IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2025
Committee description:
BEGINNER COMMITTEE
Welcome to the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2025, Asia’s premier defense summit for bilateral conversations and security diplomacy! Held annually in Singapore, this summit brings together defense ministers, policy experts, and military officials from across the Middle East, Indo-Pacific, Europe, and North America. In this committee, delegates will navigate emerging threats to diplomacy and shape the region amidst conflict. As maritime disputes over the Indian Ocean increase and nuclear proliferation risks encompass the Asia-Pacific, our goal is to ensure regional stability and strategic compromise.
Topic 1: SECURING THE INDIAN OCEAN
The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is a vital trading hub connecting the Middle East to Southeast and East Asia, as well as Europe and the Americas. The IOR is critical for protecting valuable maritime channels, known as Sea Lines of Communications (SLOC), and establishing a strong security presence. The Indian Ocean is known for economic growth, producing an annual gross marine product of over $20.8 billion. The region is also home to mineral deposits containing copper, zinc, and gold, valued at over $8 trillion. As a result, there are fourteen ongoing sovereignty disputes in the IOR. Illegal fishing, piracy, drug smuggling, and human trafficking pose threats to the region. At the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, delegates will consider how to collaborate through regional frameworks and multilateral corporation mechanisms to minimize these threats.
Topic 2: Managing Nuclear Proliferation Risks in Asia-Pacific:
Nuclear weapon risks in the Asia-Pacific region demand close attention and commensurate action. Currently, eight out of the nine nuclear armed states are situated or have a direct military presence in the Asia-Pacific. With recent advancements in weapons of mass destruction (WMD), official nuclear powers are threatening each other, middle powers, and small states. Over 4 billion people are at risk amid this arms race. In this committee, delegates will explore frameworks for dialogue and methods to prioritize nuclear risk reduction. They will identify the underlying causes that allow for nuclear proliferation risks, debate pathways to disarmament, and propose treaties to ensure compliance.
ABOUT YOUR DIRECTOR:
SAHRA WAHEDI
Sahra Wahedi (she/her) is a junior in Pierson College from Queens, New York, majoring in Global Affairs. She is excited to organize the programming for YMUN South Asia as an Under-Secretary-General of Conference. Currently, Sahra is the Executive Director of YIRA and a Peer Liaison for the Middle Eastern North African Cultural Community. Previously, she has been involved in YIRLI, YMUN Dubai, and YMUN LI. In her free time, she loves to stargaze, try iced matcha lattes at different cafés, and travel. Please feel free to reach out at conference@ymunsouthasia.org with any questions or concerns.