Delegates were unable to reach a resolution after a total of 9½ hours of intense caucusing. In all three fronts, namely AIDS, biological weapons and alternative energy for Africa, negotiations were stalled over debates regarding definitions of terms (alternative energy, biological weapons), clarification on positions and cliques forming within the committees. The major productive action that took place was the drafting of working papers, but with four or five competing papers being circulated at once, delegates were confused over the progress being made within their committees as a whole.
Biological Weapons (GA1)
The US/UK partnership wanted to focus on confidence-building measures, such as specific ways that nations can release information, and pushed for improved transparency in doing so. The UK also stated its favorable stance in support of allowing a country to conduct its own inspections. Additionally, the UK cited a fear for a “leak of intelligence” as one of its major concerns for its resolution’s concentration on confidence-building measures.
On the other side of the table, Croatia and China regarded the Ukraine/US/UK proposal as “complete garbage” in that it “attempt[s] to magnify past mistakes”. They are firmly against any overseeing body; however, it is notable that most Islamic countries were subversive and against monitoring. China and Croatia believe that none-state actors are needed, in order to get to the grassroots of the problems when tackling them; this is done in a bid to avoid governmental bodies in order to improve transparency.
AIDS (UNDP)
Three major working papers are being written at the time of writing, with the working paper led by the Norway, Canada and Russia enjoying the most support.
The United States still refuses to budge on abstinence, but has not come out more specifically on their position. They will provide funding for education and treatment programs, but will not provide funding for prevention programs unless abstinence is promoted.
Canada’s position on the United States’ abstinence clause is that it is a culturally sensitive clause, and would not propose that abstinence be enforced. It would definitely accept the clause, however, provided that it does not get used as a preliminary measure; rather it must be introduced as the “last-ditch” resort provided all other means of contraception is culturally taboo. Norway’s six-point proposal, which was just recently reduced to five, is still in effect.
When interviewed, the MSF agrees with elements of each draft resolution, and would particularly like to see increased anti-retroviral treatment, and agrees with Canada, Norway and Russia on funding, but would like to see more action for young children in addition to older youths. MSF applauded having actual financial aid for older youths to carry out innovative projects in their home countries to stop the spread of AIDS.
Alternative Energy (WB)
The definition of alternative energy was still being debated yesterday, yet even though the issue was put to the table quite a number of times, the majority of motions for unmoderated caucuses were voted down.
It appeared that the EU bloc, led by the UK in their initiative, would like to see privatization of alternative energy, while the African nations preferred to have a public fund pool. The issue has now been resolved, with the EU and AU delegates working together on one working paper, but the details have not been finalized yet.
Additionally, the G8 and the AU had further issues over the distribution of funding. While the African Union would like to see themselves take complete control over the distribution of funding, the G8 and other donor nations would like to have some control over how each project is funded, to ensure accountability. The deadlock over this issue still has not been resolved yet.
OPEC, on the other hand, expressed their desire to expand oil infrastructure, usage and production in Africa, for this gives the most immediate results in rebuilding and developing the African economy. They warned that if the AU voted to the contrary of their wishes, there would be deliberate moves to halt supply of oil.
Other News
Ukraine alleges that the Russian government is backing a terrorist group in Georgia, and that it has been one day since the attacks and would like to see Russia come out with an apology on this. Russia denies all accusations, saying that they have “no involvement in these actions”.
Showing posts with label WB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WB. Show all posts
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Friday, January 12, 2007
News Flash: Energy Stalemate
Delegates within the World Bank have reached a stalemate, turning back to the fundamentals as they find out that the definition of alternative energy is still debatable, while there is a disagreement between the EU and the AU over whether the EU-supported privatization and the AU-preferred public fund pool should be implemented.
News Flash: Stalemate in WB, Split Factionalism in GA1
Many resolutions are being drafted within the General Assembly, with no clear view on whether a final agreement can be reached.
On the other hand, within the World Bank, a division betwee EU and Africa, and the rest of the world seems to prevent them from reaching a resolution.
On the other hand, within the World Bank, a division betwee EU and Africa, and the rest of the world seems to prevent them from reaching a resolution.
Major Update 2: AIDS progress, Biological weapons talks stall, and opposition to alternative energy for Africa
AIDS (WHO and GNDP)
On the issue of AIDS, progress has been reached, with Norway in the UNDP leading the delegates in proposing that great progress be made to formulate a “grand resolution” encompassing Norway’s six point plan and Canada’s educational funding plan. All countries agree that AIDS is indeed a major issue pertaining not only to health, but also to security and economy.
