VITCMUN

UNGA ESS
Background Guide

Agenda:
Emergency Special Session: November, 2025
Letter From The Executive
Board
Greetings Delegates,

The study guide provided in the next section should help you gain a
better understanding of the composition and operation of the committee.
Nevertheless, we must caution you that this guide is only designed to be
a companion to your research into the agenda and should not be your
sole source of information.

We hope that the discussion in committee will proceed in a manner that

will be made clear by this guide. We would appreciate it if delegates
looked for other viewpoints and approaches to the topics covered by the
agenda. Your Executive Board is here to direct discussion and will only
participate in substantial discussion through updates and inquiries to you.
Additionally, it will be crucial for you to have a fundamental awareness of
global affairs leading into the timeline attached below.

Please take the initiative and conduct appropriate research. We hope that
every one of you will be prepared and eager to discuss the issues at
hand, brainstorm together to find answers, apply legal frameworks, and
learn a lot from the committee in the process.
Resolution 377 A (V)
On 3 November 1950, the General Assembly adopted resolution 377 A (V),
which was given the title “Uniting for Peace”. The adoption of this
resolution came as a response to the strategy of the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics (USSR) to block any determination by the Security
Council on measures to be taken to protect the Republic of Korea against
the aggression launched against it by military forces from North Korea.

Rules of Procedure
Although we will be explaining the RoP in detail before the
commencement of the committee, please do go through this to
understand the basics of the RoP.

MOTIONS
SETTING THE AGENDA
Delegate of ___________ would like to raise a motion to set the agenda as
________________.
ESTABLISHING A GSL
Delegate of ___________ would like to raise a motion to establish the
general speakers’ list with an individual speaker’s time of __________.
MODERATED CAUCUSES
Delegate of ____________ would like to raise a motion to suspend formal
debate and move into a moderated caucus on the topic ______________
for a total time period of __________ minutes with individual speaker’s
time being ______________.
UNMODERATED CAUCUSES
Delegate of _____________ would like to raise a motion to suspend formal
debate and move into an unmoderated caucus for a total time period of
____________ minutes.
EXTENSION TO INFORMAL DEBATE
Delegate of _____________ would like to raise a motion to extend the
current moderated / unmoderated caucus by ____________ minutes.
 INTRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTATION
Delegate of ______________ would like to raise a motion to introduce
draft resolution [number].
VOTING ON INTRODUCED DOCUMENT(S)
Delegate of _______________ would like to raise a motion to table formal
debate and move into voting on [document name].

POINTS
POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Personal inconvenience e.g., inaudibility of some part of the speech of
another Delegate CAN interrupt an active speaker
POINT OF ORDER
Used to point out inaccuracies in procedure and if allowed, even on
factual inaccuracies within the speeches of other delegates CANNOT
interrupt an active speaker
POINT OF PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY
Used to clarify doubts on the rules of procedure CANNOT interrupt a
speaker
POINT OF INFORMATION
Used to ask questions to other delegates on their speeches CANNOT
interrupt an active speaker

YIELDS
YIELD TO POINTS OF INFORMATION
Yielding the remaining time to other delegates so that they can question
you On the speech you made.
YIELD TO ANOTHER DELEGATE
Yielding remaining time to some specific delegate to let her/him make
her/his speech. Prior consent to the yield by the other delegate is
necessary.
YIELD TO THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Yielding the remaining time to the EB. Such yielded time is deemed
elapsed by the EB but not always. Such time usage is up to the discretion
of the EB.
The conference also highlights the challenges of accommodating the
diverse interests and perspectives of the participating nations. Major
powers like the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and
China have significant influence over the proceedings, but there is also a
need to address the concerns of smaller nations and ensure that their
voices are heard. Balancing these interests is crucial for the legitimacy
and effectiveness of the United Nations.

