Topic-Specific Deep Dives
Research techniques tailored to the four most common MUN topic areas: climate, security, human rights, and trade.
Research Playbooks by Topic Area
Climate & Environment
Key sources: UNFCCC decisions (unfccc.int), IPCC reports (for scientific basis), NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions — each country's climate pledge), and the Loss and Damage fund established at COP27.
Key fault lines: Developed vs. developing on financing and historical responsibility. The 'common but differentiated responsibilities' (CBDR) principle is the single most contested phrase in climate diplomacy. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) vs. everyone else on ambition. Oil producers (OPEC) vs. climate-vulnerable states on fossil fuel phase-out language — at COP28 in Dubai, the fight over 'phase-out' vs. 'phase-down' vs. 'transition away from' fossil fuels consumed the final 48 hours.
Your country's NDC is mandatory reading. It tells you exactly what your country has pledged and, critically, what conditions it attached (many developing country NDCs are conditional on receiving finance).
International Security
Key sources: UNSC resolutions and presidential statements, Secretary-General's reports, International Crisis Group briefings, SIPRI for arms data.
Know the legal framework: Is there a Chapter VII mandate (binding, allows force)? Chapter VI (non-binding, peaceful settlement)? Understanding whether a situation is under Chapter VI or VII changes what the Security Council can do.
Human Rights
Key sources: Universal Periodic Review (UPR) reports, treaty body concluding observations, Special Rapporteur reports, OHCHR country pages.
The UPR is your best friend. Every country undergoes review every 4.5 years. The UPR report shows what recommendations your country accepted, noted (rejected), and what peer countries raised. If Saudi Arabia accepted a recommendation on women's rights, that's a position you must represent.
Trade & Development
Key sources: WTO dispute settlement rulings, UNCTAD reports, World Bank development indicators, regional trade agreement texts.
Follow the disputes: WTO dispute cases reveal actual trade conflicts. DS567 (US tariffs on Chinese goods) and DS591 (EU carbon border adjustment) are shaping current trade debates.
