PIES MUN
2025
DISEC
DISARMAMENT AND
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
COMMITTEE
Study Guide
INDEX-
1 What is DISEC?
2 Timeline of Events
3 Important Documents
4 Key Stakeholders
5 Current Agenda
6 Position Paper and Resolution
Samples
What is DISEC?
The Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) is
the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly. It was
established in 1945, alongside the formation of the United Nations
itself, in the aftermath of World War II. The goal was to prevent
future conflicts of similar magnitude by promoting disarmament and
international peace. DISEC brings together all 193 member states of
the UN, giving each country an equal voice in discussions related to
global security.
DISEC primarily deals with issues related to disarmament, global
security threats, arms control, and international peacekeeping. Its
topics range from nuclear disarmament and minor arms trafficking to
cyber warfare, the militarization of outer space, and the use of
autonomous weapons. It also collaborates with other international
bodies, such as the United Nations Disarmament Commission and the
Conference on Disarmament, to work toward global agreements on
arms reduction and peaceful conflict resolution.
The main aim of DISEC is to promote international peace and
security by recommending ways to limit or eliminate weapons of
mass destruction and reduce the global arms race. It encourages
member states to engage in dialogue and negotiation, ensuring that
military advancements do not threaten global stability.
Although DISEC cannot enforce binding decisions, its resolutions and
recommendations play a crucial role in shaping global norms and
guiding future international treaties and policies related to
disarmament.
Key examples where DISEC has held importance:
1. Regulation of Small Arms and Light Weapons
DISEC has brought global attention to the illicit trade of small arms,
which are a significant cause of prolonged conflict in regions like
Sub-Saharan Africa. Its resolutions have urged stronger international
cooperation and helped lead to frameworks like the UN Programme
of Action on Small Arms, which guides states in preventing and
combating illegal arms flows.
2. Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies
As cyber warfare and AI weapons have become pressing issues,
DISEC has initiated debates and passed resolutions to address
responsible behavior in cyberspace and the risks associated with
autonomous weapons systems. While these discussions are ongoing,
DISEC plays a crucial role in setting ethical standards and
encouraging multilateral dialogue in areas where formal treaties don’t
yet exist.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS-
1945 DISEC was created as the First Committee of the United Nations
General Assembly following the founding of the UN to address
global disarmament and security issues.
1946 DISEC holds its first formal session, discussing disarmament in the
wake of World War II and the use of nuclear weapons.
1968 DISEC strongly promotes international dialogue around the NPT,
encouraging nations to commit to nuclear disarmament, non-
proliferation, and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
2001 DISEC discussions led to the UN Programme of Action on Small
Arms, addressing the illicit trade and misuse of small arms and light
weapons.
2006 DISEC begins recognizing the emerging threat of cyber warfare and
discusses the need for international cooperation on digital and
cyber-related threats.
2013- The committee begins exploring the implications of lethal
autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), advocating for the
2015 development of early ethical frameworks.
2020- DISEC addresses contemporary issues, including space
militarization, biological threats, AI in warfare, and cybersecurity. It
present continues to promote disarmament while tackling non-traditional
threats to peace in a rapidly changing global landscape.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS-
1) Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)
Adopted in 1968, the NPT is a major global agreement aiming to prevent the spread of
nuclear weapons and promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It is central to DISEC’s
work on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
[Link]
2) Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)
Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2013, this treaty regulates the international trade in
conventional arms. It aims to reduce human suffering caused by the illicit and irresponsible
transfer of weapons. DISEC has strongly supported its development.
[Link]
3) UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA)
Adopted in 2001, this document provides a framework for preventing, combating, and
eliminating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. It emerged from years of
DISEC-led debates and continues to guide member states.
[Link]
4) Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
Entered into force in 1975, the BWC is the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning an
entire category of weapons. DISEC often revisits this convention in the context of biosecurity
and non-state actor threats.
[Link]
5) Outer Space Treaty (OST)
Signed in 1967, this treaty serves as the foundation of international space law, prohibiting the
militarization of outer space. DISEC plays a role in discussing future developments in space
security.
[Link]
Key Stakeholders-
1) Member States
All UN member states are part of DISEC and hold equal voting rights. They
represent their national security interests while debating international threats,
disarmament, arms control, and military technologies. They draft, negotiate, and
vote on resolutions aimed at global peace and security.
