United Nations Security Council 

Introduction to the Committee

How does society address the challenges arising from the geopolitical tensions in the Arctic? This committee has been convened to look into the issues surrounding territorial disputes, resource exploration, environmental concerns, and military presence in the region. As the Arctic becomes more accessible due to climate change, countries are competing for control over resources and trade routes. At the same time, the effects of climate change are reshaping the landscape, presenting both opportunities and risks. This committee will explore how countries are navigating the delicate balance between cooperation and competition, and how their actions in the Arctic could influence global stability, environmental sustainability, and the future of international diplomacy.

Topic 1 – Territorial Disputes and Sovereignty Claims

This topic explores the competing claims of countries over Arctic territories, particularly in relation to sea boundaries, exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and resource-rich areas. Territorial disputes and sovereignty claims in the Arctic have intensified as countries seek control over the region's vast natural resources and strategic waterways. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) grants coastal nations exclusive economic zones (EEZs) extending 200 nautical miles from their coastlines, but the ambiguous boundaries of the Arctic’s underwater ridges, such as the Lomonosov Ridge, the main underwater ridge of the Arctic Ocean, have led to competing claims from Russia, Canada, and Denmark. This race for resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, has fueled tensions, with Russia expanding its military and exploration presence, while other Arctic nations, like Canada and Norway, work to secure their sovereignty. The Arctic Council has played a role in diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes, emphasizing cooperation through international law. However, the shrinking ice cover and increasing accessibility of the region make it an ongoing geopolitical battleground, where both state interests and the rights of indigenous peoples are at stake.

Topic 2 – Environmental Impact and Sustainability

This topic focuses on the environmental consequences of increased geopolitical competition and resource extraction in the Arctic, as well as international efforts to protect the region's fragile ecosystem. The environmental impact and sustainability of increased geopolitical competition and resource extraction in the Arctic have become pressing concerns as the region’s ice continues to melt due to climate change. The rush for oil, gas, and mineral resources, alongside the opening of new shipping routes, has intensified industrial activities in an already fragile environment. These activities, such as offshore drilling, mining, and increased shipping, are significant risks to the Arctic’s ecosystems, potentially leading to oil spills, habitat destruction, and the disruption of marine life. Furthermore, the Arctic's biodiversity, including species like polar bears, seals, and various marine organisms, faces threats from rising temperatures, acidification of the ocean, and pollution. In response, international efforts to protect the region have been led by organizations such as the Arctic Council, which promotes sustainable development and environmental conservation, that aims to reduce carbon emissions globally. However, the competing interests of nations and corporations, often driven by the lure of the Arctic’s resources, continue to complicate these efforts, posing challenges for maintaining the balance between development and conservation in the face of urgent environmental threats.

Sponsors