2026 Committees and Topics
The 2026 Montana Model United Nations High School Conference will include five deliberative committees and a limited International Court of Justice simulation.
Each deliberative committee will consider two topics through speeches, negotiation, working papers, and draft resolutions. Delegates must prepare for both topics because each committee will determine its agenda during the opening session.
Background guides introduce the committee, explain its mandate, summarize previous international action, and identify questions delegates should consider. They are a starting point—not a substitute for researching the assigned country’s interests, policies, and previous actions.
General Assembly First Committee
The General Assembly First Committee addresses disarmament, international security, and threats to international peace.
Topics
- Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain and Its Implications for International Peace and Security
- Youth, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation
General Assembly Second Committee
The General Assembly Second Committee addresses economic growth and development, international finance, poverty, globalization, and related development issues.
Topics
- Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Strengthening Good Practices on Assets Return to Foster Sustainable Development
- Promoting Universal Access to Affordable, Reliable, Sustainable, and Modern Energy (SDG 7)
Economic and Social Council
The Economic and Social Council coordinates the United Nations’ economic, social, and development work and supports cooperation among UN bodies and specialized agencies.
Topics
- Ensuring Access to Quality Education in Conflict and Post-Conflict Zones
- Accelerating Implementation and Financing of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
United Nations Environment Assembly
The United Nations Environment Assembly is the UN’s principal decision-making body on environmental matters and establishes priorities for international environmental cooperation.
Topics
- Environmental Sustainability of Artificial Intelligence Systems
- Strengthening Meaningful Youth Participation in Environmental Processes
United Nations Security Council
The Security Council has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Unlike the other deliberative committees, participation is limited to countries assigned a seat on the Council.
Topics
- Strengthening Maritime Security through International Cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea
- The Role of Sanctions in Maintaining International Peace and Security
International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Unlike the other MMUN committees, the ICJ does not debate resolutions or use the standard NMUN rules of procedure. Participants will examine a dispute between states, apply relevant international law, and take part in written and oral legal argument.
Participation in the ICJ will be limited. Advisors should nominate only students who are especially well suited to the simulation. Strong candidates will generally be juniors or seniors who are interested in law, international law, government, debate, or mock trial and who are prepared to complete substantial research before the conference.
Selected participants will receive separate case materials, procedures, and role assignments.
ICJ Case Materials: Coming soon
Preparing for the Conference
Delegates should:
- Read the background guide for their committee
- Research both topics
- Identify their country’s interests and previous actions
- Review relevant UN resolutions, treaties, reports, and voting records
- Determine which proposals their country could support or oppose
- Prepare to explain and negotiate their country’s position
Visit Delegate Preparation for country-research resources, position-paper guidance, resolution materials, speaking and negotiation advice, and the rules of procedure.