Position paper for Republic of Korea
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Korea would like to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to positive actions directed toward promoting outer space security, as well as its willingness to continue working on ongoing efforts focused on space security and the prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS), alongside general acts of demilitarization and denuclearization. The Republic of Korea would also like to emphasize its continued interest and strong commitment to maintaining active engagement with the Open-Ended Working Group on Reducing Space Threats through Norms, Rules and Principles of Responsible Behaviours (OEWG). Simultaneously, the Republic of Korea urges the broader international community to engage in discussions on developing principles of responsible behavior regarding outer space matters, including laying a legal foundation for promoting responsible behavior defined by both conduct and intent, which would enhance the potential for further transparency and confidence-building within the international community. The Republic of Korea acknowledges the growing need for continued discussions on the peaceful development of outer space, as well as greater awareness of dual-use technologies and innovations for space use and exploration, which must be approached holistically. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Korea’s primary goal is achieving a verifiably peaceful and stable Korean
Peninsula. The key obstacle to regional disarmament remains the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) aggressive posturing and its refusal to engage in good-faith
dialogue. Their continued militarization of the border and development of prohibited
weapons directly undermines trust and security. We therefore urge this Committee to
reaffirm that sustainable border security is contingent upon the DPRK’s complete
compliance with its denuclearization obligations under all relevant UN Security Council
resolutions. Simultaneously, the Republic of Korea wishes to express its unwavering
commitment to the 2018 Inter-Korean Military Agreement and reaffirm its readiness to cease
all hostile acts from its side. The Republic of Korea is ready and willing to continue its
engagement in the removal and withdrawal of guard posts, the demilitarization of the Joint
Security Area and the ongoing transformation of the DMZ into a buffer peace zone, with the
aim of enhancing lasting peace, long-term safety and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.
Like many other states around the world, the Republic of Korea urges the public to focus closely on discussions about demilitarization and global peace in the context of modern technological capacities and continuous technological development. The Republic of Korea strongly advocates the regulation and legislation of autonomous and AI-based weapons, as well as the development of lasting strategies that focus on preventing the weaponization of new and emerging technologies. The Republic of Korea strongly supports the view that modern warfare is evolving in line with the technological capabilities of the modern world, and that nations, states and the international community should take positive action to ensure that these technologies do not fall into the hands of hostile powers but rather serve as a source of personal and communal empowerment. Overall, the Republic of Korea urges the public to closely evaluate and codify international laws around new and emerging outer space technologies, AI-powered and AI-based technologies, and new and emerging cyber warfare technologies that could be utilized for the potential creation of biological weapons. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Korea has benefited from international aid in its early years. We are the first former aid recipient in the Development Assistance Committee of the Organization of the Economic Co-Operation and Development. Thus, we know that international aid works well and we work to promote a diversified model for international aid worldwide so that other countries can follow in our model and develop. Our model is one of democratization and we believe in promoting flourishing democracies and integrating humanitarian, development and peace initiatives. To achieve these means, we have given over 18 Million USD to the United Nations Development Programme, a 70% increase from our contribution in the previous year. Through this aid we hope that worldwide development and democratization can flourish in an open free trade world. The world needs to rely on free trade to be better equipped for the future and to open global markets for global sustainable development. We are one of the top exporting member states in the world and that has led to us being one of the top economies. As for our growth, it was led by our embrace of technological innovation; of creating cunning edge equipment from countries. Thus, the Republic of Korea strongly believes that the United Nations should pursue a development agenda surrounding internet access and technological innovation in line with Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. With this SDG as a priority, others can be more quickly achieved through the data computing power and amount of knowledge that stems from internet access. The internet also ensures the success of globalization and interdependence of world systems and the continually protecting the free trade norms throughout the world. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Korea believes that addressing climate change does not place a burden but
provides opportunities to create future drivers of economic growth. In fact, we have actively
engaged in efforts to tackle climate change. In 2009, South Korea volunteered to help reduce
greenhouse gases by 30% by the year 2020. We are involved in different projects countering
climate change through the Framework Act on Low Carbon and Green Growth in 2011 to
provide the legal basis for climate policies and action. Following this, we were also involved in
the Energy Target Management System (TMS) in 2012, National Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Reduction Roadmap (2014), and National Climate Change Adaptation Plans (2010, 2015). In
June 2015, we submitted an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), one of the
key components of the new climate regime in which all countries participate in taking climate
action. We are also in transition to a low-carbon economy with a target to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions by 37% from business-as-usual (BAU) emissions levels by 2030. We are part of
the Paris Agreement which aims to better climate change across the world and we actively
participate domestically and follow up negotiations for this collective agreement.
| |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| As the representative of the Republic of Korea, we firmly support the universal realization of
the right of peoples to self-determination as a fundamental principle of international law,
enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and numerous international covenants. This
right is essential for promoting peace, security, and human dignity, as it allows people to freely
determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development
without external interference.