Economically, the world faces the daunting task of rebuilding war-torn

nations and restoring global trade and cooperation. The Marshall Plan,
proposed by the United States, is an example of efforts to revive the
European economy and prevent the spread of communism. Similarly,
plans for the reconstruction of Asia and other affected regions are critical
for stabilizing the global economy and fostering international
cooperation.

Socially and culturally, the war has brought about significant changes.
The roles of women, for instance, have evolved due to their increased
participation in the workforce and the war effort. There is a growing
recognition of the need for social reforms and the promotion of civil rights
and liberties.

We would like to outline our agenda for the next three days, focusing on
three critical components of the United Nations system: the Economic
and Social Council (ECOSOC), the United Nations Security Council
(UNSC), and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Each of these bodies
plays a vital role in the structure and function of the United Nations, and
our discussions will be aimed at defining their responsibilities, powers,
and composition.

We will be discussing 3 pivotal topics over the 3 days. I would like to

make it clear that there can be no spillover of these agendas (ECOSOC
discussions cannot happen on day 2 or day 3).
Introduction
An emergency special session is a unique gathering of the United
Nations General Assembly that occurs when the UN Security Council fails
to address urgent matters of International peace and security. In these
sessions, UN Member States discuss and potentially adopt resolutions to
address the situation.

These sessions are triggered when the Security Council is deadlocked

due to the use of veto power by one of its permanent members. Unlike
the Security Council, where vetoes can stifle action, the General
Assembly does not have this limitation, allowing for broader discussion
and potential resolution adoption by a two-thirds majority vote.

What makes these sessions 'special' is their rarity and the ability for all
UN Member States to come together to address pressing global issues,
particularly in situations where the Security Council is unable to act.
Meetings of emergency special sessions can be reconvened at any time
at the request of UN Member States. They are called within 24 hours of a
request from Member States or the Security Council.

One key distinction between the Security Council and the General
Assembly is that resolutions passed by the Security Council are legally
binding, while those from the General Assembly are not. However,
despite their non-binding nature, resolutions adopted in emergency
special sessions can carry significant moral and diplomatic weight.

The Committee Structure

1. We will be following a UNA-USA Rules of Procedure
2. You can expect crisis updates during the committee however there
will NO directives required.
The Emergency Special Session (ESS) of the United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA) can be called upon in several ways, each with its own
justification:

1. Request by the Security Council: The Security Council may call for an
ESS if it is unable to maintain international peace and security due to a
deadlock in voting among its permanent members. In such cases, the
General Assembly can convene an ESS to consider the matter.

2. Request by a Majority of Member States: If a majority of UN Member

States deem an issue to be of urgent concern and the Security Council is
unable or unwilling to act, they can request the General Assembly
President to convene an ESS. This is often done to address pressing
humanitarian crises or threats to international peace.

3. Request by a Member State: A single Member State can request an

ESS if it believes that there is an urgent need to address a particular issue
and the Security Council has not taken action. This can be justified by
citing the inability of the Security Council to act due to a deadlock or lack
of consensus among its members.

In all cases, the justification for convening an ESS lies in the urgent nature
of the issues at hand and the need for swift and decisive action by the
international community. The ESS provides a forum for Member States to
come together to address critical issues that require immediate attention,
even when the Security Council is unable to act.
United Nations Charter
Chapter IV: The General Assembly
COMPOSITION
Article 9
1. The General Assembly shall consist of all the Members of the United
Nations.
2. Each Member shall have not more than five representatives in the
General Assembly.

FUNCTIONS AND POWERS

Article 10
The General Assembly may discuss any questions or any matters within
the scope of the present Charter or relating to the powers and functions
of any organs provided for in the present Charter, and, except as
provided in Article 12, may make recommendations to the Members of
the United Nations or to the Security Council or to both on any such
questions or matters.

