Founded in 1983 with the intention of promoting democracy and centre-right politics across the world, the International Democracy Union is an organization of conservative-leaning political parties who collaborate in matters of policy-making, political strategy, and organization. With over 70 members from every inhabited continent, parties ranging from domineering ruling parties to minuscule opposition parties are all represented within this unique political international.
The IDU aims to give delegates the opportunity to discover the complexities of party policy, electoral successes and failures, and ideological beliefs. Rather uniquely within Model UN, delegates will represent political parties rather than a country or individual, as they debate and ponder the future of centre-right politics. As nations across the world seemingly collapse into partisan divisions one by one, accurate and respectful discussion of the issues that face governments today will allow each member of society to navigate the treacherous waters of ideological politics.
This committee is specifically designed for intermediate and experienced delegates. Position papers, although strongly recommended, are not required. However, delegates who wish to be considered for an award must submit their position papers by January 21, 2025, at 23:59 PST. More information about position papers can be found in the Position Paper Guide.
Topic A: Climate Change and Conservatism (Click to show summary)
According to research conducted by the United Nations, between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year, from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress alone. Given the undeniable danger of global warming and its impending effects, climate change is a critical global issue requiring unified action, with international collaboration proposed as the primary solution since the 1900s. However, center-right political parties lack a unified stance due to varied positions with fiscal and social conservatism. Some parties deny the existence of climate change or believe that taking action will create economic damage; others believe it is an essential policy for the voters. This topic challenges delegates to reconcile each party’s beliefs to balance conservative values with effective climate action, exploring strategies that balance environmental responsibility and form a solution for the unified center-right parties.
Topic B: Conservatism’s Voter Appeal (Click to show summary)
Conservatism faces evolving voter challenges in a rapidly changing world, as society is changing to align with more left-leaning policies than social and fiscal conservatism. With the rise of fervent youth voters, increasing immigrant families, and emerging social media, conservative parties cannot continue to rely on older voters or deny the changing world. Whether it is through creating a more nationalist platform and energizing the current voter base or adopting more centrist policies and finding a balance of embracing both new voters and traditional conservative voters, delegates representing centre-right political parties around the world must explore innovative approaches and collaborate for a solution to enhance conservative appeal in all demographics.
Erin An | Director
Erin An is a Grade 12 student at Sentinel Secondary School and this is her final year of Model UN after 5 years as a delegate and staff member. Outside of Model UN, Erin can be found at home, listening to the same musical soundtracks for the 15th time, watching emotional-horror movies and reading sad East Asian novels that are not as niche as she would like them to be. As the grand finale of her journey at VMUN, she hopes to make IDU 2025 one filled with vigorous debate and happy memories.
Celina Qu | Chair
A Grade 12 at Semiahmoo Secondary, Celina is ecstatic to serve as the Chair of the International Democracy Union at VMUN 2025. Over the past four years, she has grown familiar with wading through chandelier-lit ballrooms and crowded elevators alike, and has grown to love fostering the nuanced political exploration and passionate morning debates MUN stands for. When not writing her next directive, Celina can be found struggling to decipher Akkadian cuneiform, cleaning dirty 1940s reels in preparation for another film festival season, and pretending not to use Rate Your Music. She looks forward to meeting you in January for an unforgettable weekend of diplomacy and discussion!
Haven Miller | Assistant Director
Haven Miller is honoured to be selected as the assistant director for the IDU at this year’s iteration of VMUN. From starting his MUN journey in Grade 7, to now in Grade 12, Haven has been an active participant of model United Nations in and outside of VMUN. Attending his first VMUN conference in grade 9, Haven hopes to adopt a more leadership role in his model United Nations experience. As a staff member at VMUN this year, he hopes to bring an inclusive and supportive leadership style. A favourite MUN memory for Haven was when he established an independent Michigan state during a historical crisis committee centred on the war of 1812. Outside of MUN, Haven also enjoys tennis, reselling clothing, and listening to music.
You can contact the Director at idu@vmun.com. Any questions regarding the committee or its debate procedures will be answered by email. Position papers must also be submitted to this address.