First Committee of the Disarmament and International Security Committee (1st DISEC)

Committee Profile

Also known as the First Committee, the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), handles matters primarily related to the regulation of arms and weapons, international security, and other threats to global peace. DISEC’s mission through negotiations, resolutions, and international treaties is to foster cooperation among member states and to ensure a safer and more secure world. 

The allure of diamonds has long been seeded in opulence and romance, yet beneath their dazzling facade lies a darker narrative of exploitation and conflict. The term "blood diamonds," coined to describe gems mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict, is the image of the troubling intersection of wealth and violence. Originating from regions of civil unrest, such as Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, these precious stones have fueled brutal conflicts, leaving devastation in their wake. Despite efforts to regulate the diamond trade and establish ethical mining practices, the appeal of quick profits continues to drive the illicit diamond industry, perpetuating cycles of violence and suffering in some of the world's most vulnerable communities.

Additionally, the ongoing efforts to disarm and reduce tensions among Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey are vital in fostering stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Rooted in a complex web of historical grievances, territorial disputes, and nationalistic passion, the relationships between these nations have been characterized by periods of intense rivalry and conflict. Cyprus remains a focal point of contention, divided between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish-occupied north since 1974. Recent diplomatic endeavors have focused on confidence-building measures, demilitarization, and promoting dialogue through international mediators such as U.N. and E.U.. These initiatives aim to address contentious issues, including maritime boundaries, airspace violations, and minority rights, fostering a climate of cooperation and peaceful coexistence. Despite significant challenges, step-by-step progress in disarmament and diplomacy holds promise, if continued, for a more secure and harmonious regional future.

Chair Letter

Dear Delegates,

Welcome! My name is Lauren Le, and I will be serving as the Chair of this year’s Disarmament and International Security Committee at BruinMUN. I am a third-year pre-law student here at UCLA studying Political Science and Public Affairs. However, I am originally from Huntington Beach, California, just an hour south of Los Angeles.

As you can guess, I am quite familiar with the Southern California Circuit with this being my 7th year in Model UN. Like many SoCal delegates, I began these seven years by competing on the stressful high-school circuit, but I have also now had the chance to run the behind-the-scenes of this very conference I attended as a sophomore in high school, serving as BruinMUN’s Under Secretary General for GA last fall. However, throughout this journey, Model UN has served as not only such a great way for me to pursue my passion in our past and current global issues, but as such a welcoming environment that has helped me find my second home at college and meet lifelong friends. Most importantly, this environment and passion is something that I hope to bring to you all this conference!

Outside of Model UN, my passion extends to playing tennis as a member of Club Tennis, but I have also become a model LA citizen with my love for thrifting at all the markets around town or trying the newest coffee shops (ask me for recs at the conference!). With that, DISEC’s mission is to address threats to international peace holistically, from lingering explosives to weapons of mass destruction in the wrong hands. In debates, it's crucial to remember the gravity of these topics, as they threaten the very fabric of our global community. When researching, delegates should remember to consider the root causes that cause the friction we see in these topics that prevents the safety of civilization.

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the 1st DISEC committee here at LAMUN. I wish you all the best of luck in your research, and trust me, I’ve been in your shoes (quite literally! DISEC was my committee when I attended BruinMUN), so feel free to reach out if you have any questions at all! Can’t wait to meet you all.

Sincerely,

Lauren Le | Chair, DISEC | BruinMUN 32

disec@bruinmun.org