Korea’s own history is deeply rooted in the struggle for self-determination. Having endured decades of colonial rule and the painful division of the Korean Peninsula, the Republic of Korea understands the profound significance of this right. The continued division of the peninsula remains a pressing reminder of the unfinished journey toward self-determination for the Korean people. Korea remains committed to peaceful dialogue and cooperation as the only path toward eventual reunification and the realization of the right of self-determination for all Koreans. Moreover, the Republic of Korea believes that self-determination must be pursued in accordance with the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and respect for human rights. It must never be used to justify violence, terrorism, or external interference. Korea encourages the United Nations and the international community to strengthen mechanisms that support peaceful conflict resolution, decolonization efforts, and inclusive governance. The Republic of Korea stands ready to work collaboratively with member states to ensure that the right to self-determination becomes a universal reality - one grounded in peace, cooperation, and respect for international law. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Korea recently revived the Ministry of Gender Equality in June 2025 under President Lee Jae Myung. It has been renamed the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF) to commit to the greater proliferation of social equality. One of our main missions within the ministry is to plan and coordinate gender equality policies. Furthermore, we recognize that rural and indigenous women at a global level are disproportionately impacted by gender-based discrimination and violence, as well as restricted access to economic opportunities, social services, and political representation. The Republic of Korea is familiar with its own history and culture of gender-based discrimination, especially in the lives of rural women farmers. One of the ways we combated this was through establishing a rural development program called the Saemaul Undong (SMU) or the New Village Movement. Running from 1972-1979, this program created an opportunity for women farmers to become recognized leaders in their local communities through the establishment of Women’s Clubs. Since the passing of the SMU, there have been many levels of amendments that include work assistant programs, rural help programs, new infrastructure, and the “Basic Act on Agricultural Rural Areas and Food Industry” in 2008, which recognized women farmers as legal and independent agents within agriculture. We are also consistently active in supporting the betterment of the lives of rural women and children at an international level. Through the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), we work with international organizations on issues that include poverty, gender equality, and human rights in countries that lack access to aid. The Republic of Korea understands the importance of continuing to support the self- determination and empowerment of rural women since the impacts of gender discrimination are pervasive and structural across the globe. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Korea has always been at the frontline when it comes to how we can develop
new technology to preserve our oceans. We believe transparency, as well as cooperation and
accountability, are crucial factors when it comes to solutions on how to restore our oceans. The
Republic of Korea is cooperating with The UN to create a Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP), starting
in 2026 and ending in 2030, creating incentives for better maritime-related governance and in
hopes of serving as a model of guidance for other countries. We are recognizing that the
climate changes regarding our marine ecosystems creates problems that affect us all, and
therefore also needs us all involved when coming up with solutions on how to restore them.
We think the most powerful way when trying to resolve this rising issue, is to use an integrated
approach where we combine environmental protection, biodiversity, sustainable fisheries and
maritime operations, and see these as a one working organism instead of as individual parts.
We are one of the few countries in the world that uses an approach which integrates different
equally important measures into one. We aim to see the world as one integrated system where
climate change affects us all and therefore also need the whole world's attention and
accountability. We are a nation with an economy highly dependent on maritime trade, where
preserving our oceans means ensuring food security, coastal employment, regional stability
and innovation for a sustainable future. The Republic of Korea became the first nation in East
Asia, and the 21st nation overall, to sign the UN marine treaty, in hopes of being a pioneer in
the field of renewable blue energy and solutions preserving our oceans.
