Topics
Sustainable Tourism, Combating Digital Misinformation, and Food Regulations and GMOs
Committee Type
General
Committee Size
Large
Committee Description
As the principal committee of the United Nations, General Assembly encompasses countries from each region of the world, making it the largest committee at our conference. Debate topics remain broad and are sourced from diverse subject areas. General Assembly's unique debate structure, featuring breakout regional debate, make it an adaptable committee experience for all delegates.
Topic Intros
Combating Digital Misinformation
Today, digital misinformation is one of the fastest-growing global challenges. The rise of social media and AI, with algorithm-based content, has increased both the speed and scale that false information can spread. According to the UN, misinformation and disinformation have influenced numerous elections, public health responses, armed conflicts, and international diplomacy across the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO referred to the spread of false online information as an “infodemic”, which emphasized the dangers misinformation can pose to global public health and safety. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, false claims about vaccines and fake medical treatments caused many people to ignore public health guidance, making it harder to control the spread of the virus.
Food Regulations and GMOs
Today, the use and distribution of genetically modified organisms has expanded greatly over the last two decades. One of the most significant reasons for this use is the overwhelming global population growth. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the world population is projected to reach about 10 billion individuals by the year 2050, increasing pressure on nations to improve agricultural productivity and food security fast. In modern society, some of the most prominent agricultural producers are the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina, all remaining some of the largest cultivators of GMO crops. These crops include modified products such as soybeans, canola, cotton, and many others, each used in processed foods and livestock feed distributed at an international level.
Sustainable Tourism
Across the globe, overtourism has contributed detrimentally to overcrowding, living costs, environmental degradation, and community strain. This occurs because when visitor numbers exceed a destination's capacity, infrastructure becomes overwhelmed, natural areas suffer from pollution, and local housing prices spike. Ultimately, as citizens feel overpriced and frustrated by the constant congestion, these pressures lead to direct disputes between residents and the tourism industry. An example is the numerous protests seen all around Spain, including harassment and assault towards tourists in places like Barcelona.