2) United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)
UNODA supports DISEC by providing expert advice, disarmament data, and
technical assistance. It plays a key role in research, the implementation of
treaties, and the organization of disarmament conferences.
[Link]
3) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
The IAEA helps implement nuclear disarmament goals by conducting
inspections, monitoring nuclear programs, and ensuring the peaceful use of
nuclear energy. It is a critical actor in upholding the NPT and is often
referenced in DISEC debates.
[Link]
4) Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Organizations such as the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear
Weapons (ICAN), Control Arms, and Pugwash Conferences provide
research, advocacy, and public pressure that influence disarmament
negotiations. They also support transparency and raise awareness of arms-
related issues.
5) Defense Industry and Private Sector
Although not formal participants in DISEC, arms manufacturers, defense
contractors, and cyber tech firms indirectly influence global security policy.
Delegates should consider how their economic and political roles affect arms
trade, cyber threats, and autonomous weapon development.
AGENDA-
Promoting Action Against Illicit SALW (Small Arms and Light
Weapons) Trade
Brings attention to the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and
light weapons (SALW), which fuels armed conflicts, crime, and
insecurity worldwide.
This agenda focuses on the illegal production, trafficking, and misuse
of SALW, including handguns, rifles, grenades, and light machine
guns. These weapons are easily transportable, relatively cheap, and
widely available, making them a major driver of violence in fragile
and conflict-affected regions. The illicit SALW trade undermines
peacebuilding efforts, contributes to organized crime, and increases
civilian casualties. Through this agenda, DISEC seeks to strengthen
international cooperation, propose regulatory frameworks, and
encourage disarmament initiatives to curb the spread of these
weapons.
KEY THREATS
1. Fueling Armed Conflicts and Civil Wars
• Illicit SALW are a primary source of weapons for non-state
actors and insurgent groups.
• Their easy accessibility prolongs conflicts, increases civilian
deaths, and destabilizes regions.
2. Contributing to Organized Crime and Terrorism
• Criminal networks exploit SALW for illicit activities such as
drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorism.
• Uncontrolled weapons flows make it harder for states to
enforce law and maintain public security.
3. Undermining Post-Conflict Recovery and Peacebuilding
• Excess SALW in post-conflict regions impede the return of
displaced persons and reconstruction efforts.
• Communities remain vulnerable to violence even after formal
conflicts have ended.
4. Global Security Risks
• SALW can easily cross borders, spreading violence to
neighboring states and regions.
• Their proliferation in unstable states threatens broader
international peace and stability.
5. Weakness of Existing Legal and Monitoring Mechanisms
• Many countries lack effective national legislation or
enforcement mechanisms to control SALW trade.
• International agreements exist (like the UN Firearms Protocol),
but gaps in implementation allow illegal trafficking to continue.
What DISEC Has Done
1. Acknowledged Illicit SALW Trade as a Global Threat
• DISEC has recognized the destabilizing impact of SALW
proliferation through debates, reports, and working papers
submitted by member states.
2. Promoted International Cooperation and Information
Sharing
• The committee has urged states to strengthen collaboration
with INTERPOL, UNODC, and regional organizations to
track, control, and prevent illegal arms flows.
3. Encouraged Research and Monitoring Programs
• DISEC supports studies on the sources, routes, and
impact of illicit SALW, as well as the effectiveness of
disarmament and control measures.
4. Advocated for Strengthening Legal Frameworks
• While no universal binding treaty specifically targets
SALW trade, DISEC has pushed for improved national
legislation, export controls, and adherence to international
protocols.
5. Linked SALW Control to Broader Peace and Security Goals
• DISEC frames SALW reduction as part of wider efforts
including conflict prevention, post-conflict stabilization, and
global counter-terrorism initiatives.
POSITION PAPER SAMPLE
Committee: United Nations Disarmament and International Security Committee
Country: The Russian Federation
Agenda: Discussion on Small Arms and Light Weapons
Small Arms and Light Weapons-
Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) is a group that covers a vast variety of weapons
ranging from ammunition to grenade launchers. The Russian Federation recognizes the effects
that SALW has on the security, prosperity and sustainability on the global ground and has
raised the issue many at times. Russia also recognizes that the demand for these weapons arises
due to the wake of weak governments, poverty, and inequality throughout the world. The
nation recognizes the aim to hit the root of the problem by aiding the governments of the
countries affected by these problems. Russia also maintains gun control in its land.
Past Actions and Policies-
The Russian Federation has a sturdy industry producing Small Arms and Light Weapons.
