UNEP
The United Nations Environment Programme
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a specialized UN body responsible for coordinating the international environmental agenda. Established in 1972 following the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, UNEP was created to address the growing global concerns about pollution, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. In its early years, UNEP focused on raising awareness of environmental issues and building international cooperation, leading to landmark agreements such as the Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer. Over time, its mission expanded to include climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development, promoting a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. Today, UNEP’s main functions include research, policy guidance, capacity-building, and international coordination, and its initiatives have reached countries worldwide through treaties, frameworks, and programs that aim to protect the planet for future generations.
Topic: Addressing Marine Pollution and Contamination
Marine pollution has become one of the most urgent global environmental challenges, with millions of tons of waste entering the ocean each year, most of it from land-based sources. Plastics, industrial runoff, oil spills, and chemical contamination not only damage fragile ecosystems but also disrupt fisheries, coastal communities, and global food security. Delegates in this committee must consider how to address pollution at its source, strengthen international cooperation, and balance the economic interests of industries with the urgent need to preserve ocean health. The debate should focus on both immediate measures and long-term strategies that ensure the ocean remains a sustainable resource for future generations.