Position paper for United Kingdom
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom strongly believes that development and disarmament are
complementary pillars of international security. Uncontrolled arms proliferation drains
scarce resources away from education, health care, and infrastructure. A development
investment into human dignity and sustainable development. Through the reduction of
weapons expenditure by military retrenchment and disarmament, the world is able to
reallocate resources into poverty reduction, technology advancement, and adaptation to
shared threats such as climate change and hunger.
To these purposes, the United Kingdom urges states to integrate disarmament into their development plans with urgency. We also lay particular stress on ensuring good governance, transparency, and the rule of law, since on these foundations security and prosperity are built. The United Kingdom is strong in its support of peacebuilding interventions, post- conflict reconstruction, and DDR programs, particularly in those post-conflict areas. With humanity at a crossroads, the United Kingdom invites all nations to invest in diplomacy over division, and cooperation over confrontation. Let us channel the brilliance that was once spent on developing tools of war into ending the problems at hand. The search for disarmament is not the reduction of arms; it is empowering mankind. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom is aware of the catastrophic effects of illegal trade in small arms and
light weapons (SALW) on international peace, security, and sustainable development.
Considering how this trade finances intrastate conflicts, terrorism, and international
organized crime, the proliferation of ungoverned small arms remains a danger to human life
and stability in the world.
The United Kingdom is committed to the full implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action (UNPoA) on light weapons and small arms, as well as the International Tracing Instrument (ITI). We believe that transparency, accountability, and cooperation among states are at the heart of an end to the uncontrolled transfer of arms. The United Kingdom would look favorably on a resolution that highlights capacity-building measures that enable states to further strengthen customs control, border management, and disarmament of weapons. Moreover, the United Kingdom supports greater information exchange among states and technical and financial assistance to enable all member states to achieve their international commitments under such agreements as the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The United Kingdom also stands for responsible export controls for arms and universality of the ATT to prevent weapons from reaching individuals who abuse human rights or destabilize communities. We reaffirm our commitment to motivating our international and regional partners in a bid to stimulate disarmament efforts, foster transparency, and create lasting peace. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom is committed to aligning itself with the United Nation’s goals of strengthening globalization. States can invest in themselves and other states by strengthening Multilateral Cooperation. Mutual cooperation will be obtained by working with the private sector and trade blocs such as the African Union, ASEAN, and the European Union. Working with Non-Governmental organizations that exist internationally will aid in meeting the goals of furthering globalization by capitalizing on the existing foundations that the private sector offers. Challenges that the United Nations faces in its desire for globalization are the imbalance of available technologies in developing states. To combat this technology gap seen when trading with developing countries, the United Kingdom will support a resolution that looks to support these states by highlighting opportunities to promote and develop their own technology resources. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom is committed to protecting the global climate for present and future generations. The United Kingdom seeks to stay true to the Paris Climate Agreement and to promote the United Nations in its mission to protect the planet as a place for future generations to thrive. The United Kingdom supports ideas that encourage science development and early warning systems that track climate-related hazards. Additionally, ideas that support member states’ plans to reduce carbon emissions would be favorable. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are crucial to create goals across the world that will help us research new green technologies. The United Kingdom is also committed to assisting states in gaining knowledge and resources to protect the climate and their environment. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom recognizes the rights of people to self-determination. The United Kingdom agrees with the principle that states should have sovereignty over themselves and strives to preserve that belief. The United Kingdom continues to believe that independent states have the innate right to choose their own form of government and political governance. The United Kingdom also acknowledges the importance of nations without states and ensuring that those individuals are protected. The delegation of the United Kingdom looks forward to an open discussion on how fellow member states can work together in the General Assembly to further the rights of people to self-determination. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom recognizes that the rights of women and girls in rural areas are a major matter of concern throughout the world. The United Kingdom strives to ensure women's rights are met across all social and political environments and are protected. The United Kingdom aims to find solutions to the problems that women around the globe face daily. This includes increasing education for women, ensuring equal access to resources, preventing violence against women and girls, and investing in and innovating water collection processes. The United Kingdom looks favorably on implementing policies that better protect women and girls in rural areas throughout different societies. The United Kingdom wishes to eradicate the practice of child bridehood as well as the practice of female genital mutilation. The delegation of the United Kingdom finds women and girls to be vital members of society who deserve to have rights. This delegation looks forward to discussing with the members of the General Assembly on how to improve the lives of women and girls in rural areas. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom strongly stands on a positive and proactive stance on marine protection and ocean governance. The United Kingdom has repeatedly shown global leadership in this area. The United Kingdom has taken large measures to ensure the safety of marine biodiversity, but recognizes that more work is needed in the implementation, enforcement, and careful balancing of environmental and economic priorities. The UK is a committed supporter of the international “30x30” initiative, whose target goal is protecting at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, and the United Kingdom is a founding member and leader of the Global Ocean Alliance. Through international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly, the United Kingdom actively advocates for ocean conservation and strong governance. The United Kingdom is also a founder of the Blue Belt Programme and has established a wide network of Marine Protected Areas, now covering around 38% of the United Kingdom waters. The United Kingdom has also provided a lot of financial support to the Blue Belt Fund. By financially supporting the Blue Belt Fund, the United Kingdom has been able to fund more scientific research and policy application to back up the idea of marine governance globally. In response to the urgent need to protect sensitive habitats, the UK has proposed bans on destructive trawling within marine protected areas to reduce seabed degradation. The United Kingdom is also highly persistent in addressing these problems, such as marine pollution, overfishing, and ocean acidification. The United Kingdom advocates for marine conservation to be enforced in international law, multilateral diplomacy, and decisive domestic action. While the United Kingdom acknowledges ongoing challenges, we remain dedicated to stronger enforcement, continuous improvement, and advancing global cooperation to protect the world’s oceans for future generations. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom is heavily present in strengthening the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance through the United Nations. The United Kingdom also believes that the United Nations faces an unmatched scale of humanitarian need, and they have called for a shift from reactive aid to anticipatory action periods. The United Kingdom advocates for unimpeded humanitarian access in crisis zones such as Sudan, Gaza, and Myanmar and supports the protection of aid workers. The United Kingdom has financially invested $65.9 million for humanitarian assistance in 2024 to support rapid response mechanisms like the Central Emergency Response Fund. The United Kingdom invested in early warning, sign systems, emergency medical teams, and local leadership. We, the United Kingdom, understand the importance of including local actors in humanitarian response. Overall, the United Kingdom notices common problems in access, coordination, and financing, and we are invested in addressing these problems to make sure that humanitarian assistance is timely, effective, and inclusive. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
| Paper text: | |
| The protection of the civilian aspect of atomic energy is a prime objective of the world and necessary for the continued stability and harmony of an orderly society. Despite this, the dysfunctioning of these marvels of human achievements has resulted in numerous accidents with far-reaching consequences, like those seen in Chernobyl, Fukushima, Semipalatinsk, and even the Windscale fire. These accidents have killed hundreds directly and indirectly killed millions due to radiation released by these accidents, or killed as a result of the absence of essential services when electric grids were shut down. Chernobyl itself has resulted in even farther-reaching consequences on the mutation and crop failure rate on farms across not just Eastern Europe but Western Europe as well. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
| Paper text: | |
| Since the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Russian government and military have authorized the striking of many Ukrainian NPPs, which has resulted in fears not just in the international community but also indirectly on the financing and pricing of electricity throughout Eastern Europe. The Kakhovka Dam, blown by the Russian military in 2023, has also resulted in reactor water shortages in Zaporizhzhia, causing it to run at dangerously low levels, and throughout 2024, plumes of black smoke have been seen rising from the steam towers around the plant. The Russian government has also blocked IAEA access to the power plant in the past; however, following the Russian targeting of Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure in Chernobyl in February, showcasing their desire to weaponize civilian nuclear power, the necessity of oversight by the IAEA is paramount to not just the security of Ukraine but the entirety of the world. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting alternative development as a development-oriented drug control strategy that is sustainable and inclusive |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom is committed to the promotion of development as a sustainable and inclusive strategy across the United Nations to address the worldwide drug problem. By studying past and present challenges and data collected across the United Nations, the United Kingdom strongly supports that countries can present evidence to best adapt the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development. Through international cooperation within the United Nations, information sharing, and other strategies can create an open network, working on an evidence-based plan, whereas the United Nations can multilaterally create solutions to the worldwide drudge problem. The United Kingdom supports a strong approach within development, through poverty reduction, community support, economic development, supporting infrastructure, and facilitating access to markets. The United Kingdom also supports aligning the United Nations’ goals of alternative development with sustainable development goals, to emphasize both human rights and health, as well as long-term economic growth. The United Kingdom looks forward to discussing alternative development solutions to better solve the worldwide drug problem. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom recognizes the importance of promoting comprehensive early prevention programs, which are scientific and evidence-based, to address the root causes of drug use and related harm. The United Kingdom encourages collaboration amongst Member States through shared frameworks, such as the UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention and similar tools such as RePS. These programs work to identify and assess national systems to identify areas for improvement. The United Kingdom promotes and supports regional capacity building by working to provide training, data systems, and peer learning networks. In addition, the United Nations has the opportunity to promote the adoption of international standards. These standards can include technical assistance, piloting the CHAMPS program, and utilizing the SDG reporting and funding mechanisms. Member States can promote or combine programs such as RePS and CHAMPS to develop prevention systems that are evidence-driven, sustainable, and capable of dealing with and responding to current and emerging challenges to drug-related public health. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1994 |
| Topic: | United Nations response to mass murder, genocide, and other significant acts of aggression |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom believes that all tools of the United Nations should be exhausted to
bring a peaceful solution to all conflicts. In situations where all peaceful means of conflict
resolution have been exhausted, it is the duty of the United Nations to act accordingly to
preserve life and sovereignty. First and foremost, the United Nations must guarantee the
self-determination of all people, free from threats to their security. It is furthermore the
belief of the United Kingdom that the United Nations should take appropriate action to
guarantee the health and welfare of the people of this Earth. The responsibility rests on
the United Nations not only to curtail not just the spread of violence and cruelty, but also
the spread of general human suffering. While peace and prosperity are not completely
assured in the world, it is the responsibility of the United Nations to protect the ability to
obtain these ideals for those around the globe.
The United Kingdom believes that when met with unrelenting and unprecedented force against civilians, the authorization of force against those responsible is necessary. Suffering at the hands of those who commit genocide, terrorism, and crimes against humanity should not be tolerated and met with opposition. It is the mission of the United Nations to assist those who are the most vulnerable among us and to assist in providing them with their basic rights to survive. In the absence of a resolution to a situation where those committing acts of barbarism do not cease, it is the duty of the United Nations to use physical force to prevent violence and oppression. There are certain situations where those who oppose the very foundations of the United Nations will not heed our demands. Whether it be in the Middle East, Africa, or Eastern Europe, it is the responsibility of the United Nations to prevent suffering caused by any actor, state, or non-state, vast or small, as that is the very nature of the organization. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1994 |
| Topic: | Addressing ongoing tribal and ethnic tension and conflicts |
| Paper text: | |
| In the context of current international crises concerning tribal and ethnic tensions in both Europe and Africa, it is the opinion of the United Kingdom that, should these conflicts not find a peaceful resolution, physical enforcement of peace may become necessary. It is the responsibility of the United Nations to guarantee peace and security for the peoples of the world, even when in conflict. Actors who perpetrate crimes against civilians due to ethnic tensions should not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of the larger world through the United Nations to take action against those responsible, whether that be financial, diplomatic, economic, or kinetic. It is a stain on the United Nations to allow such things as genocide to be committed as the world watches. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1994 |
| Topic: | Addressing the potential instability to global order caused by rouge states and actors |
| Paper text: | |
| In the context of rogue states and those who seek to oppose the global order, the United Kingdom believes it is essential for the United Nations to respond to any acts of aggression. As we have seen in the past, allowing rogue states to dictate terms is unacceptable. When these regimes are allowed to commit mass murder, genocide, and institute chaos around the globe, the order of states that the United Nations is built on is under threat. It is incorrect to assume that another policy of appeasement would quench the thirst for rogue states to create instability. These actors only wish to create chaos that divides the United Nations and causes us to fight amongst ourselves. If a rogue actor or state seeks to secede from the global order and violate the norms set by the United Nations, then it is only reasonable to respond fully to acts of aggression. The United Kingdom seeks a peaceful world where the United Nations plays a pivotal role in improving international relations around the globe. | |
| Committee: | SC-B |