| |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Korea believes that providing humanitarian aid is one of the most important
functions of the UN. In this regard the Republic of Korea has been in the past a large recipient
of humanitarian aid and has become a large donor of aid to countries around the world. In fact
the Republic of Korea became the first recipient of aid to join the OECD’s Development
Assistance Committee in 2009. Just last year the Republic of Korea donated nearly 400 million
dollars in aid to Ukraine with $94 million for the rebuilding of infrastructure and $198 million
for humanitarian aid. The Republic of Korea has also pledged $23 million dollars in
humanitarian aid for Myanmar in recent years. The Republic of Korea takes special care to
provide humanitarian for the most vulnerable groups like the disabled and women and
children. This is to make sure that our aid is being used as effectively as possible, and targets
the most effected communities that need it most. The Republic of Korea has also played a role
in the drafting resolutions to protect these vulnerable communities human rights. Just
providing aid is not enough all member states should strive to prevent crisis that would then
require large amounts of humanitarian aid. By protecting and strengthening human rights
around the world we can prevent many of these humanitarian crisis before they start. The
world is currently experiencing a number of humanitarian crisis like in Yemen, Sudan, and
Ukraine. It’s the UN’s job to protect those in need by providing life saving humanitarian aid to
people in these crisis zones, and the best way to do that is if we member states work together.
With proper cooperation we will be able to face the challenges of this modern and ever
changing world.
| |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
| Paper text: | |
| As the representative of the Republic of Korea, we affirm our commitment to maintaining and
strengthening global nuclear security. Our nation recognizes that the peaceful use of nuclear
energy and technology depends on the assurance that such materials and facilities are secure
from theft, sabotage, and misuse. The Republic of Korea has long been a strong supporter of
the International Atomic Energy Agency’s efforts to promote nuclear safety, security, and
safeguards. We view nuclear security not only as a technical issue but also as a shared
international responsibility that requires transparency, cooperation, and capacity building.
The Republic of Korea has actively contributed to the global nuclear security architecture
through participation in initiatives such as the Nuclear Security Summits, the Global Initiative to
Combat Nuclear Terrorism, and various IAEA-led training programs. Our country maintains a
comprehensive domestic framework to prevent, detect, and respond to nuclear and
radiological threats. The Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control plays a leading
role in ensuring compliance with IAEA safeguards and in promoting peaceful applications of
nuclear energy.
We believe that continued investment in advanced monitoring systems, cybersecurity for nuclear facilities, and international information sharing is essential. The Republic of Korea supports the IAEA’s efforts to assist Member States in strengthening their legal and technical infrastructure for nuclear security. We also encourage the expansion of regional cooperation mechanisms in East Asia to enhance collective preparedness against emerging threats. The Republic of Korea calls for sustained funding for IAEA technical assistance and urges all Member States to uphold the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and cooperation to ensure that nuclear energy remains a safe and reliable resource for global development. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
| Paper text: | |
| As the representative of the Republic of Korea, we recognize the vital role of the International
Atomic Energy Agency in advancing nuclear science, technology, and applications for
sustainable development. Our nation has experienced firsthand how peaceful uses of nuclear
energy can drive innovation, improve healthcare, and strengthen food and water security.
Through the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Programme, the Republic of Korea has collaborated
with developing countries to transfer knowledge in nuclear medicine, agriculture, and
environmental protection.
The Republic of Korea remains committed to supporting the IAEA’s efforts to expand access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. We believe that nuclear science should serve as a tool for social and economic progress, particularly in addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy transition, and public health. Our country’s cooperation with the IAEA includes joint projects on small modular reactors, isotope hydrology, and radiation technology for food preservation and crop improvement. These initiatives reflect our dedication to sharing expertise responsibly and ethically. We emphasize the importance of ensuring that all IAEA activities related to nuclear technology remain guided by the principles of safety, security, and non-proliferation. The Republic of Korea supports increasing resources for training, research, and capacity building in developing nations, allowing more countries to benefit from peaceful nuclear innovation. We also support the use of digital technologies and data analytics in improving reactor safety and medical isotope production. The Republic of Korea calls for continued global cooperation and the strengthening of the IAEA’s scientific and technical base to ensure that nuclear applications remain accessible, safe, and beneficial to all Member States. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting alternative development as a development-oriented drug control strategy that is sustainable and inclusive |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Korea recognizes that the world’s fight against drug production and trafficking
is not only a matter of law enforcement, but also one of human development. Behind every
illegal crop or drug trade are communities facing poverty, lack of opportunity, and social
exclusion. Korea believes that addressing these root causes is essential to building lasting
peace and stability.
