Disarmament and International Security Committee

Approximately 95 Delegations - Double Delegate
Topic A: Preventing an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS)
Topic B: Regulating Legal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS)

Background Guide

Welcome to the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), where delegates will address two urgent challenges to global stability: preventing an arms race in outer space and regulating lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS). As countries increase their military and commercial activities beyond Earth and use artificial intelligence in warfare, the risks of escalation, ethical violations, and misuse of technology become more serious. Delegates will discuss how to keep space a peaceful area under frameworks like PAROS, ensure accountability in developing autonomous weapons, and balance innovation with international security, human rights, and humanitarian law.

 

Dear Delegates,

I am excited to welcome you to the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) of ILMUNC XLII! My name is Alia Goldstein, and as the co-chair I look forward to guiding you through engaging and impactful discussions that explore various aspects of international security. 

DISEC is a central committee within the UN General Assembly, dedicated to matters of international peace, security, and disarmament. Unlike the Security Council, its resolutions are not legally binding, but they carry significant political weight and can shape the global security agenda. DISEC addresses a wide range of issues, from conventional arms control and nuclear non-proliferation to the prevention of an arms race in outer space. By fostering debate, building consensus, and recommending cooperative measures, DISEC plays a vital role in promoting dialogue, reducing tensions, and encouraging member states to pursue collective approaches to disarmament and international security.

A little bit about me, I am a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences studying international relations and economic policy. I’m from southern Indiana, and I participated in my high school’s Model UN club all four years. This will be my third conference that I have chaired with ILMUNC and I hope that you all have an enriching and valuable experience! Outside of ILMUNC, I am part of Penn’s competitive Model UN team and am involved in Greek life on campus. I love hiking and thrifting, as well as exploring Philadelphia in my free time.

Abby, Andrew, and I are all looking forward to working with you in DISEC. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the committee.

Alia Goldstein

Co-Chair, DISEC

aliagold@sas.upenn.edu

 

Dear Delegates,

I am excited to welcome you to the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) of ILMUNC! My name is Abigail Soares, and as the chair I look forward to guiding you through engaging and impactful discussions that explore various aspects of international peace and security. 

Often referred to as the “First Committee” of the United Nations General Assembly, DISEC focuses on topics relating to disarmament and international security. Maintaining global peace and security is a collective effort that relies on the effective functioning of both international and regional organizations. Regional organizations play a crucial role in maintaining peace and security within their respective regions, as they are closer to the issues facing the member states. Aerial policing has also become increasingly prevalent in modern conflicts, and I look forward to hearing your ideas on how to best regulate and address such activities. 

A little bit about me, I am a junior in Wharton Finance and Business Economics and Public Policy (BEPP) and I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio. This will be my third conference that I have helped to plan with ILMUNC, and I hope that you will all have a wonderful time! Outside of ILMUNC, I am a Project Lead in Wharton Undergraduate Consulting Club (WUCC) and am the Chief of Training for UPenn’s competitive Model United Nations Team (INTERCOL). I enjoy listening to music like the Weeknd, exploring cafes/restaurants, and travelling to new countries. 

Alia and I are all looking forward to working with you in the DISEC committee. If you have any questions about the committee, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Abigail Soares

Co-Chair, DISEC