| Topic: | The Russo-Ukraine War |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom condemns the actions of the Russian government in the invasion of its neighboring sovereign state, Ukraine. The United Kingdom fully supports Ukraine in its endeavor to protect its sovereignty and territory. At present, the United Kingdom supports Ukraine through non-military means, equivalent to £4.7 billion. This includes over £4.1 billion in fiscal support and over £640 million in bilateral assistance. The United Kingdom’s total military, humanitarian, and economic support for Ukraine now amounts to £9.3 billion. In Addition to finances, the United Kingdom provides equipment, including main battle tanks, helicopters, minehunter ships, anti-tank weapons, anti-air missiles, launch rocket systems, long-range precision strike capability, armoured vehicles, drones, artillery, small arms and ammunition, and non-lethal aid, including helmets, body armour, rations, and medical equipment. The United Kingdom provides support in the form of training for 45,000+ military personnel. The United Kingdom also presents additional backing to Ukraine, in the form of economic sanctions against Russia and any subsidiaries of the Russian War. The current list of sanctions includes over 1,600 individuals and entities. The United Kingdom has also signed a joint decision by all G7 countries to remove Russian banks from the SWIFT system. Due to this massive support, the United Kingdom looks favorably upon a resolution that supports Ukraine and provides for peace in Western Europe. | |
| Committee: | SC-B |
| Topic: | Nuclear Proliferation |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom recognizes the utility and need for nuclear energy around the globe
and is committed to the proliferation of nuclear energy and technology for civilian uses
under the recommended international safeguards and guidelines set forth by the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The United Kingdom is resolute in achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. However, the United Kingdom reiterates that certain states should not acquire a nuclear weapon. The United Kingdom urges all states to cooperate fully with the IAEA. The United Kingdom is willing to contribute to negotiations regarding the acquisition of civilian nuclear energy across the globe under international supervision and cooperation. Likewise, the United Kingdom urges all nations to work together towards the complete denuclearization of the globe. Weapons of Mass Destruction must be safeguarded and kept away from organizations that might seek to use them for offensive purposes instead of deterrence. These groups include but are not limited to: Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other violent groups. | |
| Committee: | SC-B |
| Topic: | The Israeli-Hamas Crisis |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom recognizes the right to sovereignty and self-defense of the State of
Israel, particularly when faced with attacks from terrorist organizations such as Hamas.
To support this end, the United Kingdom has deployed military resources aimed at
ensuring the rapid restoration of peace and stability in the region. The United Kingdom
has also contributed intelligence assistance to operations in Gaza, particularly those
focused on the rescue of Israeli hostages and the prevention of further civilian harm.
At the same time, the United Kingdom acknowledges the grave humanitarian crisis afflicting the Occupied Palestinian Territories as a result of the ongoing conflict. The United Kingdom firmly supports the establishment of an immediate ceasefire that can serve as the foundation for a sustainable and just peace between Israelis and Palestinians. To this end, the United Kingdom has pledged £129 million in humanitarian aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, working in partnership with organizations such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The United Kingdom will uphold and support any rulings or declarations issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the Israeli- Hamas conflict, reaffirming its commitment to international law, peace, and human rights in the region. | |
| Committee: | SC-A |
| Topic: | Commitment to peace and security around the world |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to the principles and purposes of the United
Nations. The Security Council, as an institution, provides for collective action, conflict
resolution, and the preservation of peace and security across the world. As such, the United
Kingdom is eager to collaborate with the various members of the Security Council by
engaging in diplomatic dialogue and resolution writing in order to further promote global
peace and security. As a founding member and permanent member of the Security Council,
the United Kingdom is ready to lead and engage in meaningful diplomacy to address
pressing issues.
The United Kingdom continues to extend its support to Ukraine in its defense of sovereignty and territorial integrity and encourages all parties to pursue a just and peaceful resolution to the war and to avoid escalation. Concerning the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, the United Kingdom remains committed to peace, humanitarian relief, the protection of civilians, and the preservation of the cease-fire agreement. In addition, the United Kingdom maintains that a two-state solution may offer a viable path to lasting peace and security. | |
| Committee: | SC-A |
| Topic: | Response to the ongoing conflict in Sudan |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom is engaged in addressing the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023. The United Kingdom would look favorably upon an immediate and lasting ceasefire that urges both sides of the conflict to engage in meaningful dialogue, to cease violence, and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The United Kingdom continues to provide humanitarian assistance, imposes targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for human rights abuses, and pushes for accountability. Furthermore, the United Kingdom continues to support a peaceful end to the conflict and to safeguard civilians impacted by the crisis. | |
| Committee: | SC-A |
| Topic: | Houthi aggression and regional stability |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom expresses growing concern about the actions of the Houthis, particularly regarding their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and their role in destabilizing regional security. These attacks threaten global trade routes vital to the UK’s economy and endanger civilian and commercial vessels. The UK is also worried about the humanitarian impact of the Houthis’ ongoing conflict with the internationally recognized Yemeni government, which has deepened one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. As a result, the UK supports diplomatic efforts and limited military measures aimed at deterring Houthi aggression while seeking a negotiated political solution to the Yemen conflict. | |
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