KWGlerinnen (EF) engagieren sich bei der MUNOL in Lübeck – Einblick in die internationale Diplomatie

In this increasingly complex and interconnected world, a sense of security must encompass armed conflict, climate change and even the latest technological developments such as artificial intelligence. Although each in its own way poses particular risks to overall stability, they are often so closely interlinked. The UN plays an important role in developing solutions that promote peace, sustainability and shared security.

This year, the KWG participated in the MUNOL (Model United Nations of Lübeck) conference with four students representing the nations of Poland and South Africa. As delegates, they engaged in high-level discussions and debates, contributing their perspectives on global challenges and diplomatic solutions. Their involvement highlighted the importance of youth participation in international discourse and demonstrated KWG’s commitment to global citizenship education.

For a proper simulation of the United Nations, it is vital that all students, acting as delegates, take their duties and responsibilities very seriously. Delegates are to conduct themselves as diplomats at all times. This involves a proper code of conduct but first and foremost compliance with the official MUNOL rules of procedure.

War remains one of the most devastating threats to human security. Conflicts displace millions of people, destroy infrastructure and leave lasting scars on societies. In preventing war, the UN’s role in diplomacy, mediation and peacekeeping is central. In addition to active conflict resolution, post-conflict reconstruction, disarmament and reconciliation are among the Organisation’s priorities. Lasting peace requires tackling the systemic causes of conflict at their roots, including inequality, corruption and access to natural resources.

Climate change has become one of the defining security challenges of the 21st century. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and resource scarcity are forcing people to migrate and exacerbating tensions between and within nations. Whole communities are being displaced from their ancestral homelands, and climate refugees face an unknown fate. The UN is fostering global cooperation through agreements like the Paris Agreement and investing in adaptation strategies for vulnerable regions. Beyond mitigation, the most critical part of global security is addressing the social and economic consequences of climate-induced migration.

While AI offers unprecedented opportunities to improve security, it also poses serious risks. AI can enhance the potential for early warning of disasters, optimise border management and allow for better allocation of resources in crisis situations. However, its misuse for autonomous weapons, cyber-attacks or intrusive surveillance raises some very serious ethical and security dilemmas. The UN is at the forefront of developing frameworks to regulate this technology, to create AI principles within the framework of human rights standards, and to serve global stability without exacerbating already identified threats.

Economic inequality and poverty are at the root of instability. Lack of education, healthcare and employment fuel migration, conflict and social unrest. The UN Sustainable Development Goals aim to address these inequalities through inclusive economic growth, equitable access to education and access to basic resources. Achieving these goals will directly contribute to a safer and more equitable world.

Pandemics and other health crises have revealed many of these vulnerabilities in the context of global security. COVID-19 highlighted the fact that nations are completely interconnected and that no one nation can solve such crises alone. The UN is focusing on strengthening health systems and ensuring equitable distribution of vaccines to prevent future global health emergencies from undermining social stability.

Security will be achieved through an integrated and adaptive approach. All new threats—war, climate change, new technologies—require cooperation, creativity and a sense of shared duty. In its own way, by confronting challenges head on or by harnessing the power of global solidarity, the UN seeks a world where all people can live free from fear, instability and insecurity.