Alternative development offers a hopeful path forward. By helping farmers find sustainable, legal sources of income such as agriculture, small businesses, or eco-tourism countries can reduce dependency on illicit crops and give people a fair chance at a better life. Korea strongly supports projects that empower local communities through education, job training, and infrastructure improvements. The Republic of Korea also believes that progress can only be achieved through partnership. Governments, international organizations, and civil society must work together to share knowledge, technology, and financial support. In particular, programs should be inclusive and give equal opportunities to women and youth, who are often most affected by poverty and violence. Korea remains committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to building a safer, fairer, and more inclusive world. By focusing on human dignity, opportunity, and cooperation, the global community can move beyond punishment and truly address the deeper causes of the drug problem. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention |
| Paper text: | |
| As the representative of The Republic of Korea, we believe in and stand for strict regulations on
narcotic drugs. Currently, the international community is facing a global opioid crisis and we
must strive for cost effective strategies to promote early prevention. The Republic of Korea is
calling for the increase in education and awareness, screening, interventions, and policies that
limit misuse of narcotic drugs. Education and awareness is crucial in order to stop misuse
before it starts; implementing mandatory education that informs communities about the
dangers of narcotic drugs has the ability to lower the misuse of narcotic drugs. Regular
screening of patients can be informal, and also encouraging for the patient to be mindful of
their own health. There should be policies set in place in each member state to limit the misuse
to protect their citizens from the abuse of narcotic drugs.
The Republic of Korea has implemented the Narcotics Information Management System (NIMS) to manage the information of the complete course of medical narcotics. This includes production, distribution, imports, use and disposal of narcotic drugs. We stand for and continuously strive for safety, especially the safety of physicians managing narcotic drugs and patients who were prescribed to take them. The Republic of Korea pursues transparency between physicians and their patients, leading to a trustworthy relationship between them. Untrustworthy relationships between physician and patient can cause more conflict, particularly the lack of honesty of the patient that leads to limiting the ability for the physician to properly address issues. We believe that NIMS, and other cost-effective programs, can be administered in many countries around the world. The Republic of Korea looks forward to working with the international community to achieve the goal of safety of civilians from narcotic drugs. | |
| Committee: | SC-B |
| Topic: | Russia and Ukraine Conflict |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Korea strongly condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This is because it is a violation of the UN charter and causes innocent casualties. We prioritize first and foremost the flexible and pragmatic foreign policy so as to not put strain on relationships with neighboring countries. We have several ways that we see this flexible and pragmatic foreign policy playing out. This is all keeping in mind that our ultimate goal is to help rebuild Ukraine and to not prolong the conflict. To assist in ending the conflict, we have imposed economic sanctions on Russia, as the first in the Indo-Pacific region to do so. This is because we see economic sanctions as an important way to influence the conflict in a way that supports Ukraine indirectly. We have supplied arms to Ukraine through third party countries, specifically throughout European countries and through arms sales. This more direct support of Ukraine is a way to diversify our support. We are also a part of Indo-Pacific allies of NATO or IP-4. We have expanded our aid to also include non-military aid directly to Ukraine as many in this group have done. This, we hope, can help to diversify the ways the Ukraine can be helped and provide us more flexibility in supporting them. This is because a flexible and pragmatic foreign policy is our focus so that we do not put strain on relationships with neighboring and ally countries. We prioritize our allies and economic prosperity, and hope to assist Ukraine to bring the conflict to an end in alignment with our own goals. | |
| Committee: | SC-B |
| Topic: | Conflict between India and Pakistan |
| Paper text: | |
| Amongst growing tension in the South Asian region between India and Pakistan, the Republic of Korea denounces and gravely criticize the terrorist attacks of April 22nd in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Republic of Korea wants to reiterate its allyship to India in these increasingly tense times. However, this allyship is not to discourage the possible future relations between all parties in the region. The Republic of Korea will continue our work creating peace and dialogue in the region, and will work towards increasing our cooperation, allyship, and business with all nations in the South Asian region. However, this conflict represents a growing concern to the world as a whole. The increasingly volatile relations between nuclear powers stands as one of the biggest problems in today's world. This growing threat of violence between nuclear powers remains a priority for the Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Korea will continue working towards the goal of nuclear disarmament between the two nations, and the world as a whole. We will continue to push for complete and total disarmament while maintaining a focus on world peace, and effective and sustainable disarmament through organizations and treaties such as the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. We emphasize the continual need for a long term ceasefire as we push towards a long-term, sustainable solution that benefits the people of both countries with the goal of a complete end to the conflict. In addition to our push for sustainable peace, we acknowledge the need for developmental aid. We will continue our financial support through organizations such as the UN Secretary-General’s Peace building Fund with the attempts of building a more secure foundation for peace talks and development in all involved nations. | |
| Committee: | SC-B |
| Topic: | Civil War in Myanmar |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Korea condemns the military regime of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and calls for the return of democracy. February of 2021, Myanmar faced a coup carried out by the military, detaining the democratically elected high officials. We urge the international community and the UN to provide aid to Myanmar so it is able to rapidly return back to a democracy. It is crucial that every country has citizens that are able to vote for their leaders and representatives to be their voices. The Republic of Korea calls for all of the higher officials to be immediately released from the military regime, such as Suu Kyi, who continuously fought for lasting democracy in Myanmar. We must impose sanctions and work with other United Nation member states to pressure the junta. Peace and equality are essential for the sustainability of any lasting democratic nation. The Republic of Korea renews its vows for fighting for these values in all regions of the world. | |
| Committee: | SC-A |
| Topic: | Israel and Palestine Conflict |
| Paper text: | |
| As the representative of The Republic of Korea, we stand for civilian safety; no civilian shall be
targeted on either side of the conflict in Palestine and Israel. We have been concerned with the
escalation of the conflict, and we strive for a peaceful end. The Republic of Korea condemns
Hamas attack on Israeli civilians on October 7th, 2023. We also do not agree with the Israeli
government’s continual intrusions in Gaza. The Republic of Korea believes in moderation and
balance; solving conflict with peace, being mindful of international law, and keeping people
safe. Standing for a two-state solution, there must be the establishment of two states for two
peoples: Israel for the Israelis, and Palestine for the Palestinians.