The weapons industry is essential for the economy and foreign relations of Russia. However,
Russia upholds the principles of Arms Control by controlling the production, distribution,
and export of weapons. Even as a non-signatory of the Arms Trade Treaty, it has higher
national standards on the global issue than the signatories of the treaty. Russia also provides
remittances to countries such as the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, nations
which are vulnerable to terrorism. Russia also has robust gun control. Citizens can only
obtain a gun license after gun safety classes, a federal test, and a heavy background check.
To prevent accidents, citizens can only buy rifles after five years of shotgun ownership. After
the Kazan School Shooting, the state Duma passed a bill that increased the minimum age of
buying hunting rifles and long-barreled guns from 18 to 21.
Solutions-
The Russian Federation aims to tackle the problem of SALW from its root and proposes a few
solutions:
1) Russia urges all nations to address the causes for the sales of SALW. This includes poverty,
insecurity, and inequality. The nation proposes for a more efficient and effective use of the
International Monetary Fund, to fight the problems of poverty and insecurity throughout
the world.
2) Russia solicits for international cooperation in providing security and cooperation
between agencies to prevent illegal trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons. Agencies across
the world should share information on the trade of different weapons and overlook and act
on the illegal trade of weapons.
3) Russia proposes for more effective gun control in countries with vulnerable governments.
This can be done by introducing heavy background checks, national record systems,
taxation on weapons and proper test programs. Effective Gun Control Systems can
improve national security and can also create employment for the new Gun Control sector.
Governments throughout the world should cooperate in the creation of these systems and
programs.
Bibliography-
Security Council Examines Risks of Illicit Weapons Exports, Hears International Instruments Are
Paramount, in Debate on Arms Control | UN Press
[Link]
[Link]
countries-central-asia
Draft Resolution Sample
The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)
Number: MOEMUN/2024/ United Nations Forum on Forests/RES/0001
Authors: United States of America, Republic of France, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Canada
Signatories: Republic of Turkey, Republic of the Sudan, State of Qatar, Russian Federation
Agenda: Forests: progress,challenges, and the way forward for the international
arrangement on forests.
Preambulatory Clauses
Alarmed by the increased rate of forest degradation and deforestation,
Recalling the commitments made under international agreements such as the Paris Agreement
and the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030,
Recognizing the need to strengthen cooperation, coordination, coherence and political
commitment and action at all levels globally,
Emphasizing the need to implement sustainable forest management practices,
Acknowledging the need to enforce laws against illegal logging and timber trade,
Confident that sustainable forest development can be significantly advanced through robust
international cooperation, including the sharing of resources, knowledge, and technologies, as
well as coordinated efforts in policy-making and implementation,
Operative clauses:
1. Strongly encourages the use of advanced technology and innovations for faster,
efficient and cheaper protection of forests from potential threats and increased growth
in forest sizes, such as :
a. Remote sensing
b. Satellite imagery
c. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
[Link] suggests the establishment of a World Species Reintroduction Program throughout
the globe through :
a. Research and development in developing countries through an agreement of
funding by developed countries in the agreement.
b. Exchange of students and teachers through exchange programmes between
countries to encourage international cooperation and further develop on the
species reintroduction goal.
c. Recognition of endangered animals and creation of a global institute to share
information on reintroduction programmes.
3. Encourages public-private partnerships in improving the condition of our environment
through :
a. Implementation of universal statutory acts to enforce a minimum of 1% of total
annual profit of a company/ corporate to be devoted for climate enhancement
activities and sustainable measures towards forests, like
This is to be followed only after 5 years of the establishment of the company to ensure
stability of small industries as well.
b. Recognizing international NGOs working towards forest and biodiversity
conservation.
4. Strongly deplores the actions of illegal logging and hunting and suggests Establishment of
stricter laws and policies in signatory nations to combat illegal logging and hunting.
5. Emphasizes the need to replace conventional energy sources with renewable energy
sources by :
a. Raising awareness of the adversities that arise from usage of conventional
energy sources.
b. Global cooperation in fields of research and implementation on alternative
sources of renewable energy.
6. Strongly suggests the establishment of a World Green Initiative throughout the globe through
:
a) Sharing of research work and technology throughout the globe through international
cooperation.
b) Regular meetings and reports to be done to monitor the progression of the World Green
Initiative.
7. Welcomes funding from developed nations to the developing and under developed
countries for implementation of better technologies and policies.