GA3 [Social, Humanitarian and Cultural]

Topic 1: Balancing urban development with protection of historical and cultural sites.

Governments frequently struggle to balance urban development with the preservation of
historical and cultural heritage as cities expand and modernize. On one hand,
development offers chances for housing and economic expansion. Rapid construction,
however, may result in the loss of community identity, cultural landmarks, and historic
structures. It’s important to find a balance between these two priorities. Communities
benefit greatly from historical and cultural sites because they promote identity, tourism,
and education. In order to meet the demands of modern economies and growing
populations, urban regeneration projects are also required. The challenge for the global
community is to make sure that advancement doesn’t come at the price of cultural
heritage and that preservation of cultural heritage doesn’t impede socially beneficial
development.

Topic 2: Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to
Colonial Countries and Peoples

This topic focuses on Tokelau, a United Nations-listed non-self-governing territory
administered by New Zealand, where full independence has not been achieved despite
international recognition of the right to self-determination. While Tokelau manages many
internal affairs, key areas such as foreign relations and defense remain under external
control. Supporters of the current arrangement argue that continued administration
ensures economic stability and access to essential services, while critics contend that it
limits political autonomy and delays the full realization of self-rule. GA3 will e xamine
whether continued external administration aligns with the Declaration on Decolonization
and assess what concrete steps, if any, should be taken to advance Tokelau’s political status.