United Nations Security Council (Comitê em dupla e em inglês) 

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Introduction to the Committee

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is charged by the UN Charter with “primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security”. Comprising 15 Member States (5 permanent with veto power and 10 elected non-permanent), the Council uniquely can make binding decisions under Chapter VII, including sanctions regimes and authorizations of force. Historically, the UNSC was created after World War II to prevent great-power conflict; over decades, it has addressed crises from the Korean War and Middle East wars to post–Cold War interventions and counter-terrorism. Its composition – the P5 (USA, UK, France, Russia, China) and rotating members – reflects both multilateral ideals and realpolitik, so that negotiations in the Council often mirror global power rivalries.

In today’s complex landscape of global governance and cooperation, the UNSC remains the premier forum for crisis diplomacy but also a flashpoint for contestation. Today’s UNSC debates span traditional security, humanitarian, and geopolitical dimensions. The Council is called on to address the intertwined crises of the Middle East – from Gulf tensions to the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict – even as new issues like cyber warfare and climate stress emerge. In this volatile context, the Council’s role is under scrutiny: can it foster multilateral solutions, or will vetoes and blocks paralyze action?

The UNSC introduction, therefore, sets the stage: by understanding its powers, limitations, and historical impact, participants are invited to engage in diplomatic debate on forging consensus and creative strategies to uphold peace. We invite delegates to consider, for example, how renewed multilateralism and cooperative security frameworks can be built into the Council’s work, and what confidence-building steps might prepare the ground for substantive resolutions

Topic 1 – Regional Relations with Iran: Geopolitical Rivalries, Security Dynamics, and the Balance of Power in the Middle East

Iran plays a significant role in Middle Eastern geopolitics, influencing regional dynamics through political alliances, military involvement, and strategic positioning. Its relationships with neighboring countries are shaped by historical rivalries, ideological differences, and competition for regional influence. These interactions contribute to a complex security environment marked by instability and shifting power balances.

The international dimension of this issue involves external powers and their strategic interests in the region, which often intensify existing tensions. Efforts to manage relations with Iran must navigate concerns related to security, sovereignty, and regional stability. The topic highlights the challenges of balancing diplomatic engagement with deterrence in a highly contested geopolitical landscape.

Topic 2 – The conflict between Israel and Palestine: regional perspectives on resolution and long-term stability

The Israel-Palestine conflict remains one of the most enduring and complex disputes in international relations, involving territorial claims, political sovereignty, and identity. Regional actors play a significant role in shaping the dynamics of the conflict, influencing both escalation and mediation efforts. The situation continues to impact broader stability in the Middle East.

Different perspectives on potential resolutions reflect deeper geopolitical divisions and competing interests among regional and global actors. The pursuit of long-term stability involves addressing security concerns, humanitarian issues, and political recognition. This topic underscores the difficulty of achieving consensus within the international community

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