Image 1 of 1
Committee Profile
The United Nations First Committee on Disarmament and International Security, or DISEC, was established in 1945 with the mandate of addressing global security challenges and threats to international peace. Resolutions passed by DISEC are non-binding yet nevertheless serve as foundational documents of international security policy. DISEC can suggest topics of consideration for the UN Security Council and works closely with other UN bodies, including the UN Disarmament Commission, towards achieving goals including the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction. This year’s topics, Security Implications of Autonomous Weapons Systems and Preventing Foreign Influence of Critical Infrastructure, are indicative of two of the most pressing problems facing the committee in 2025, especially as technology like AI advances and conflicts continue to escalate across the globe.
Chair Letter
What’s up, delegates?
My name is Madeline Abellera and I’m thrilled to be your chair for the Disarmament and International Security Committee. I’m a junior at UCLA majoring in Political Science (with an emphasis on international relations) with double minors in French and Russian Studies. I live in the Bay Area—though I was born in Chicago—and enjoy going on adventures with my friends, exploring museums, drinking coffee, talking about history, and travelling the world. Other than participating in Model UN, I work as the Director of Growth at a student-led AI startup. After I graduate from UCLA I plan to go to law school.
My involvement in Model UN began when I was a freshman at UCLA and decided to try out for our competitive MUN travel team, since I’d competed in parliamentary debate and mock trial throughout high school. Now, two years later, I’ve gained the title of Head Delegate and Director of Training, and I help lead UCLA’s team to success throughout the collegiate circuit. Beyond participating in MUN as a competitor, last year at BruinMUN 32 I chaired the Novice Commission on the Status of Women, and I’ve also served as a crisis backroom staffer. Hence, I’ve gained quite a bit of experience in all the different aspects of MUN, and I’m confident in saying that I truly love the activity. I’m committed to giving you guys the best experience possible at this year’s BruinMUN.
The gravity of DISEC’s mission cannot be understated: your task is to work together to solve the world’s most critical security challenges that impact the lives of every citizen of every country. The emergent threats of the twenty-first century, specifically those due to factors like unprecedented technological advancement, must be addressed in timely and tangible manners. With that said, my overall hope is that this committee will enable you all to develop your public speaking skills, research abilities, and knowledge of global affairs. I also hope you make new friends in this committee, as meeting new people is one of my personal favorite parts of MUN!
Thank you all for taking the time to prepare for and travel to BruinMUN. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions. I look forward to reading all of your position papers and meeting you in November. Welcome to DISEC.
Best,
Madeline Abellera
Chair, DISEC | BruinMUN 33