Disarmament Commission
Committee Chairs
Katelyn Qu President
Hi Delegates! My name is Katelyn, and I am honored to be able to serve as your President Chair for the Disarmament committee of SMICMUN VIII. This is my fourth conference as a delegate and second conference as a chair — yet despite the responsibility, the thrill of regulating debate comes all the same. The topic at hand will be Combatting the Weaponization of Artificial Intelligence, a topic rooted in the quick, albeit dangerous development of AI and its implications on society. When autonomous weaponry, cyberattacks, and AI-driven invention threaten humanitarian laws, we must craft collaborative solutions through fruitful debate and ensure that AI does not become a risk to the safety of our world. The success of Artificial Intelligence may be our catalyst for change, but before that, measures must be taken to prevent it from being our ruination. I look forward to seeing delegates bring enlightening new perspectives to the table. See you in March!
Olivia Tai Deputy President
Hi. I'm Olivia Tai and I'll be your Deputy Chair in the Disarmament Commission for SMICMUN this year. I'm a sophomore at Shanghai SMIC Private School. I enjoy but sadly have subpar skills in sports and cookie decoration. I have over 2 years of public speaking experience with national best and international finalist achievements. Over the past year, I have been able to gain experience as a delegate in various regional and national conferences. However, this will be my first time chairing a committee, and I am looking forward to the new challenges and experiences this role will bring. I am looking forward to this year's conference and to meeting you all!
Camellia Mao Deputy President
Hi delegates! My name is Camellia Mao, and it is my honor to serve as your Deputy President for SMICMUN VIII. This will be my 8th conference, but first as a chair.
Usage of mercenaries has increased drastically in the past 20 years. However, with little international law to prosecute and ensure accountability, private military contractors have gone unpunished for their involvement in war crimes. A truly worldwide issue, I can't wait to see how everyone tackles it. See you in March!
Committee Topics
Combatting the Weaponization of Artificial Intelligence
The weaponization of artificial intelligence (AI) raises significant ethical, security, and legal challenges, as technologies like autonomous drones, cyberweapons, and surveillance systems could lead to unintended escalations and misuse by malicious actors. Fully autonomous weapons risk bypassing human oversight, threatening international humanitarian laws, while AI-driven misinformation and cyberattacks complicate global security. Combatting these risks requires collaboration between tech firms and national governments to establish regulations, transparency, and accountability frameworks. Global agreements, such as treaties banning autonomous weapons, are being discussed alongside efforts to bolster cybersecurity defenses.
Regulating Private Military Contractors and Mercenaries in Contemporary Conflicts
The use of private military contractors (PMCs) and mercenaries in modern conflicts presents complex challenges for global security and accountability. These groups often operate in legal gray areas, making it difficult to hold them accountable for human rights violations or breaches of international law. Their involvement can escalate conflicts, blur the lines between state and non-state actors, and weaken state authority by outsourcing military functions. Effective regulation requires stronger international frameworks to define their roles, ensure accountability, and prevent abuses. This includes improving oversight mechanisms, clarifying legal responsibilities, and fostering cooperation among states to manage the risks posed by PMCs in conflict zones.
Preventing the Weaponization and Militarization of Outer Space
Preventing the weaponization of outer space is essential to maintaining global security and ensuring that space remains a domain for peaceful exploration. As countries develop technologies for satellite-based weapons, anti-satellite systems, and space-based missile defenses, the risk of conflict extending into space grows. Militarizing space could trigger an arms race, threaten vital civilian infrastructure like communication and GPS satellites, and destabilize international relations. Preventing this requires robust international agreements that prohibit the deployment of weapons in space and promote transparency among nations. Strengthening diplomatic efforts, building trust through data-sharing, and establishing norms for responsible space activities are critical steps toward preserving space as a peaceful environment