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Meet our 2024 Commitees
GWCIA XXIX is excited to offer a wide variety of committees including International Bodies, Regional Bodies, Historical/Specialized Committees, and Crisis Committees. We are excited to have a wide range of topics including real UN bodies and fantasty committees so that every kid can have an amazing CIA experience. Some committees are specifically marked for novice delegates, and we kindly ask that these committees be assigned within a delegation to delegates who have little or no Model UN experience. These committees will have a more "teaching" approach and a slower committee pace in order to help delegates learn while doing. Advisors are welcome to place delegates with little to no MUN experience in non-novice committees, however we kindly ask that novice committees are reserved for novice delegates in order to foster a stress free learning experience for new delegates!
International Bodies
Under Secretary General: Charlie Peters
intl_gwcia@email.gwu.edu
Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Chair: Sarah Strolger (sarahstrolger@gwu.edu)
Delegates in the Disarmament and International Security Council (or Disec) will be tasked with the complex issues surrounding how disarmament poses a threat to global security as well as international peace. The main purpose of DISEC is to establish general principles of cooperation in order to maintain international security and peace. This, of course, includes the principle of disarmament and the regulation of armaments.
THIS COMMITTEE IS A DOUBLE DELEGATE COMMITTEE.
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Chair: Alexia Creeden (alexis.creeden@gwu.edu)
In the face of global conflicts and displacement, education often falls behind, leaving millions of refugee children without access to quality schooling. Delegates in the ECOSOC committee will confront the challenges faced by refugees in access to education and will explore innovative strategies to ensure displaced individuals receive the education they deserve. From building schools to training teachers, delegates will collaborate to design comprehensive solutions that empower refugee communities and pave the way for a brighter future through education.
THIS COMMITTEE IS A NOVICE GA COMMITTEE.
UN Women
Chair: Stephanie Van Ausdeln (stephanie.vanausdeln@gwmail.gwu.edu)
Delegates in UN Women will seek to better the status of women through addressing women’s higher education and participation in the workforce. Focusing specifically on the Middle East and North Africa, a region which has continuously struggled with women’s equality and representation in a number of spheres, delegates will use diplomatic skills to empower women of all backgrounds. Delegates should come prepared to create innovative solutions to this pressing issue, which impacts nearly 50% of the world’s population!
International Labor Organization
Chair: Fabiola Lomba Cruz (fabiola.lombacruz@gwu.edu)
Delegates in this committee will look at the global issue of fast fashion, from its production to its distribution into our closets. Especially with the rise of online shopping, more and more of the fashion industry is being manufactured cheaply, quickly and under questionable conditions in order to ship the latest trends at the lowest possible prices. Delegates should learn about how this industry works, the problems associated with fast fashion and come up with creative solutions to both improve the well-being of the garment workers and promote responsible buying of clothing.
Regional Bodies
Under Secretary General: Liana Moldovanu
regional_gwcia@email.gwu.edu
Arab League
Chair: Nazira Djor (Nzdj3@gwu.edu)
Welcome to the Arab League! This regional body is made up of countries across the Middle East and North Africa, and tackles topics ranging from cultural issues to economic. In this committee specifically, we’ll be focusing on improving regional cohesiveness and encouraging regional development. From issues like encouraging the creation of new companies and building up new cultural or economic centers of cooperation, there is so much to explore!
Organization of American States
Chair: Mariam Muradyan (mariam.murdyan@gwu.edu)
Its 2024 and The Organization of American States (OAS) is dedicating its time to fostering unity and collaboration among member states through cultural initiatives. Recognizing the profound impact of culture on societal cohesion, the committee seeks to promote the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Americas. In 2024, our focus will be on leveraging music, art, and television to build stronger cultural ties across the continent.
European Space Agency
Chair: Jamie Urrunaga (jamie.urrunaga@gwu.edu)
Ad Astra means To The Stars in latin. In European Space Agency 2025, Delegates will be asked to push their thinking to the stars to discover innovative solutions to the issues that the European Space Agency needs to address. They will be tasked with reconsidering the amount of international cooperation and relations that the ESA participates in, specifically focusing on information sharing, outer space territorial claims, and the use of weaponry in space. They will also be in charge of paving the way forward for the agency through ensuring safety, education, and environmental friendliness.
United States Senate
Chair: Anmol Chowdhary (anmolchowdhary@gwu.edu)
Welcome to the US Senate Committee! For this committee, delegates will represent senators from all around the country and tackle key issues facing the United States today. Working collaboratively with one another, delegates are tasked with developing a new United States plan for tackling infectious disease spread and access to public healthcare for rural communities. Both topics extremely pressing on the national stage, delegates will experience divisive debate and have the chance to create solutions to help make America a better place!
Historical-Specialized Committees
Under Secretary General: Camila Vargas
histspec_gwcia@email.gwu.edu
Fall of the Roman Empire - The Court of Majorian
Chair: Wretam Purkayastha (wretamp@gmail.com)
With barbarian legions from distant lands occupying nearly half of the Western Roman Empire, has the Roman Empire's time in Western Europe ended? Esteemed general Majorian thought not. Proclaimed emperor in 457, Majorian is tasked with the herculean task of rebuilding Rome in the Empire’s twilight days. It is in the hands of Majorian’s court to decide whether the Emperor can complete his lofty goals or if the empire will collapse to intrigue and greed!