Article 11
1. The General Assembly may consider the general principles of co-
operation in the maintenance of international peace and security,
including the principles governing disarmament and the regulation of
armaments, and may make recommendations with regard to such
principles to the Members or to the Security Council or to both.
2. The General Assembly may discuss any questions relating to the
maintenance of international peace and security brought before it by
any Member of the United Nations, or by the Security Council, or by a
state which is not a Member of the United Nations in accordance with
Article 35, paragraph 2, and, except as provided in Article 12, may
make recommendations with regard to any such questions to the
state or states concerned or to the Security Council or to both. Any
such question on which action is necessary shall be referred to the
Security Council by the General Assembly either before or after
discussion.
3. The General Assembly may call the attention of the Security Council to
situations which are likely to endanger international peace and security.
4. The powers of the General Assembly set forth in this Article shall not
limit the general scope of Article 10.

Article 12
1. While the Security Council is exercising in respect of any dispute or
situation the functions assigned to it in the present Charter, the
General Assembly shall not make any recommendation with regard
to that dispute or situation unless the Security Council so requests.
2. The Secretary-General, with the consent of the Security Council, shall
notify the General Assembly at each session of any matters relative to
the maintenance of international peace and security which are being
dealt with by the Security Council and shall similarly notify the
General Assembly, or the Members of the United Nations if the
General Assembly is not in session, immediately the Security Council
ceases to deal with such matters.

Article 13
1. The General Assembly shall initiate studies and make
recommendations for the purpose of:
2. promoting international co-operation in the political field and
encouraging the progressive development of international law and its
codification;
3. promoting international co-operation in the economic, social, cultural,
educational, and health fields, and assisting in the realization of
human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as
to race, sex, language, or religion.
4. The further responsibilities, functions and powers of the General
Assembly with respect to matters mentioned in paragraph 1 (b) above
are set forth in Chapters IX and X.
Article 14
Subject to the provisions of Article 12, the General Assembly may
recommend measures for the peaceful adjustment of any situation,
regardless of origin, which it deems likely to impair the general welfare or
friendly relations among nations, including situations resulting from a
violation of the provisions of the present Charter setting forth the
Purposes and Principles of the United Nations.

Article 15
1. The General Assembly shall receive and consider annual and special
reports from the Security Council; these reports shall include an
account of the measures that the Security Council has decided upon
or taken to maintain international peace and security.
2. The General Assembly shall receive and consider reports from the
other organs of the United Nations.

Article 16
The General Assembly shall perform such functions with respect to the
international trusteeship system as are assigned to it under Chapters XII
and XIII, including the approval of the trusteeship agreements for areas
not designated as strategic.

Article 17
1. The General Assembly shall consider and approve the budget of the
Organization.
2. The expenses of the Organization shall be borne by the Members as
apportioned by the General Assembly.
3. The General Assembly shall consider and approve any financial and
budgetary arrangements with specialized agencies referred to in
Article 57 and shall examine the administrative budgets of such
specialized agencies with a view to making recommendations to the
agencies concerned.
VOTING
Article 18
1. Each member of the General Assembly shall have one vote.
2. Decisions of the General Assembly on important questions shall be
made by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.
These questions shall include: recommendations with respect to the
maintenance of international peace and security, the election of the
non-permanent members of the Security Council, the election of the
members of the Economic and Social Council, the election of
members of the Trusteeship Council in accordance with paragraph 1
(c) of Article 86, the admission of new Members to the United Nations,
the suspension of the rights and privileges of membership, the
expulsion of Members, questions relating to the operation of the
trusteeship system, and budgetary questions.
3. Decisions on other questions, including the determination of
additional categories of questions to be decided by a two-thirds
majority, shall be made by a majority of the members present and
voting.

Article 19
A Member of the United Nations which is in arrears in the payment of its
financial contributions to the Organization shall have no vote in the
General Assembly if the amount of its arrears equals or exceeds the
amount of the contributions due from it for the preceding two full years.
The General Assembly may, nevertheless, permit such a Member to vote
if it is satisfied that the failure to pay is due to conditions beyond the
control of the Member.

PROCEDURE
Article 20
The General Assembly shall meet in regular annual sessions and in such
special sessions as occasion may require. Special sessions shall be
convoked by the Secretary-General at the request of the Security Council
or of a majority of the Members of the United Nations.
Article 21
The General Assembly shall adopt its own rules of procedure. It shall
elect its President for each session.

