By: Gracyn Stroman, Student Reporter*

Since the introduction of nuclear weapons in World War II, Member States have been competing to find the next weapon of mass destruction. The development of Fat Man and Little Boy opened a Pandora’s box of atomic weapons, posing a threat to international peace and leading to a worldwide arms race. In the GA First Committee session tonight, Member States meet to review disarmament strategies pertaining to international security. The prohibition of armaments is being considered, yet some Member States may prefer the limitation of arms rather than full prohibition. 

GA First is not attempting to lock up all forms of weaponry and throw away the key. Rather, this committee is seeking a middle ground through which all Member States can participate in the ethical use of these weapons. Representative Jonah Krompart of Albania stated, “The Republic of Albania would like to create financial incentives for the de-escalation of biological warfare, rather than the condemning of other nations.” Representative Quinn Gifford of Malaysia added, “Malaysia is for the deconstruction of biological weapons.”

The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) will likely be incorporated in an attempt to bring accountability and stability to the use of biological and toxic weapons. The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) has recommended the use of scientific expertise to create an outlet through which research can be conducted in an ethical manner towards the creation of weapons of mass destruction. Representative Tiffany Merino of The Republic of Korea remarked, “Through the ORF, we can help other States understand what biological weapons do and how they work.” Representative Michael Hammack, also of The Republic of Korea, added, “Advancement of biological research will help mitigate the damage of biological weaponry.” With this information from the ORF, among other sources, GA First can begin to understand how research will shape the future discussions.

_{The views and opinions expressed in this article were part of a simulation of the United Nations held from 18 to 21 November 2023 and do not reflect the views and opinions of the American Model United Nations Conference, American Model United Nations International, LLC., the *East Texas Baptist University or the governing bodies of the states mentioned in the article.}