Funding was a major issue with the United States in the UNDP ambivalent about their stance over abstinence being a clause within the final resolution in contrast to the United States in the WHO insisting on the addition of the clause as condition for funding to come from the United States. Additionally, Norway proposed consistency in funding, with set targets each year for each country. The percentage contribution suggested by the Russian Federation was 0.1% of each country’s GDP.
Pharmaceutical companies’ involvement was also debated with poorer countries such as Serbia and India suggesting that patents be opened up, or else parallel licensing be used (as has been implemented in South Africa).
Nordic countries felt that Norway’s involvement in the UNDP’s AIDS program is commendable, and that Norway is a political ally in this issue.
Biological Weapons (BW) (GA1)
The United States and the United Kingdom appear to be setting double standards, in line with the Ukraine’s proposed resolution to allow countries with BWs to maintain their stock of BWs, while preventing those that do not have BWs from developing them for defense. When specifically questioned, the United States refused to comment on themselves disallowing rouge nations such as Iran, Syria, Lybia, Sudan and the DPRK from possessing or further developing their BW programs.
The UK admits that it has a BW program that encompasses defense, and maintains that it is not an aggressive policy. The UK would like to see conditions attached to the resolution such as proof of trustworthiness, for which standards have not been decided upon yet at the time of writing.
Russia does not see the DPRK as a threat to Russia, but believes that it must be kept under strict observation.
On the issue as a whole, countries have been willing to negotiate their positions with other nations, and compromise on inspections by drawing up committees to establish firm guidelines. Italy, specifically, believes in the equality of each country, and would like to push for a working paper on the matter. Italy also predicts a final resolution being reached, rather than a stalemate.
Alternative Energy (WB)
Norway will see Saudi Arabia as an adversary to its stance, as Saudi Arabia is opposed to alternative energy, citing reasons of high cost, low cost effectiveness, and a lack of expertise in Africa as major obstacles. They would like to see the development of an oil economy in Africa, for they believe that there is only one route for development for Africa – through a carbon emitting economy based on a fossil-fuel infrastructure.
When questioned about cost, their concern is focused towards where the money will go – building, managing and maintaining the equipment within Africa. Saudi Arabia sees any involvement in Africa more as an investment rather than an act of goodwill, and their major issue with loans to Africa is on the issue of repayment. On the whole, Saudi Arabia would prefer to see Africa fulfill its own wish to stand independently and help itself, rather than rely on external help.
China, which was seemingly opposed to alternative energy development in Africa, stresses that there is in fact no dichotomy between fossil fuels and alternative fuels. China believes that each geographic region must be self-sufficient, harnessing their own sources of energy within their regions. When questioned about whether the West would provide long-term funding and commitment, China’s delegate said that “pigs would be flying” if the US did so, and that Africa must follow China’s example of being 90% self-sufficient for energy.
On the issue of AIDS, progress has been reached, with Norway in the UNDP leading the delegates in proposing that great progress be made to formulate a “grand resolution” encompassing Norway’s six point plan and Canada’s educational funding plan. All countries agree that AIDS is indeed a major issue pertaining not only to health, but also to security and economy.
Funding was a major issue with the United States in the UNDP ambivalent about their stance over abstinence being a clause within the final resolution in contrast to the United States in the WHO insisting on the addition of the clause as condition for funding to come from the United States. Additionally, Norway proposed consistency in funding, with set targets each year for each country. The percentage contribution suggested by the Russian Federation was 0.1% of each country’s GDP.
Pharmaceutical companies’ involvement was also debated with poorer countries such as Serbia and India suggesting that patents be opened up, or else parallel licensing be used (as has been implemented in South Africa).
Nordic countries felt that Norway’s involvement in the UNDP’s AIDS program is commendable, and that Norway is a political ally in this issue.
Biological Weapons (BW) (GA1)
The United States and the United Kingdom appear to be setting double standards, in line with the Ukraine’s proposed resolution to allow countries with BWs to maintain their stock of BWs, while preventing those that do not have BWs from developing them for defense. When specifically questioned, the United States refused to comment on themselves disallowing rouge nations such as Iran, Syria, Lybia, Sudan and the DPRK from possessing or further developing their BW programs.
