Topic Summary

International Maritime law has long been a point of contention between nations and an opportunity for international cooperation. This committee will seek to explore the intricacies of international maritime law particularly as it pertains to issues such as rising seas levels, artificial islands and contested economic zones. As new technologies and the threat of climate change continue to reshape our oceans and borders, maritime law must keep up in order to prevent confusion and disputes between nations. As sea levels rise and tide zones change, there is an increasing number of island countries whose borders are shifting with these changes. Additionally, developing technologies allow for countries to build “artificial islands” and further expand their territory into the sea with landfilling. These issues, combined with existing disputes over the economic rights to ocean areas, present an increasingly pressing challenge to the international community. In coming up with these potential solutions delegates will have to take into consideration existing national laws and historical disputes in addition to the unpredictability of climate change and maritime events. The committee’s goal will be to establish lasting, creative, and flexible solutions to these complex challenges without infringing upon national sovereignty or aggravating existing tensions.

Director’s Letter

Dear delegates,

My name is Margaret Bowles and I am beyond excited to be serving as director of the Legal Committee this year at HNMUN 2026! I am from Dover Massachusetts which is a small town around 40 minutes outside of Boston. At Harvard, I am studying Government and Economics on the Pre-Law track. When I’m not competing in Model UN committees, I love spending time outside running, hiking, biking and generally exploring. I am also involved with the Phillips Brooks House, a volunteer organization on campus, Harvard Undergraduates for Bipartisan Solutions (HUBS) and in Massachusetts state-level politics.

I was first introduced to Model UN my junior year of high school where I had the opportunity to attend HMUN as my first-ever conference. I am pleased to report that I had such a good time competing at HMUN my junior and senior year in high school that I decided to enter the land of MUN in college, as well! Currently, I compete on the North American circuit with Harvard’s competitive Model UN team, ICMUN, where I have spent most of my time competing in GAs and non-traditionals. I also have a variety of conference staffing experience including directing UNOOSA at HNMUN last year, directing DISEC at HMUN India and directing the Ad-Hoc GA for HMUN Dubai. I will also be serving as deputy director of GA at HMUN. Overall, I love the people and culture that Model UN at Harvard has allowed me to connect with. I can’t wait to take my enthusiasm for Model UN to HNMUN 2026 and direct the Legal committee this year!

I am excited to delve into this rich topic with you all this February. I expect our topics to yield lively debate and creative resolutions. Throughout the committee, I expect that all delegates will keep their conduct positive and help create a constructive environment. I am always happy to help both in committee and ahead of time.

I look forward to meeting all of you!

Best regards,

Margaret Bowles

Director, Legal Committee

legal@hnmun.org