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123 United Nations Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries. With 193 member states, the UN addresses a wide range of global issues, from climate change to human rights to poverty alleviation. As such, there are countless essay topics that students and researchers can explore to deepen their understanding of the UN and its work.

To help inspire your writing, here are 123 United Nations essay topic ideas and examples:

The history and founding principles of the United Nations

The role of the UN Security Council in maintaining international peace and security

The UN's response to global pandemics, such as COVID-19

The impact of climate change on UN initiatives and policies

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their implementation progress

The UN's efforts to promote gender equality and empower women and girls

The UN's peacekeeping missions around the world

The UN's role in addressing refugee and migrant crises

The effectiveness of UN sanctions in deterring state aggression

The UN's role in promoting human rights and combating human rights abuses

The UN's response to humanitarian crises, such as natural disasters and conflicts

The UN's role in promoting global health, including initiatives to combat HIV/AIDS and malaria

The UN's efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts through diplomacy and mediation

The UN's role in promoting disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

The UN's response to mass atrocities and genocide, including the establishment of the International Criminal Court

The UN's efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism

The UN's role in promoting sustainable development and economic growth

The UN's efforts to promote education and literacy around the world

The UN's work in promoting democracy and good governance

The UN's role in protecting and preserving cultural heritage around the world

The UN's efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East

The UN's response to the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar

The UN's role in addressing the conflict in Syria

The UN's response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa

The UN's efforts to promote environmental sustainability and combat climate change

The UN's role in promoting access to clean water and sanitation

The UN's response to the global refugee crisis

The UN's efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and food security

The UN's role in promoting access to healthcare and combating diseases

The UN's response to the global HIV/AIDS epidemic

The UN's efforts to promote gender equality and women's empowerment

The UN's role in promoting education for all

The UN's response to the global economic crisis

The UN's efforts to promote peace and security in conflict-affected countries

The UN's role in promoting human rights and democracy

The UN's response to the global food crisis

The UN's efforts to promote sustainable development and poverty alleviation

The UN's role in promoting access to clean energy

The UN's response to the global water crisis

The UN's efforts to promote peace and security in Africa

The UN's role in promoting international cooperation and diplomacy

The UN's role in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment

The UN's efforts to promote education for all

These essay topics cover a wide range of issues and challenges facing the United Nations today. Whether you are interested in international diplomacy, human rights, sustainable development, or conflict resolution, there is a topic on this list that will inspire your research and writing. By exploring these topics, you can deepen your understanding of the UN's work and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on global governance and cooperation.

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113 United Nations Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on united nations, 🔎 easy united nations research paper topics, 🎓 most interesting united nations research titles, 💡 simple united nations essay ideas, ❓ research questions on united nations.