Article 22
The General Assembly may establish such subsidiary organs as it deems
necessary for the performance of its functions.

Timeline
March 18, 2024 - As Putin gives his address on television celebrating 10
years of Crimean annexation, Russian troops launch offensives in
Bakhmut and Robotyne in an attempt to strengthen their supply lines and
break Ukrainian morale.

March 20, 2024 - Putin announces capture of Bakhmut and Robotyne

and says Neo-Nazis in Ukraine are surviving on borrowed time. He further
promises the Ukrainian people that the Russian army will free them from
the oppression of the west and its puppets.

March 31, 2024 - A global economic slowdown is predicted for July-

December 2024 by major economic analysts and backed by the IMF’s
research, causing widespread panic. Global stock markets and crypto-
currencies see a large dip.

April 14, 2024 - Donald Trump announces Kristi Neom as his running
mate.

April 20, 2024 - Record temperatures observed in Africa and Asia as the
hot winds of summer blow across the world.

April 23, 2024 - Local researchers predict the possibility for a drought
and subsequent famines in East African nations while water scarcities are
observed in some regions of South Asia.
April 29, 2024 - Major corruption scandals during President Bola Tinubu’s
time as Governor of Lagos re-emerge causing wide-spread anger in
Nigeria. The scandal includes the President’s direct involvement and
control of one of Africa’s largest heroin cartels. Further, a news article in
Nigeria outlines the entire crime life and empire of the incumbent
President, and various local and international corruption scandals
orchestrated by him since he became President and during his time as
Governor of Lagos.

May 1, 2024 - On Labor Day, major trade unions in Nigeria organize wide-
spread protests against the government demanding Bola Tinubu’s
resignation and imprisonment. With more and more people joining the
protests every hour.

May 2, 2024 - The protests in Nigeria see the light of day on all major
international news networks across the globe.

May 4, 2024 - The Nigerian military is sent in to disperse the protests with
the President in no mood to resign or face any consequences. Clashes
arise between the military and the protesters resulting in shots being
fired.

May 5, 2024 - Local media outlets announce the death of 4 men and 2
women when the protests turned ugly on the 4th of May. The President
calls the protestors outlaws paid by foreign nations eyeing Nigeria’s
growing oil production. Global leaders call for transparency and peaceful
resolution to the situation.

May 27, 2024 - As protests start to grow across the country, reports
emerge in the media that the Nigerian military is divided in its support
with some factions aiming for a return to military dictatorship to quell the
growing economic headwinds and unify the country.

June 3, 2024 - Sir Keir Starmer is named the Labour Party PM candidate.
June 6, 2024 - The NDA and Prime Minister Modi win with a resounding
majority in the Indian Parliamentary elections, and start their third term
despite recent scandals. PM Modi thanks the people and vows to “shape
the India to what people want.”

June 11, 2024 - Tension grows in Nigeria as 2 bomb blasts occur in Abuja
on consecutive days - 10th and 11th of June 2024. The President blames
foreign nations for interfering in Nigerian affairs.

June 26, 2024 - The Arab League at the conclusion of its recent meeting
on the situation in Palestine, comes out to state that it can no longer stay
silent on the matter and urges its members to act in defense of the Arab
people. The continuing situation in Palestine has resulted in 62,000+
deaths and leaving over 150,000 people injured. Arab nations are also
concerned about the worsening refugee crisis in the region.

July 4, 2024 - Donald Trump criticizes the Biden administration for

spending too much of America’s money on Ukraine and vows to put
America first again.

July 30, 2024 - The Russian Federation has reportedly completed the
repairs on Russia's AS-31 deep-diving nuclear powered submarine,
known by its nickname as Losharik, and has proceeded with its testing.

August 1, 2024 - Ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel are

unsuccessful.

August 5, 2024 - The People’s Republic of China makes a strong

statement laying claim to the region of the Indian Northeast.

