International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) is an independent judicial body established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It has jurisdiction over any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention, and over all matters specifically provided for in any other agreement which confers jurisdiction on the Tribunal. Disputes relating to the Convention may concern the delimitation of maritime zones, navigation, conservation and management of the living resources of the sea, protection and preservation of the marine environment and marine scientific research.

Agenda: Request of Commission of Small Island Developing States on climate change and international law

Distinguished delegates,

 

I have the honour to welcome you on behalf of the President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

We face a serious task on the agenda and have  to take into account and analyze the interests of individual countries through the prism of international law. In the era of climate change, it is necessary to make urgent decisions and act together. 

Our committee is unique in its specifics, you have the opportunity to try yourself as a judge and defend the position of your state. It won’t be easy, but our presidium will do everything possible to bring you to a consensus.  Only thanks to your initiative and ideas we will be able to move closer to a sustainable future.

 

Kind regards, 

President of the President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

Proshina Polina

Honourable delegates!

 

I am glad to welcome you to our committee!

C-MIMUN is a place where you can have a great time, make new friends and discuss an interesting agenda.

I hope that the memories you make with us will last a long time!

Respectfully,

 

ITLOS Vice-President,

Viktoria Agryzkova

Dear Delegates,

 

Welcome to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea at this year’s C-MIMUN. It is an honor, truly, to lead you through one of the most pressing challenges of our era: the profound impact of climate change on international law. Our focus will be on the request for an Advisory Opinion submitted by the Commission of Small Island States, which calls into question the legal obligations of nations in the face of this global crisis.

 

The discussions ahead will be both challenging and thought-provoking. We’re not just here to engage in academic debate; we’re here to confront real-world issues—head-on. As delegates, you have the rare opportunity to shape the future discourse on international law and environmental protection. What you bring to the table could potentially ripple out into legal frameworks that affect the entire world.

 

This is more than just a learning experience—it’s a pivotal moment in your journey. Every movement, every breakthrough, starts with a single person willing to speak up. Be that voice. Your insights, your passion, can help forge new paths.

 

We look forward to working with you as we tackle these important questions together.

Best regards,

 

Arthur Babajanian 

ITLOS Expert

Dear Applicants,

 

The first step in your application process is an essay based on the expert report you’ve reviewed. This essay is your chance to demonstrate a deep understanding of the agenda. As you write, ensure your analysis aligns with the complexities of the topic at hand. Follow the structure outlined below to guide your argument:

  1. Introduction and Relevance of the Agenda

Begin by establishing the importance of the issue, especially in the context of international law and climate change.

  1. Current Situation in the Region

Offer a detailed overview of the present state of affairs, specifically focusing on how this agenda impacts Small Island States.

  1. Your Opinion on the Problem

Share your informed perspective, highlighting key legal and environmental challenges.

  1. Proposed Solutions

Present your strategic solutions, grounded in international legal principles, that could guide the Tribunal’s Advisory Opinion.

The ideal length for your essay is between 200 and 400 words. Be concise but insightful, ensuring each section contributes meaningfully to your argument.

 

Additionally, it is highly recommended to consult the following official sources while writing your essay:

  • https://www.un.org/en/
  • https://www.itlos.org/en/
  • https://www.cosis-ccil.org

If you can’t find the information you need on these sites, try other official sources—avoid relying on Wikipedia for accuracy. You can use Wikipedia as a starting point, but it should never be your main source.

Dear Delegates,

 

Congratulations on successfully completing your interview! Now comes the critical next step in your journey: preparing your Country’s Position Paper. This document represents your country’s stance on the matter before ITLOS. Remember, this is no longer your personal opinion; from now on, you speak with the voice of your nation, embodying its goals, interests, and diplomatic strategies within the multilateral world.

Your position paper should include three essential components:

  1. Your Country’s Understanding of the Issue

Detail how your country perceives the problem of climate change and its legal implications under international law.

  1. Previous Stance on the Topic

Provide examples of your country’s historical or recent actions concerning climate change, particularly in international forums.

  1. Policies and Desired Outcomes

Outline the policies your country supports and the measures it seeks to include in the Tribunal’s resolution.

All information must be backed by credible and official sources. Wikipedia, while helpful for general knowledge, is not a reliable source for this task and should be avoided.

To guide your writing, ensure your paper answers the following questions:

  1. How does your country’s history or international relationships relate to the agenda item?
  2. What is its current policy on the issue, and why?
  3. What actions has your government taken, and what agreements has it ratified?
  4. What does your country believe should be done to resolve the issue?
  5. How might your country’s position evolve based on negotiations with other states?

 

Additionally, be sure to adhere to these formal requirements:

Font: Times New Roman, size 14

Spacing: 1.5

Word count: 400-500

That’s it! Best of luck, and we look forward to seeing you at the Model!

Country list:Representative:
1Algeria
2Argentina
3Australia
4Cabo Verde
5Cameroon
6Canada
7Chile
8China
9Jamaica
10Japan
11Iceland👑President
12India
13Italy
14Malta
15The Netherlands
16Paraguay
17Republic of Korea
18Russian Federation
19Sierra Leone
20South Africa
21Thailand