The UK admits that it has a BW program that encompasses defense, and maintains that it is not an aggressive policy. The UK would like to see conditions attached to the resolution such as proof of trustworthiness, for which standards have not been decided upon yet at the time of writing.
Russia does not see the DPRK as a threat to Russia, but believes that it must be kept under strict observation.
On the issue as a whole, countries have been willing to negotiate their positions with other nations, and compromise on inspections by drawing up committees to establish firm guidelines. Italy, specifically, believes in the equality of each country, and would like to push for a working paper on the matter. Italy also predicts a final resolution being reached, rather than a stalemate.
Alternative Energy (WB)
Norway will see Saudi Arabia as an adversary to its stance, as Saudi Arabia is opposed to alternative energy, citing reasons of high cost, low cost effectiveness, and a lack of expertise in Africa as major obstacles. They would like to see the development of an oil economy in Africa, for they believe that there is only one route for development for Africa – through a carbon emitting economy based on a fossil-fuel infrastructure.
When questioned about cost, their concern is focused towards where the money will go – building, managing and maintaining the equipment within Africa. Saudi Arabia sees any involvement in Africa more as an investment rather than an act of goodwill, and their major issue with loans to Africa is on the issue of repayment. On the whole, Saudi Arabia would prefer to see Africa fulfill its own wish to stand independently and help itself, rather than rely on external help.
China, which was seemingly opposed to alternative energy development in Africa, stresses that there is in fact no dichotomy between fossil fuels and alternative fuels. China believes that each geographic region must be self-sufficient, harnessing their own sources of energy within their regions. When questioned about whether the West would provide long-term funding and commitment, China’s delegate said that “pigs would be flying” if the US did so, and that Africa must follow China’s example of being 90% self-sufficient for energy.
Major Update 1: Consensus on Major Issues
Major Update 1: Consensus on Major Issues
During the UN's different committees' rounds of discussion, three major issues were discussed, namely the AIDS epidemic, biological weapons, and alternative energy in Africa. Countries generally reached a consensus on the major issues, with no big players opposing the general consensus.
AIDS (WHO and UNDP)
Delegates from countries as diverse as Algeria, Turkey, India, Ukraine and North Korea (DPRK) have consensus on the issue of the AIDS epidemic worldwide, with most nations agreeing to halt the spread of AIDS. Norway's representative in the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Tania Harsono proposed six points of action to be proposed in the final resolution, namely
1. Peer-support groups for infected youths
2. Easier access to information, testing and counseling
3. Global access to condoms
4. Highly active anti-retroviral treatment programs
5. Enlargement of global funds
6. Volunteer force for all of the above
These goals, while considered to be in line with the UN's Millennium Goals, were well-received by delegates in the UNDP, with Canada joining Norway action plan by proposing scholarships for students participating in AIDS-related events and fields of study.
On another front, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the United Kingdom (UK) agree to the need for cheaper drugs and the need for general education in the public. The UK went further to suggest that both the private and public sectors must participate in the process for developing drugs to combat AIDS, but that focus and money must be directed towards developing cheaper drugs.
Algeria shares Norway's concerns over immigrants bringing in AIDS to their own country, due to refugees. In Algeria, though they have a low rate of AIDS transmission, with only 9000 out of 2 million people having contracted AIDS, the majority of those infected are immigrants from neighboring countries. They propose that Norway be an ally for Algeria on this issue.
Within the WHO, prevention methods were top priority, with education and research the informal consensus on methodology. In particular, Italy has provided money for education programs, and has conducted workshops in Africa to support these programs. Jordan and Syria, likewise, support initiatives for education and prevention, but are primarily concerned with sex trade and the influence of other countries' populations on their own transmission rates.
Bolivia and Haiti stand together on issues, even though their circumstances are vastly different. In Bolivia, neighboring countries with rates of transmission much higher than those of their own have prompted them to support the motion to defeat AIDS, while also recognizing (separately from the UK and MSF) the importance of producing cheap drugs to vaccinate and combat AIDS. Haiti, on the other hand, has one of the highest transmission rates of HIV outside of sub-Saharan Africa, and appeals to the international community for a strategic plan for help to solve its AIDS problem in conjunction with their domestic violence problem for small arms control.
DPRK, however, preferred to focus on only sex education, and claim that their 99% literacy rate does not warrant any more general education. Additionally, their delegates stated a preference for internal action, with foreign aid towards AIDS programs welcome.