The United Nations’ Strengths and Weaknesses
United Nations Role in World Affairs
United Nations in the Israeli-Palestine Conflict
International Organizations. The United Nations
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund
Development in the United Nations
United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Internship Report Done at the United Nations UN is leading in offering internship openings to students in universities pursuing under- and postgraduate degrees. Objectives of UN internship program and students’ expectations.
President Obama’s United Nations General Assembly Speech President Obama is critiqued and praised as an exemplar of liberalism in international relations. His approach can also be viewed as an expression of Constructivist thinking.
“The UN Sex Abuse Scandal”: The UN Sexual Violence in War-Torn Countries “The UN Sex Abuse Scandal” opens many people’s minds to the UN sexual violence perpetrated by the UN peacekeepers in war-torn countries.
The US Should Not Pay the UN Membership Dues The argument suggests that showing more respect for the US and criticizing other countries, which the author believes is justified, will allow the UN to expect US support.
Protection of Vulnerable Communities by United Nations This report focuses on a global overview of the protection of vulnerable communities and the sustainable goals of the United Nations.
United Nations Convention on Rights of People Living With Disabilities The United Nations (UN) convention calls on all social care professionals to recognize disability as a rising human rights issue.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals Protecting human rights is of the utmost importance; consequently, all individuals, regardless of their communities, should be respected.
The UN Climate Change Conference: Indigenous Concerns During the UN Climate Change Conference, it was clear that indigenous environmental defenders have a particular stake in the outcomes of climate change global negotiations.
The United Nations vs Imperial Systems The international system under the leadership of the United Nations is more successful and effective than that under the empires.
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights The U.N. Guiding Principles are a necessary but still insufficiently effective tool to protect human rights from large business structures.
The Foremost Problem Confronting United Nations Organization There can little doubt as to the fact that the most significant problem confronting the Organization of United Nations (U.N.) is this organization’s operational ineffectiveness.
Issue of Un Relevance and Their Works Since the Cold War terminated with the loss of socialistic, the researchers started rising the issue of UN relevance in their works.
“The Role of the United Nations Development Programme in Post-conflict Peace-Building”: Article Analysis Endorsement of democratic values and supporting policies of good governance have become trademark characteristics of the UN in the approaches adopted to deal with issues.
UN Significance in Politics of Minority Peoples’ Claims UN sole influence is not applicable in creating legal guidelines but with its significant influence it has managed to lobby for support from opposing odds to ensure that sustainable policies are put in place.
Support for a Stronger United Nations Security Force Despite the important role assigned to the United Nations Security forces, one finds that there is growing decline for its support especially in United States due to various reasons.
Global Food Security: UN Speech This paper presents a UN opening speech from the name of the Republic of Uzbekistan about the problem and promotion of global food security.
Florence Nightingale’s Philosophy: UN Millennium Goals The legacy left behind by Florence Nightingale was so strong that it is still relevant in the twenty-first century. Each person on any place in the world has his or her own role.
The United Nations’ Security Council Membership The United Nations’ Security Council is increasing becoming a critical player in the world affairs and power relations between nations. The Security Council was established to manage threats.
The United Nations’ Digital Media Connection The United Nations (UN) is highly concerned about global citizenship and operates to encourage people to become a part of the international open-minded society.
UN and the Digital Age The UN’s current approach toward the use of IT-related opportunities could use a deeper insight into the issues associated with economics and global trade.
Globalization Impacts on the United Nations Institution This analytical treatise attempts to explicitly review the political, cultural, and economic impacts of globalization in the United Nations Institution.
Evaluating United Nations Peacekeeping Operations
United Nations and Its Relevance in U.S. Foreign Policy Making
Pakistan Relations With the United Nations
United Nations Strategies to Eradicate Poverty
Liberalism and the United Nations
Estimating Dynamic State Preferences From United Nations Voting Data
Japanese Isolationism and the Peacekeeping Involvement of the United Nations
United States Influence Upon the United Nations
United Nations, Self Determination, and State Sovereignty
Kosovo and the Possibility of a United Nations Role as Peacekeeper
United Nations Security Council and World Bank
United Nations Convention Against Corruption
North Korea and the United Nations
United Nations Treaties and Laws Governing the Seas
International Organizations and the United Nations
Slavery and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights
United Nations and International Law
Oxford International Model United Nations
Personnel Problems and the United Nations Secretariat
United Nations Reform for Indirect Exporting
North Asia and the United Nations
United Nations Security Council Is Unsuccessful in Keeping Peace
Peacekeeping Conduct and Discipline of the United Nations
United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security
Positive Routines: United Nations Military Training
United Nations and Its Impact on Human Rights
Global Governance and the United Nations System
European Union and United Nations
The Universal Human Rights of the United Nations
United Nations and the 2003 Invasion of Iraq
Policy Debate Over the United Nations System
United Nations Trade WTO Australia
United Nations Security Council Resolution
Bureaucratic Culture Within the United Nations
Reforming United Nations Budgetary System
United Nations Pros and Cons to Helping People Live Better
United Nations Peacekeeping Operations Before and After the Cold War
Spain and the United Nations
Canada and Its Impact on the United Nations
United Nations and U.S. National Security Policy
Germany and the United Nations
United Nations and First and Second World Wars
Model United Nations Manifesto
Israel and the United Nations
Non Refugee Children and the United Nations
Collective Security and the United Nations
United Nations and Big Powers
Ghana and the United Nations
American National Interests and the Responsibilities of United Nations Membership
Global Business and the Impact of the United Nations
United Nations Conventions and Declarations
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Refugee Rights and the United Nations Convention of 1951
United Nations Environmental Programme: Water Privatization
Iraq War 2003 and the Issue of Pre-emptive and Preventive Self-Defence: Implications for the United Nations
United Nations and World Order
The Yugoslavian Conflict United Nations
United Nations – Successes and Failures
President-Elect, Donald Trump, and the United Nations Clash
United Nations Security Council Reform
Is the United Nations an Effective Organisation?
What Is the Intended Purpose of the United Nations?
Did the United Nations and the International Community Fail to Prevent the Rwandan Genocide?
How Did the Special Agencies of the United Nations Help to Provide a Better Quality of Life?
Why the United Nations Started the Program for Women?
How Does the United Nations Support Environmental Sustainability?
Why the United Nations Can Be Not an Powerful Force to Get the Global Peacefulness?
How Effective Has the United Nations Been in Dealing With Sudan’s Refugees?
Why the International Court of Justice Is Important to the United Nations?
What Determines Success and Failure in United Nations Peacekeeping?
Why Collective Legitimization Is Considered as a Political Function of the United Nations?
What Is the Symbol of the United Nations, and Its Meaning?
How Did the Constitutional Crisis in the United Nations Happen?
What Are Some Reflections on Reform of the United Nations?
Should the United Nations Be Involved in International Affairs?
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of United Nations?
What Is the Clash Between Intergovernmentalism and Transnationalism in the United Nations?
What Are the Development Goals From the United Nations?
What Is the Importance of America’s Continuing Presence for United Nations?
What Are United Nations’ Alternative Approaches in Resolving Global Challenges?
What Was the United Nations Role as Peacekeeping Force in the North Korean Conflict?
What Are the Roles of the United States and the United Nations in Preserving World Peace?
What Is United Nations Effectiveness in the Midst of Fighting?
What Are the Degrees of Self-Determination in the United Nations Era?
What Are Some Recent Trends in the Law of the United Nations?

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StudyCorgi. (2022, March 1). 113 United Nations Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/united-nations-essay-topics/

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StudyCorgi . "113 United Nations Essay Topics." March 1, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/united-nations-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "113 United Nations Essay Topics." March 1, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/united-nations-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on United Nations were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 9, 2024 .

Essay on United Nations

Students are often asked to write an essay on United Nations in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on United Nations

Introduction.

The United Nations (UN) is a global organization formed in 1945. It comprises 193 member countries, aiming to maintain international peace and security.

Purpose and Principles

The UN’s main purpose is to prevent war, encourage respect for human rights, and promote social progress. It operates on principles of sovereign equality and non-interference.

