires more than agreements as it also depends on the willingness of countries to compromise and find a solution that works for everyone. This theme encourages delegates to consider how countries work together despite political and economical differences.

The African Union brings African countries together to address issues that affect the continent and work towards shared goals. Through cooperation between the member states, the AU aims to promote unity and peace. However, member states may have different priorities, which can make it difficult to balance national interests and reach agreements. This provides an example of how multilateralism can help countries address shared challenges while also raising the question of how effective cooperation can be when national interests differ.

Our first topic, “The question of increasing cooperation over shared resources in Africa,” discusses the importance of managing resources in a way that benefits individual countries and the wider region. These can include shared water systems, where a decision made by one country can affect another. Delegates should consider how countries can reach agreements that meet their needs while preventing conflicts and encouraging regional cooperation. 

The second topic, “The question of establishing freedom of movement within the African Union” is about how the ability to travel more freely between countries could strengthen regional integration. Easier movement across borders may create opportunities for trade, employment, and cultural exchange, although delegates need to think about national policies and border management to make this happen. 

Through these topics, delegates can explore how member states can cooperate together to work towards solutions despite their differences.

I hope to work with fellow chairs and delegates to facilitate engaging, constructive debate, and that everyone has a positive experience in this conference. Thank you!

Karin Kurashima