Fifty-Four Forty or Fight: The Mexican-American War, 1846
Chair: Lindsey Spain (lindsey.spain@gwu.edu)
The year is 1846. Tensions run high after the United States, under the leadership of the respective Tyler and Polk presidential administrations, has annexed the Republic of Texas from Mexican administrative control. This makes Texas the 28th state, angering Mexicans who do not acknowledge the validity of Texan territorial claims. The Mexican government considers this an egregious act of war, whereas the United States government considers this a rightful extension of the idea of Manifest Destiny. This Mexican indignation translated into a direct manifestation of violence through the skirmish and subsequent capture of 46 United States soldiers at Rancho Carricitos, causing a domestic outrage. The United States responds by formally declaring war on Mexico on the 13th of May 1846. The future course of the war has many different possibilities for interpretation and action, necessitating strong leaders on both sides to grapple for their respective national interests.
The French Government of National Defense, 1870-71
Chair: Daniel Catapang (daniel.catapang@gwu.edu)
France, 1870. The 2nd French Empire has suffered an embarrassing defeat at Sedan by the North German Confederation, with Emperor Napoleon III and most of the French army captured. In Paris, Communard and Socialist agitators are destabilizing the home front, ready and willing to overturn the old order, as Monarchist factions compete to reclaim their birthright. The French Government of National Defence has been hastily formed in Paris with the fate of France herself in their hands and enemies from all sides.
World's Columbian Exposition Planning Committee, 1890
Chair: Lucas Flanagan (lucas.flanagan@gwu.edu)
On February 24th, 1890, Congress approved the city of Chicago to be the host of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, a world's fair showcasing the scientific and industrial achievements of the nations of the world. Now it is up to this board of planners, financers, researchers, architects, builders, artists, thinkers, and dreamers to organize this historic fair that may change the city, the country, and the world.
THIS COMMITTEE IS A NOVICE SPECIALIZED COMMITTEE.
George H.W. Bush’s Cabinet: Start of the Gulf War 1991
Chair: Colin Fitzsimmons (colinlfitzsimmons@gmail.com)
On August 2nd 1990, Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi Army invaded Kuwait and overwhelmed the small gulf nation. The US, led by President George HW Bush, rushed to the defense of Kuwait. Alongside a strong international coalition, the US initiated ‘Operation Desert Shield’ in defense of regional partners. Now, his cabinet, national security apparatus, and top generals have to make hard cutting decisions in a fast paced environment to determine the fate of security and sovereignty in the Middle East.
Crisis Commitees
Under Secretary General: Scarlett Metts
crisis_gwcia@email.gwu.edu
Forever Evil: Injustice League vs the Crime Syndicate
Chair: Penelope Watson (Peneloperosewalston@gmail.com)
When a group of supervillains from a parallel universe known as the Crime Syndicate invades and overtakes the Earth, society is left in shambles. With the Justice League and many of Earth’s heroes captured and imprisoned within the mysterious Firestorm Matrix, citizens across the world are beginning to lose hope. It is up to the remaining antiheroes, vigilantes, and villains of Earth to put aside their differences and work together in order to save the world. Delegates in this committee must think quickly on their feet, form and break alliances, and use their unique powers and abilities to ensure the defeat of the Crime Syndicate. However, in a room full of villains, who can you really trust?
Doofenshirmtz Evil Inc. Board of Directors
Chair: Clara Flores (clara.flores@gwu.edu)
Welcome to board members to the Doofenshmirtz Evil Incorporated! The company has one goal: to take over the Tri-State Area! As members of the board of directors, it is in your best interest to not only attempt to take over the Tri-State Area while Perry the Platypus and other members of O.W.C.A try to stop you, but to advance your individual goals!
The Teen Choice Awards, 2025
Chair: Sophie Rice (sophierice@gwu.edu) & CD: Zoe Carver (zcarver@gwu.edu)
It’s lights. It’s fashion. It’s celebrities. It’s the Teen Choice Awards, 2025! All of Hollywood’s coolest young stars are gathering together to see who the Teens of America really choose. There’s drama, heartbreak, celebrity feuds, and a mystery underneath it all! Your favorite celebrity hosts have gathered to unearth this mystery and save the teen choice awards before it’s too late!
THIS COMMITTEE IS A NOVICE CRISIS COMMITTEE.
Merdeka! The Independence of Singapore: The Second Cabinet of Lee Kuan Yew, 1965
Chair: Faith Farley (faith_farley17@gwu.edu)
Singapore, 1965. The Parliament of the Federation of Malaya has voted to expel Singapore. Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and his cabinet must navigate the fledgling nation's numerous challenges. The nation faces security threats from Communist agitators, Suharto’s Indonesia, and forceful reintegration by Malaysian forces. While internally, Singapore is faced with high unemployment, little industry or resources, and heightened racial tensions among the population. It is up to the Cabinet to ensure Singapore's continued existence and navigate it through the crisis.