The UN has six main parts: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.

The UN plays a vital role in addressing global issues like climate change, peacekeeping, and humanitarian aid.

Also check:

10 Lines on United Nations
Paragraph on United Nations

250 Words Essay on United Nations

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among member states and to foster social progress and human rights. The UN’s establishment was a direct response to the atrocities of World War II, with the primary aim of preventing such devastating conflicts in the future.

Structure and Functions

Comprising 193 member states, the UN’s structure includes six main organs: the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. Each organ has a unique role, collectively addressing a wide range of global issues, from peacekeeping and conflict resolution to health emergencies and climate change.

Impact and Criticisms

The UN has had significant successes, such as eradicating smallpox, promoting gender equality, and mitigating conflicts. However, it also faces criticism for its perceived inefficacy, bureaucracy, and the disproportionate influence of certain member states. The veto power of the five permanent members of the Security Council is particularly contentious, as it can hinder decisive action.

In the face of a rapidly changing global landscape, the UN’s role is more critical than ever. Despite its shortcomings, it remains a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world. The challenge lies in reforming and adapting the UN to better address contemporary global issues and ensure equitable representation and influence among its member states.

500 Words Essay on United Nations

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, in the aftermath of World War II. The primary objective of the UN is to foster international cooperation and prevent conflicts, promoting peace and security worldwide.

Structure and Functioning

The UN comprises six main organs, including the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat. Each organ plays a distinct role in the UN’s operations, from policy-making and peacekeeping to judicial matters and administrative functions.

The General Assembly, where all 193 member states have representation, is the UN’s chief deliberative body. The Security Council, with its five permanent members and ten elected members, shoulders the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.

Significant Contributions

The UN has made significant contributions to global peace and security. It has undertaken numerous peacekeeping missions and has been instrumental in resolving several conflicts. The UN also plays a crucial role in promoting social and economic development, with its numerous specialized agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Criticism and Reform

Despite its achievements, the UN has faced criticism. Some argue that it fails to prevent conflicts and genocides, pointing to crises in Rwanda and Bosnia. Others critique the Security Council’s structure, arguing that its permanent members hold too much power.

These criticisms have sparked discussions about UN reform. Proposals include expanding the Security Council, increasing transparency, and improving the UN’s capacity to respond to global crises.

Future of the United Nations

In the face of global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and pandemics, the UN’s role is more critical than ever. By fostering international cooperation, the UN can play a pivotal role in addressing these issues. However, this requires member states to commit to multilateralism and the UN’s principles.

The United Nations, despite its shortcomings, remains an essential institution in the global political landscape. Its ability to bring together diverse nations under a common goal of peace and prosperity is unparalleled. As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges, the UN’s role in promoting international cooperation and global solidarity is crucial. It is incumbent upon the international community to strengthen and reform the UN, enabling it to better serve humanity in the 21st century.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Essays on United Nations

United nations essay topics for college students.

Are you a college student looking for inspiration for your next essay on United Nations topics? You've come to the right place! Choosing the right topic is crucial for a successful essay, and we're here to provide you with a diverse range of options to spark your creativity and personal interest.

Essay Types and Topics

Argumentative.

The role of the United Nations in international peacekeeping efforts
United Nations' effectiveness in addressing global human rights violations

Compare and Contrast

Comparing the United Nations' approach to climate change with its approach to armed conflict resolution
Contrasting the United Nations' impact in developed and developing countries

Descriptive

Describing a typical day in the life of a United Nations peacekeeper
Painting a vivid picture of a United Nations General Assembly session
Persuading for increased global funding for United Nations humanitarian aid programs
Making a case for United Nations reform in the 21st century
Sharing a personal story of how the United Nations has impacted your worldview
Writing a fictional narrative about a United Nations diplomat navigating international political tensions

Paragraph Examples

Example Argumentative Essay The United Nations has long been a central figure in international affairs, but its role in peacekeeping efforts continues to be a topic of debate. This essay will explore the effectiveness of the United Nations in maintaining peace and security on a global scale, ultimately arguing for the organization's crucial role in upholding international stability.

Example Argumentative Essay The United Nations' peacekeeping efforts are essential for maintaining stability in an increasingly interconnected world. By examining its successes and failures, it becomes clear that the United Nations remains a vital force for global peace and security.

Engagement and Creativity

Essay writing is not just about meeting academic requirements – it's an opportunity to explore your interests and hone your critical thinking skills. Don't be afraid to let your creativity shine through as you delve into the diverse range of United Nations topics provided here.

Educational Value

Each essay type offers unique learning outcomes. Argumentative essays develop analytical thinking, compare and contrast essays enhance critical thinking, descriptive essays improve descriptive abilities, persuasive essays strengthen persuasive writing skills, and narrative essays provide practice in storytelling and narrative techniques.

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Essay on United Nations: Samples for Students in 100, 200, and 350 words

Updated on
Dec 16, 2023

Essay on United Nations: Formed in the year 1945, The United Nations (UN) is a global organization. 193 countries are a member of the UN and aim to maintain international peace and security. In a rapidly changing world, the UN has evolved over the years to keep up with the same in various ways. The one thing that is the same, is that it remains the one place on Earth where all the world’s nations can gather together, discuss common problems, and find shared solutions to proposed problems that benefit all of humanity.