August 11, 2024 - As economic downturns start dictating global markets,

job vacancies dry up and inflation soars, and economic analysts call for
caution.
August 25, 2024 - PM Modi schedules a visit to China aiming to improve
India’s ties with its BRICS partner. The leaders meet for 4 days and issue a
joint press conference at the end of it with no questions being asked
about the Indian North East.

August 31, 2024 - Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan falls ill in prison.
Nation protests, blaming the army and Government for conspiring to kill
him. Violent clashes seen across the country between protestors and
security personnel.

September 1, 2024 - Israel announces complete capture of the Gaza strip

from Hamas control.

September 4, 2024 - Time magazine puts out an article outlining the

gross over valuation of the IT sector during and post-pandemic creating
what it believes to be a bubble that is soon to burst. It also talks about the
renewable energy bubble and a potential housing market collapse akin
to 2008.

September 14, 2024 - Lockheed Martin announces record annual profits.

October 1, 2024 – Jens Stoltenberg’s term as secretary general of NATO

ends and Mark Rutte takes over.

October 7, 2024 – Marking one year since the Hamas Attacks on Israel,
and Israel’s subsequent reaction, there seems to be no end to the
fighting. Arab nations and Iran continue to condemn Israeli actions on a
daily basis.

October 18, 2024 - On the morning of the 18th of October 2024, tech
stocks start crashing globally, with the NYSE, NASDAQ, Euronext and the
Shanghai Stock Exchange all opening to show significant drops.
October 24, 2024 - Major economic analysts and organizations announce
that the world is in recession as inflation soars across the world.

October 30, 2024 - Tensions rise between Israel and Saudi Arabia, while
the negotiations for the proposed mutual defense treaty between the
USA and Saudi Arabia falls through.

November 1, 2024 – Protests in Slovakia continue to get heated as the

Fico government doubles down on its criticism of European Military Aid
to Ukraine after a series of talks held by Slovakia’s Foreign Minister Juraj
Blanar with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

November 5, 2024 – Donald Trump wins the 2024 US Presidential

Elections with Biden conceding defeat and congratulating the winner.
The Republicans take control of both the House and the Senate.

In his victory speech, Trump calls his victory a victory for America and
says that after four years of embarrassment America is finally on its path
to glory again. He vows to improve the economic climate.

November 10, 2024 - Following Trump’s election and conflicts across the
world, the global markets continue to slide with companies announcing
layoffs one by one.

December 1, 2024 – Hezbollah claims responsibility for a bomb blast in

Tel Aviv and vows to draw blood in their continued campaign against the
State of Israel with seemingly newfound vigor.

January 7, 2025 - The Labour party wins in the UK elections and Sir Keir
Starmer is sworn in as PM.

January 20, 2025 – Inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the

United States, along with Kristi Noem as the Vice President.
President Donald Trump vows to limit US involvement in Ukraine stating
that “the war has gone on for too long.” He calls for European partners to
take a more active role in the Ukraine War efforts. He also pushed for
anti-China sentiments raising questions on the possibility of a military
operation in Taiwan and to keep China in check.

February 1, 2025 – Trump opens negotiations for a US brokered deal to

normalize Saudi and Israel relations. Negotiations decided to take place
in Turkey on May 24th 2025.

February 3, 2025 - NATO allies slam Trump’s decision to soften aid to

Ukraine while CNN debates his potential Russian ties.

February 8, 2025 - Iran says it no longer wishes to continue any

discussions regarding the JCPOA.

February 12, 2025 - Russia ramps up military offensive in Ukraine with the
daily death toll reaching an all-time high in the second week of February.

February 14, 2025 - Russia vetoes yet another UNSC resolution calling for
an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and counters the west by pointing out
their inaction in Palestine when a “genocide was aided and abetted.”

March 1, 2025 - BRICS holds its latest meeting with its new members -
Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia.

March 25, 2025 - Stocks continue to crumble with Apple Inc. sliding to
1,114 USD.