U.S. President Trump’s Peace Plan, reaching agreement on October 8th of 2025, has been welcomed and greatly valued by The Republic of Korea. Emphasizing the need for dialogue, moderation, and a peaceful resettlement. We believe that the full commitment of all parties involved will ensure the releasement of all hostages and the enhancement of humanitarian aid in Gaza. The Peace Plan has proved to already be a critical role in the conflict, aspiring for the re-establishment of security and peace in the Middle East. In order to humanize Palestinians, and recognize their impact on the international community, The Republic of Korea supports Palestine officially becoming a full member of the UN. To ensure peace in the global body, we will be an active member in supporting states across the world. We look forward to working with the U.S. to ensure that the conflict will be resolved. | |
| Committee: | SC-A |
| Topic: | Conflict in Haiti |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Korea has a deep commitment to the education and wellbeing of children
across the globe. In Haiti, there is a tragic humanitarian crisis taking place as 184 children were
killed in gang violence in 2024, and less than half of Haitian children complete primary school.
Child gang involvement increased by 70% in 2024, and continues to rise. In order to combat
this ongoing crisis, we are in close partnership with Dominican Republic ambassadors and
Haitian officials to crack down on the reign of gang violence that is prohibiting children living
safe and fulfilling lives. Furthermore, we have donated six million USD to UNICEF’s forces in
Haiti in hopes of maximizing the chances of children having a safe life and receiving a quality
education.
The Republic of Korea plans to continue our partnership with the Dominican Republic and Haitian officials in order to ensure the safety and education of children throughout all of Haiti. The Republic of Korea will also maintain a close partnership with UNICEF in order to support development in Haiti. The Republic of Korea ceaselessly works to minimize human rights abuses and support democracy across the global community, and has demonstrated such a commitment through a multitude of efforts across the last decades. Gang violence in Haiti is an incredibly complicated problem, stemming to devastating natural disasters and absence of a coherent government structure, but through international cooperation and dialogue, the Republic of Korea is dedicated to working towards sustainable solutions for Haiti that will improve the lives of all the people suffering in Haiti, and especially the nation’s children. | |
| Committee: | SC-A |
| Topic: | Violent Extremism in the Sahel |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Korea recognizes the threatening extremist groups from Senegal to Eritrea, that are increasing the instability across Africa. Many African countries have experienced violent extremism due to the confluence of weak and illegitimate governance, economic decline, and the worsening effects of climate change. The Republic of Korea has addressed this issue in June of 2025, stating that in order to counter terrorism, we must have a comprehensive approach that addresses issues such as social division, economic hardship, and political instability. The root causes of terrorism are poverty, political instability, marginalization, and the lack of economic opportunities. We must build sustainable systems that will improve governance, education, and healthcare in these vulnerable regions. We respect African-led efforts to address this issue, and will continue to support them and what they believe is most effective to end the conflict by sending aid to member states that desire assistance. We urge that other United Nation member states continue to support and focus on this international issue; in order for this conflict to resolve, we must have a united front against terrorism. We look forward to working with UNICRI and the AU, along with negotiating with Niger, Mali and Mauritania. The Republic of Korea strives for the goal of achieving peace by eradicating terrorism through human security and inclusive development. | |
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