Table of Contents

1 Essay on United Nations in 100 words
2 Essay on United Nations in 200 words
3 Essay on United Nations in 350 words
4 Structure and function of the UN
5 Reform and Criticism
6 Conclusion

Apart from maintaining security and peace, the UN plays other essential objectives such as developing connections and relations among the different countries the foundation of these are respect for the principles of equal rights and self-determination of people achieving cooperation worldwide to resolve cultural, and social, economic, humanitarian problems at the international level.

All these are done while still respecting and promoting human rights and serving as a center where countries can coordinate their actions and activities toward processes. This is a brief intro. Now, let’s take a look at some essays on the United Nations.

Also Read: Essay on Biodiversity in 500 Words for Students

Essay on United Nations in 100 words

The United Nations (UN) is a global organization comprising 193 countries as its members and aims to maintain international peace and security. The main purpose of the UN is to prevent wars, promote social progress, and encourage respect for human rights. Sovereign equality and non-interference are the principles on which it operates. The UN has 6 main parts:- the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice, the Trusteeship Council, and the Secretariat. The UN has a vital role in issues that are at the Global level such as climate change, humanitarian aid, and peacekeeping.

Also Read:- Essay on Human Rights: Samples in 500 to 1500 words

Essay on United Nations in 200 words

The UN is an international organization that was founded in the year 1956 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among state members and to foster human rights and social progress. The establishment of the US was a direct response to the atrocities of World War II, with the main aim of preventing such kind of devastating conflicts in the future.

The UN comprises 193 member states, and its structure includes 6 main organs:- the Security Council, General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice, Trusteeship Council, and the Secretariat. Each of these councils has a unique role, collectively addressing a wide range of global issues ranging from the conflict of resolution to health emergencies and climate change, etc.

The UN has had quite significant successes such as promoting gender equality, and eradicating smallpox, and mitigating conflicts. However, the UN also faces criticism for its perceived inefficacy, bureaucracy, and the disproportionate influence of certain member states. The power of the 5 permanent members of the Security Council hold the power to veto which is contentious as it can easily change the course of decisive action. Hence, the challenge is reforming and adapting the United Nations to better address contemporary global issues and ensure representation as well as influence among its member states.

Also Read:- Important Articles in Indian Constitution

Essay on United Nations in 350 words

The UN was founded in the year 1945 and is a global organization. It played a main role in the aftermath of the World War II. the primary objective of the UN is to prevent conflicts, promote peace and security worldwide, and foster international cooperation.

Structure and function of the UN

The UN has 193 countries as its member states. It has 6 main organs:- The General Council, The Security Council, The Trusteeship, The International Court of Justice, The Economic and Social Council, and The UN Secretariat. Each of these organs plays a crucial role in the UN’s operations. This can range from policy-making and peacekeeping to administrative functions and judicial matters.

The Security Council with its 5 permanent members and 10 elected members has the primary responsibility for maintaining international security and peace.

Reform and Criticism

Despite the achievements of the UN, it has faced a lot of criticism. Some have an opinion that it fails to prevent conflicts and genocides, pointing to crises in Rwanda and Bosnia, while others critique the Security Council’s Structure putting forth the argument that its permanent members hold too much power. Hence, these criticisms have sparked the discussion about the reform of the UN. several proposals have also been put forward which include expanding the Security Council, increasing transparency, and improving the UN’s capacity to respond to the global crisis.

Despite the criticism, we cannot ignore the fact that the UN has made significant contributions in global peace and security. It has also undertaken numerous missions of peacekeeping and has been instrumental in resolving several conflicts. The UN plays a very important role in promoting economic development. It also has several specialized agencies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). As the world is faced with unprecedented and new challenges, the role if the UN in promoting international cooperation and global solidarity is crucial. Enabling it to serve humanity in the 21st century, it is incumbent upon the international community to strengthen and reform the UN.

Deepansh Gautam

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25 MUN Topic Ideas

Choosing good MUN topics is important. Whether a chair, USG academics, Secretary-General or coach, a good topic can be the difference between a memorable and boring committee. Therefore choosing a topic that is interesting, engaging, and intuitive is essential to a great committee. There are several types of topics that fit these criteria and this guide will give examples of MUN topics for future committees.

Conflict Resolution

Futuristic / sci fi, mun topics based on 17 sdg’s.

SDG GOAL 1: No Poverty

Committee: United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF

Topic: Removing Tangible Barriers for Children to Escape Poverty

In a few words: UNICEF is dedicated to making sure that no child is left behind in the fight to make our world more equal and better for all. In this, focusing on lifting children out of poverty is one of the most important tasks of UNICEF and through the framework of the SDGs more can now be done to tackle the issue resolutely and comprehensively. Already systems of indicators and progress tracking have been deployed worldwide, and the focus is now to look at the tangible barriers for children, education, development, growth, and more, in order to lift them to a better life. The delegates of UNICEF must think of ideas that are sure to be sustainable and maintain the better lives of these children whilst not disenfranchising any others in the process. They must answer tough questions of cross-boundary competition and struggle and think of the long-term with every debate.

SDG GOAL 2: Zero Hunger

Committee: World Food Program

Topic: Food Security in Conflict Zones

In a few words: Conflict zones are unpredictable in the best of cases, and dangerous to civilians and aid workers alike at their worst. Issues include now knowing where the recipients are, knowing how many, lack of protection and overworking, all of which puts access to food in jeopardy. The delegates of the World Food Program must think of policies that ensure non-combatants receive food. They should decide which types of food are most relevant (food supplies, cash, a mix), transport mechanisms and other UN bodies to collaborate with. Delegates will need to answer questions on which types of food provide the most nutritional value, delivery methods, continuous access to food as well as long term distribution methods and mechanisms that can support eventual self-resilience.