April 16, 2025 - Russia continues to advance in Ukraine now that US aid
has reduced.

May 24, 2025 – Donald Trump is shot dead during his diplomatic trip to
Ankara. Kurdish nationalists and former SDP loyalists claim responsibility
and blame Trump for the tens of thousands of Kurds killed following US
withdrawal from Syria at the end of his first term.
Kristi Noem assumed the presidency following the invocation of the 25th
Amendment, becoming the first female President of the United States of
America. In her inaugural speech, she adopts a fiery tone, promising
strength and resolve in the face of challenges ahead. Tim Scott becomes
Vice President.

May 25, 2025 - President Noem announces the resumption of funding to

Ukraine, emphasizing the ongoing threat to life and Ukrainian way of life.
She declares that the US will continue its fight against terror groups,
including the Kurds, Hamas, and Taliban, signaling a robust foreign policy
stance.

May 26, 2025 - Fox news questions Turkey’s involvement in the Former
President’s assassination and calls for strong US action against Turkey
citing lack of appropriate security measures.

May 27, 2025 - Trump’s death is celebrated in regions across the middle
east, particularly in Iran, Palestine, Iraq, amongst others with
demonstrators taking to the streets.

June 1, 2025 - Turkey intensifies operations in Syria particularly against

Kurdish groups. The Assad government of Syria has repeatedly
expressed that the current and past actions taken by Turkey is a violation
to the sovereignty of the State of Syria, and in violation of the UN charter
and international law.

July 4, 2025 - Over 300 people have been injured and over 100 dead at
Ar Raqqah, Syria in a possible chemical attack.

An UNSC meeting is called to discuss the Turkish operations in Syria and

the resurgence of chemical weapons in Syria. A resolution is passed
calling for a ceasefire but Turkish operations continue to advance
thereafter.
July 5, 2025 - Turkey releases an official Statement blaming the Syrian
government for the chemical attack in Ar Raqqah, in response, the Syrian
Government alleges the use of chemical weapons by Turkey on the
Kurdish population at Ar Raqqah.

July 31, 2025 - The OPCW has released an interim report detailing the
use of chemical weapons in Ar Raqqah, Syria. The findings point to the
use of chlorinated organic chemicals, moreover further testing has
revealed that no nerve agent-related chemicals were detected.

An UNSC meeting is called to discuss the Turkish operations in Syria and

the resurgence of chemical weapons in Syria. The ensuing resolution
implying Assad’s regime as the perpetrator is vetoed by Russia.

August 8, 2025 - As a result of growing economic instability and global

events, relations between the United States of America and China
continue to deteriorate especially on the trade frontier with the US subtly
asking companies to rapidly move manufacturing away from China.

August 29, 2025 - A series of coordinated cyberattacks target critical

infrastructure in several European countries. The source of the attacks
remains unknown.

September 13, 2025 - Vice President Tim Scott visits Taiwan to discuss
manufacturing, tensions with China, and more, followed by a visit to
Vietnam, Philippines, Bangladesh, and India.

September 14, 2025 - As the country spirals into conflict and uncertainty
Nigeria’s military divides into two factions with one faction taking up arms
against the government.

September 19, 2025 - Wikileaks article reveals that Turkish security

surveillance lapses that led to President Donald Trump’s death. Raising
further questions into possible “intentional negligence.”
September 17, 2025 - Russia announces in a statement that it will no
longer sell S-400s to Turkey and vows to not sell arms to Turkey
henceforth till it stops its offensive in Syria.

October 11, 2025 - Turkish offensive into Syria continues with the UNSC
passing a resolution calling for a ceasefire.

October 29, 2025 - Peace talks for the situation in Ukraine fails with
Russia making a consolidated advance further west.

November 7, 2025 - After continued fighting in Ukraine, and non-stop

fighting an ESS is called by the United States of America to discuss the
situation in Ukraine given Russia’s continued vetoes.

Freeze Date: November 8, 2025