The Division for Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea (DOALOS) is an international organization founded in 1982 and operates within the Office of Legal Affairs. The committee is dedicated to providing assistance to States and international bodies within the realm of maritime law and concerns related to the ocean. Members of DOALOS coordinate with intergovernmental organizations and partners to adhere to sustainable development goals, peaceful ocean governance, climate change, and more.

In this specialized committee, delegates will assume the role of states that ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), known as the Constitution of the Oceans. These members convene to address two issues facing the modern world. Topic A surrounds the disputes in the South China Sea; delegates will be challenged to examine how the territorial disputes intersect with international law, and consider the UN’s role in its resolution. Topic B focuses on closing the gaps in the UNCLOS treaty, which has led to a lack of enforcement and resolution gaps. Delegates should be prepared to engage in complex, yet highly relevant, political relationships and to understand why some treaties are more successful than others. 

Evan McLaughlin is a sophomore studying Government & Politics. He is originally from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and has been competing in Model UN conferences since last fall. Outside of UMUNC, he has participated in several MUN conferences, is a Junior Analyst for Justice for Fraud Victims, and has worked as a Government Affairs intern this spring. He is really excited to co-chair for the first time and see how the delegates make this topic their own.