SDG GOAL 3: Good Health and Wellbeing

Committee: World Health Organization WHO

Topic: Establishing Preparedness Protocols for Epidemics and Pandemics

In a few words: There remains no doubt that better protocols and planning could have prevented or at least hindered the current outbreak we are suffering. However, with the proverbial sunlight at the end of the tunnel for some countries, we must already begin to think of the lessons we can learn for future outbreaks. In this, delegates must consider some of the key collective protocols and efforts that can be made in order to reduce the possibility of a spread like this again. Mechanisms to monitor viruses, improve research, and widely prepare the world again will be useful not only for future crises, but also in current ones too.

SDG GOAL 4: Quality Education

Committee: United Nations Educations, Scientific, and Cultural Organizations UNESCO

Topic: Integration of Affordable Technology to Improve Education in the Developing World

In a few words: A good education is the key to a bright future, therefore a good educational system is instrumental to a prosperous society. The application of technology to national educational systems provides more tools to help improve literacy rates, make education more accessible and more affordable on a large scale. However, because of the challenges reducing the quality of life in the developing world, education suffers as a result.

SDG GOAL 5: Gender Equality

Committee: UN Women

Topic: Improving female access to education worldwide

In a few words: Despite making up a majority of the world’s population, girls are still not more likely to enter primary school than boys, and less than 40% of countries still manage to provide girls and boys equal access to education. It is important for the future of our societies worldwide that this inequality in access is rectified as quickly as possible, in all stages of education. This includes not just primary, but secondary, tertiary, and adult education. Delegates will be expected to lay a critical eye on the world’s attempts to improve education access to women, and look for new, diverse and effective ways to bring this dangerous inequality down, whilst simultaneously improving access to education in general for all.

SDG GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Committee: UN Water

Topic: Water Security in Transnational Desert Climates

In a few words: Water Security is quickly becoming a dangerous threat to many societies living in or near desert climates. With Global warming often exacerbating these areas, new areas are also becoming more at risk of desertification. The transnational aspect to this security threat makes the resolution of it especially difficult. What delegates must do is engage with how societies can be protected in these precarious situations whilst also managing to grow. It is not enough just to remain survivable but the world must work together to allow people living in these climates the ability to thrive too.

SDG GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Committee: United Nations Environment Program UNEP

Topic: Economic and Environmental Maximization of Winds & Solar Energy

In a few words: Green energy, especially that from the wind and the sun, is vital to reducing our carbon footprint and fulfilling many of the Sustainable development goals. As the technology to make such energy becomes easier to make and more efficient, we should now look to maximising the use of these energy producing methods and making them more accessible worldwide. Whilst countries with more developed technological fields might be able to include them in their energy grids more easily, it is up to those with more basic methods of energy generation to use these new technologies as it can speed up their overall industrialisation and productiveness. Without this, a dangerous new inequality could occur, and delegates need to grapple with both the economic drives of these green methods of energy production as well as the environmental benefits they bring.

SDG GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Committee: Economic and Social Council ECOSOC

Topic: Reduction of Brain Drain

In a few words: Brain Drain is the unfortunate situation many countries are facing where huge swathes of the often younger population move and stay abroad owing to a lack of educative or productive capacities within their home country. Whilst migration is a huge net positive, the lack of opportunities within a country can be devastating for societies, and the need to improve sovereign education and employment capabilities will be needed to tackle this. Delegates here should start to understand the societal and transboundary nature of opportunity generation, and look at new international ways to improve these possibilities for future generations.

SDG GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Committee: United Nations Industrial Development Organization UNIDO

Topic: Accelerating the creation of inclusive and sustainable industrial development

In a few words: Industry keeps our world running. The creation, manufacturing, delivery, and recycling of the objects we all use in life is a literal lifeline for our societies. However, for decades and centuries the development of industry has been a dirty and often dangerous business. With new technologies and opportunities we must look at how sustainable industry can proliferate across the world, helping especially those countries who lack such an inclusive industry so far. For this delegates will need to look at how industry works, and the unique situations many countries find themselves in through labour and work.

SDG GOAL 10: Reduced Inequalities

Committee: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNCTaD

Topic: Improving growth in least developed countries

In a few words: For many centuries, growth has been a concept states have treated unequally. However, it is imperative that to reduce global inequality that growth be focused on those with the most need for it to lift people out of poverty and inequality within their own societies. To this end, delegates must take a look at the current trade and development system and understand the inequalities within them and how they can be best tackled, whilst not discriminating or hindering growth elsewhere. It is a delicate topic to deal with and an important one for the future of billions who are losing out.

SDG GOAL11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Committee: United Nations Human Settlements Programme UNHSP

Topic: Improving the sustainability and living standards of our cities

In a few words: Urbanisation is progressing at a rapid pace in our modern world. The rate of people moving from the countryside to new or old cities is becoming an issue of growing proportion. Already over half of the world’s population live in cities, and this is only going to grow in the future. Furthermore, the rapid, often uncontrolled, growth of cities directly endangers the living standards of those in these cities, as well as often lacks sustainable mechanisms to keep the population safe. Delegates here must look at how this uncontrolled growth can be managed and how the living standards of those within cities can keep growing, building on the lessons of millenia of urbanisation.

