
SPECPOL
Agenda
Addressing the geo-political impacts of Chinese infrastructure projects in Africa
The Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (SPECPOL) is one of the UN General Assembly’s key committees, and is responsible for overseeing ideals of decolonisation, peacekeeping and Peaceful use of outer space. As stewards of political stability, the agenda "Addressing the geo-political impacts of Chinese infrastructure projects in Africa" takes a position of fundamental importance and requires the committee’s immediate attention.
Through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the People’s Republic of China has significantly expanded its influence in Africa through large-scale infrastructure projects, including ports, railways, and energy facilities, truly cementing itself as a global player in infrastructure development. While these investments boost economic growth and connectivity, they also raise concerns over debt sustainability, sovereignty, and geopolitical leverage. Accusations of "debt-trap diplomacy" which undermine the African nations' autonomy, are put on China, while such a move is also often contrasted by increased infrastructure development and job creation.
This year, SPECPOL will be evaluating the geopolitical ramifications of Chinese projects, examining their impact on regional power dynamics, neo-colonialism accusations, and Western counter-initiatives, in order to ensure the alignment of the Chinese-led infrastructural projects with Africa’s long term stability and sovereignty, while addressing the strategic competition between China and the western powers.
CHAIRPERSON
HEMANT KHANDELWAL
Hemant is currently a 12th-grade student pursuing the IBDP curriculum, with his main focus on Maths, Computer Science and Economics and looks to pursue a career in the same. In School, he is the Boy-in-Charge of the Computer Science STA, House Music Captain and Director of House One-Act Play. Alongside his love for Music and Drama, he enjoys spending his time on the field playing cricket, football, and hockey. He has been part of the Doon School delegation at various conferences and has served as a Deputy Chairperson of SPECPOL in DSMUN 2024, where the committee won the best committee award. Hemant is honoured to serve as the chairperson of SPECPOL at DSMUN 2025.

COMMITTEE DIRECTOR
NEIL KASHYAP
Neil Kashyap is a dedicated IB Diploma student at The Doon School, taking rigorous courses aligned with his engineering interest. Passionate about aeronautical engineering, he serves as Aeromodelling Boy-in-Charge, leading projects combining creativity and technical skill. As MIND Club Boy-in-Charge and Round Square Council President, he promotes mental well-being, global collaboration, and service initiatives. Recognized among India’s top 20 young student leaders and a national YILP winner, he excels in Model UN, having been Deputy Chairperson at DSMUN’24 and now stepping into the role of Committee Director this year. Neil has represented his school at multiple conferences, including the AFS North India Conference and the Daly College Regional Round Square Conference, and was selected for the Round Square International Exchange Program to South Africa. Beyond the classroom, Neil is part of the school boxing team and enjoys trekking, cooking, and dancing—reflecting his adventurous and well-rounded spirit.