SDG GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Committee: Food and Agriculture Organization FAO

Topic: Reduction of Factory Farming

In a few words: In order to produce enough food for our burgeoning global population, factories have often been used in order to create enough food to sustain big populations. However, this factory farming is problematic for several reasons. The quality of the food it produces is often low, and the sustainability of the food, not to mention the horrible conditions of the animals, are all too poor. It is time now for delegates to look at some of the overreliance of factory farming, especially that of meat, and see how our reliance on it can be reduced, and conditions improved, moving to higher quality sources of food for all our populations, whilst managing our ever growing population.

SDG GOAL 13: Climate Action

Committee: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC

Topic: Evaluating the Progress of the Paris Climate Agreement

In a few words: The Paris Agreement climate change mitigation, adaptation, and finance is a seminal agreement in our fight against global warming and climate change. Amounting to key commitments in limiting CO2, financing of sustainable development initiatives and most important nationally determined contributions for each member state. It is important that this document and its contributions remain salient and evaluated at every opportunity for improvements, and to make sure that member states are keeping their commitments to the agreement. It is the cornerstone of global efforts to stem climate change and it is important that delegates address this in their debates.

SDG GOAL 14: Life Below Water

Committee: UN Oceans

Topic: Protection of Coral Reefs

In a few words: Coral reefs are some of the most beautiful and important ecosystems on our planet, and also some of the most vulnerable. Hosting a huge amount of life, and essential in many ways to our survival, coral reefs have faced a devastating amount of destruction owing to the warming of the seas. Through regulation and good environmental practice, many of these reefs can be protected and brought back, but for some it might already be too late. Delegates must look to enshrine this protection solidly and robustly in order to protect these reefs and the life that they protect.

SDG GOAL15: Life on Land

Committee: UN Convention on Biological Diversity

Topic: Protection of endangered animals and threatened wildlife

In a few words: There are over 40’000 different animals and wildlife on the endangered list. Over 10’000 of them are at a further risk of extinction, meaning that their species and life may never be found again. It is a key responsibility for the world to protect these species and encourage their growth to bring them out of endangerment. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity is a key forum for this protection, and at this conference of the parties delegates must find ways to protect these unique animals and encourage their continued growth, whilst also protecting humankind at the same time.

SDG GOAL 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Committee: United Nations Development Program UNDP

Topic: Improving Democratic Governance and Democratic Institutions

In a few words: Democracy and the rule of the people is one of the founding principles of the United Nations and of the international order we protect and enshrine. However, in times of difficulty, the democratic institutions that uphold this principle wain, and continual investment and improvement of these institutions and practices of governance is necessary to keep democracy alive. In tackling this, delegates must look at how institutions can be widely supported and improved to bring back and bring forward new democratic ideals and participation from the citizens of the world that the UN serves.

SDG GOAL 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Topic: Increasing Financial incentivizes for Future Local Partnerships

In a few words: Civil society and local initiatives are essential ways to anchor the SDGs and the United Nations to citizens of the world. However, many of these initiatives and partnerships face issues of funding and support, and with the myriad of work they do, it is important that delegates find sustainable and robust ways to support the financing of these institutions either though national or international means. Here delegates must also look to the good running and governance of these partners, and find ways to improve win-win scenarios for both the partnerships, and the local people they work with.

8 Other MUN Topics

Global security.

Committee: Disarmament and International Security (DISEC)

Topic: Impact of Private Military Security Contractors on Global Security

In a few words: Security is a vital part of all nations work, and the military that often protects its security is kept under keen supervision in order to minimise loss of life and the dangers of war on civilians. However, when this security is taken by private persons, oversight and potential breaches of human rights becomes all too likely. Nevertheless, private military security can also be a way to safeguard security in areas where it is all too dangerous otherwise. Delegates here must take a nuanced and important look at global security, and the role that private contractors can take within it. The grey zone that they exist in is too dangerous to civilians and human rights to ignore.

Nuclear Proliferation

Committee: International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA

Topic: Revaluating Non-Proliferation Mechanisms which have lead to breaches in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

In a few words: The NPT remains an important document for global safety and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. However, it still remains an incomplete document, with several important nations of the UN having not signed it, and worrying developments for those who have previously signed, or pulled out of, the treaty. Delegates here must look at the mechanisms enshrined in the NPT and identify how they can be improved and made more efficient and robust if the treaty is to survive a potentially catastrophic proliferation of nuclear weapons and associated weaponry.

Drug Trafficking

Committee: United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime UNODC

Topic: Examining the Relationship between Legalization of Marijuana and Drug Related Crime

In a few words: Some members of the international community have taken steps towards the legalization of marijuana, bringing forth a key debate between this legalization and the crime that often accompanies it when it is illegal. With drug related crimes decimating populations and state legitimacy across the world, any actions that could improve or alleviate the damaging effects on society are welcome. Through this, delegates must look at how legalization affects crime through key studies and sources, and take a nuanced and respectful look at changing global positions towards this.

Prostitution

Committee: United Nations Commission on the Status of Women

Topic: Rethinking the Legalization of Prostitution

In a few words: Prostitution has often been called one of the oldest trades in humanity, and it has doubtless played an important role in society since the dawn of civilisation. However, in our modern society what role should it play? This is a key question that delegates on the UNCSW should be addressing, understanding the complex role of labour it plays in many communities, cultural relations between men and women, and evolving understanding of the regulation of women’s bodies worldwide. Already debates on the legalization of prostitution has evolved in regional and national debates, therefore a global debate should be ushered in to look further into this important topic.

Global Commerce

Committee: World Trade Organization WTO

Topic: Impact of Industrial Capacity 3D Printing on Free Trade

In a few words: 3D printing threatens to revolutionise industry in ways few technologies have before. Through programming, printers with different materials and capabilities are already reaching science-fiction levels of productivity and capacity, and could have rapid effects on a free trading system by which specialization is key. How would selling the designs of a 3D printed industrial tool affect the free trade of said tools? What would 3D printing do in the medium-skilled industrial sector which is so vital for millions? These are just some questions that delegates in the WTO must look at, as well as a robust understanding of the modern ways in which global commerce operates, and is likely to change.

Cyber Security

Committee: United Nations Security Council UNSC

Topic: Differentiating from Cyber War from Cyber Terrorism and Cyber Crime

In a few words: Cyber is a new domain by which devastating impact can be had on societies and entire nations. With the internet and otherwise digitally connected devices proliferating across the world, the nature between cyber crimes, terrorism, and all out war continue to confuse and delay appropriate responses from those protecting our society. The UNSC, as the key body defining breaches of peace in the international system, must evaluate these scenarios and set globally defining guidelines on malicious intent in the cyber domain. Delegates in the UNSC here must be able to delve in depth into both the political, and technological understanding of these different actions, and how the international community should seek to respond to them.

Climate Change

Committee: United Nations HLPF on Sustainable Development

Topic: Decarbonization of Energy Production

In a few words: At the High-level political forum on sustainable development, important political decisions and consensus must be made over one of the hardest issues facing our society and its approach to tackling climate change. Energy, vital to so much of our world, is one of the key contributors towards the high standard of living for many, yet also constitutes one of the most polluting, and dangerous sources of carbon. In order to reach many of the SDGs and generally improve the quality of life of people across the world, delegates at the HLPF must look at how we can decarbonize energy production worldwide, and set targets, goals, and put forward new initiatives to improve our worldwide efforts.

Committee: International Court of Justice ICJ

Topic: Reforming Mediation Efforts to Make a Fairer and More Efficient Conflict resolution Apparatus

In a few words: Mediation has always been and remains a key way to help bring conflict resolution. Both at the UN, other international bodies, and through private individuals, mediation has saved lives through the important neutral and trustworthy process it can be. However, both legally and politically mediation efforts are difficult to set up, and can sometimes lead to problematic situations of unfairness, strongarming, and inefficient use of resources. The ICJ, as a legal body for the United Nations to seek direction from, is able to push for some reform to the mediation process, and delegates within the ICJ here should seek to engage with important real-world examples of mediation, both successful and unsuccessful, to try and improve these efforts and save more lives in the future.

Coming Up With Your Own Unique MUN Topics

As a chair or educator, knowing which topic to choose is essential to the success of the committee. While there is no shortage of topics, certain topics don’t create the same level of competition and excitement as others. Before a topic can be considered a vital question should be asked, does the topic invite competition or collaboration? Since states within a committee interact in a number of ways between competing interests, coalitions, and more, the topic frames how the committee will operate. A committee can be successful as a collaborative problem-solving session or a competitive debate, but certain topics fit each style better. For instance, topics that lack strategic interest, such as topics relating to improving healthcare, will be better suited for the collaborative model because states won’t have a position against proving their national health, they’ll have different ways of how that’s accomplished. Whereas topics that include serious stakeholders, such as topics relating to security or vital economic matters, the competitive debate-style works better to fit that model. Therefore, once you find a topic, see if it fits one of those two models and the committee can be successful. Next, there are two primary variables that break down which type of topic it is and how the type impacts the preparation and execution of the topic.

Hot new topic

A hot new topic can be considered “breaking news” in the realm of geopolitics and typically includes numerous stakeholders with serious ramifications in real-time. These can be found by following the news and trends currently. New topics have their pros and cons for preparation and execution in the committee. Preparation wise, because these topics are developing, they often lack precedent, which makes it more difficult to create a comprehensive study guide as it’ll be more reliant on news and lack legal precedent and resolutions. Execution-wise, the breaking news element will organically create more urgency within the committee which can make for an intriguing debate but the lack of precedent also impacts how delegates operate in the committee as there is less long-term strategic policy guiding what is on and off policy. While this can be a very liberating feeling for delegates which can lead to more creativity among solutions, but it can also increase the likelihood that they’ll be off policy because there is less precedent to guide a delegate. These topics are more of a high-risk high reward type of committee.

Looming topic

A looming topic is something that is more known and established in the world of geopolitics. These can be massive existential threat-style topics, such as nuclear proliferation, or a more gradual development such as climate change. Regardless of what type of looming threat, these topics typically have way more research and precedent to them. Therefore, writing a study guide for these topics is less, ‘starting from scratch’ which is more of the style with the hot new topics, and more along the lines of ‘standing on the shoulders of giants’. The bodies of precedent solve pieces of the problems before you step into the committee and at a certain point the argument is more about details than overhealing macro policy for a new event. While this precedent can be beneficial, it can sometimes strangle delegate’s creativity as they’ll feel more confined by long term pre-existing strategy, but it also makes it easier to stay on policy since you have more direction

Existing topic

Existing topics can be very important to look at contemporary effects of our world and how delegates want to tackle them. A very obvious topic now would for example be tackling coronavirus, or the rebuilding afterwards. What’s important with existing or contemporary topics is that delegates should make sure to understand that the problem with topics such as these is no-one has all the information, and knows all the answers. When you are standing at a fork in the road with existing topics, it is natural that choices will be made, and delegates should be encouraged to explore and examine choices further, imagining that they are now a politician or diplomat having to push or make these choices themselves. Furthermore, with existing topics, attempt not to 100% replicate a meeting or debate that has just happened, as it can unduly influence delegates and their approach, instead look for a new angle, as this way existing debates can feed into the existing topic and help improve delegates’ understanding of the wider world.

Historical topic

Historical topics are an incredibly fun and exciting way to explore the past, and change the future. With a historical topic you are often going back in time (to as far back as you want!) and replicating a debate in a key forum of the past. Often, you will find that if you go back too far, i.e. pre-1900, it will be difficult to find information about the setting or details of each delegate debating the said topic, so remaining in the 20th and 21st century will always help. One of the hardest items to consider in a historical topic is the delegates within it, as they will have existed! Make sure that delegates are encouraged to rethink approaches, although not completely out of history, to improve the enjoyment and understanding of how past decisions ripple in time. What is vital for historical topics is both the explicit date it is set to (so delegates won’t research past this and be unduly influenced) and the scope of the topic (so that there is not too much research to have to fit in). However, when done properly historical topics can be an incredibly fun way to explore history and understand how politics, history, and personality truly change the path of nations.

Futuristic topics are, in a similar way to historical topics, very interesting as they force delegates to think outside the box and evaluate new ideas and topics that they might not have thought of before. One of the hardest items with futuristic topics is the “worldbuilding” around them that is necessary for delegates to properly get into the committee. Try not to stray too far outside the bounds of reality, unless you are already working with delegates to set it, as otherwise miscommunication and different levels of understanding can affect delegates’ approach to the topics. Instead, consider a current event and roleplay it into the future, that way there are a continuation and link to the past / current day, allowing delegates to get into the topic better. Furthermore, worldbuilding a country will be necessary, but limit what you think is needed, and trust delegates to not go off the rails too much, or else it can get frustrating. Nevertheless, futuristic topics can be a real challenge for experienced chairs and delegates, and can be another exciting way to explore the future and how actions in the current day can affect them.

For the different styles of topics, follow our “ how to write a study guide ” article to get meticulous advice on how to research, prepare, and deliver a quality study guide which sets up the delegates for an engaging and successful committee.

A fun and engaging topic are essential to every committee. It’s fun for the delegates because it gives them a great opportunity to learn about something new in the world of geopolitics. Additionally, the MUN experience allows them to use their skills in interesting and creative environments for engaging and memorable debates. A good topic is key to a great experience so choose one that is thought-provoking and challenging in the best of ways. Have fun and make sure MUN is formulating a fun learning experience – the more interesting and current the topic is the more likely students will; be active in the debate.

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Home / Essay Samples / Government / Politics / United Nations

United Nations Essay Examples

Political globalization and the european union.

Globalization and Europeanization is a rapidly growing world trend has been in place for the past couple of decades. Some significances of Globalization and Europeanization are international integration and interdependence between countries, multi-dimensional, transformational change with intended and unintended effects and also in the recovery...

United Nations: Shaping Global Governance

The United Nations was formed in 1945, after World War 2, as a way to maintain international peace and security, in order to avert any future wars. It was also established to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or...

The UN Was not Created to Take Mankind to Heaven, But to Save Humanity from Hell

“The UN was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell” were the words of the then Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld in 1945, after the formation of United Nations. These words delivered & catered to the needs of the world at...

Birth of the United Nations: the Second World War

The Second World War was one of the deadliest conflicts in the history of mankind. The cost and human suffering were immeasurable and incomprehensible: 40 million civilians have killed; 20 million soldiers, almost half of them in the Soviet Union alone. At the end of...

The United Nations: Last Century Or Necessity

The Gallup poll states that “only 43% of people think that the UN is doing a good job in solving the problems it’s trying to face”. Our world deals with issues such as poverty, gender inequality, mass human rights violations, and global warming that will...

United Nations Involvement in Providing Gender Equality

Every day women are being victimized by sex trafficking, forced marriage, and obligated to have abortions because of the lack of laws providing them with rights. The problem lies in the fact that they lack the same amount of power which men possess regarding regulations...

The United Nations: the Gravitational Center for Dialogue and Cooperation to Find Common Solution

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the second world war by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights. Due to its unique international...

Impact and UN`s Action in North Korea on Human Rights Violations

North Korea is a newly formed country founded in 9th September 1948 and not a country that has been around as long as other countries in the world. The devastating Korean War which led to many deaths eventually formed two diverse countries run by completely...

The Role of International Organizations in the Rwandan Genocide

“Rwanda will never ever leave me, it’s in the pores of my body. My soul is in those hills, my spirit is with the spirits of all those people who were slaughtered and killed that I know of, and many that I didn't know”. General...

Conceptualization of Security in Relation with the Effect of Civil Wars

The first appearance of the term ‘human security’ emerged in the 1994 Human Development Report by United Nations. Nevertheless, their definition confirms Edward Newman’s conviction that human security lacks clarity whilst being defined. In the report mentioned above, United Nations comprised human security into seven...

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