Biological Weapons (BW) (GA1)
Turkey is leading a movement to create a new international agency, with supporters such as Ukraine and Canada backing them to create an IAEA-like agency to monitor stockpiles of biological weapons. Ukraine and Canada want to allow countries that already have BWs to keep their current stock of weapons, but to allow those weapons to be inspected and accounted for, while prohibiting other countries from developing them. In a separate interview, Ukraine also wished to see a clause that allowed countries to maintain secrecy over their stockpiles too. They are likely backed by the United States.
Palestine delegates have stated their agreement with the disarmament of BWs in order to "make the world a better place to live.. [and]... bring peace". Other middle-eastern countries such as Afghanistan back the opposition to the US possessing BWs "for defense purposes", for the US delegate's stance against North Korea and Iran holding BWs for the same purposes was cause for concern.
Germany and Algeria are both opposed to countries possessing BWs, for they believe that this threatens peace and security. In particular, Germany opposes BWs on historical and ethical reasons, stating their knowledge of their country's past history with chemical and biological weapons and the fact that it is purely "unethical" to possess weapons of mass destruction as reasons to oppose the proliferation of BWs.
Alternative Energy (WB)
By noting Africa's disproportionate energy resources relative to its production and consumption, France led the discussion by suggesting that immediate action be taken on getting solar and natural gas energy used. Germany identified the major threats to industrialization if power was cut from Africa, and urged industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse emissions while helping Africa produce green power. Australia took a similar stance by urging industrial powers to help Africa skip past the dirty power stage through technological input. It also offered to lead the Pacific Rim bloc on providing contributions to the final resolution.
Syria and Jordan both support alternative energy, for the reason of preventing Africa becoming oil dependent on oil-producing countries. Syria, in particular, proposes that they allow fossil fuels to be exported out of Africa, though, noting that the income would be integral to the development of their society.
During the UN's different committees' rounds of discussion, three major issues were discussed, namely the AIDS epidemic, biological weapons, and alternative energy in Africa. Countries generally reached a consensus on the major issues, with no big players opposing the general consensus.
AIDS (WHO and UNDP)
Delegates from countries as diverse as Algeria, Turkey, India, Ukraine and North Korea (DPRK) have consensus on the issue of the AIDS epidemic worldwide, with most nations agreeing to halt the spread of AIDS. Norway's representative in the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Tania Harsono proposed six points of action to be proposed in the final resolution, namely
1. Peer-support groups for infected youths
2. Easier access to information, testing and counseling
3. Global access to condoms
4. Highly active anti-retroviral treatment programs
5. Enlargement of global funds
6. Volunteer force for all of the above
These goals, while considered to be in line with the UN's Millennium Goals, were well-received by delegates in the UNDP, with Canada joining Norway action plan by proposing scholarships for students participating in AIDS-related events and fields of study.
On another front, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the United Kingdom (UK) agree to the need for cheaper drugs and the need for general education in the public. The UK went further to suggest that both the private and public sectors must participate in the process for developing drugs to combat AIDS, but that focus and money must be directed towards developing cheaper drugs.
Algeria shares Norway's concerns over immigrants bringing in AIDS to their own country, due to refugees. In Algeria, though they have a low rate of AIDS transmission, with only 9000 out of 2 million people having contracted AIDS, the majority of those infected are immigrants from neighboring countries. They propose that Norway be an ally for Algeria on this issue.
Within the WHO, prevention methods were top priority, with education and research the informal consensus on methodology. In particular, Italy has provided money for education programs, and has conducted workshops in Africa to support these programs. Jordan and Syria, likewise, support initiatives for education and prevention, but are primarily concerned with sex trade and the influence of other countries' populations on their own transmission rates.
Bolivia and Haiti stand together on issues, even though their circumstances are vastly different. In Bolivia, neighboring countries with rates of transmission much higher than those of their own have prompted them to support the motion to defeat AIDS, while also recognizing (separately from the UK and MSF) the importance of producing cheap drugs to vaccinate and combat AIDS. Haiti, on the other hand, has one of the highest transmission rates of HIV outside of sub-Saharan Africa, and appeals to the international community for a strategic plan for help to solve its AIDS problem in conjunction with their domestic violence problem for small arms control.
DPRK, however, preferred to focus on only sex education, and claim that their 99% literacy rate does not warrant any more general education. Additionally, their delegates stated a preference for internal action, with foreign aid towards AIDS programs welcome.
Biological Weapons (BW) (GA1)
Turkey is leading a movement to create a new international agency, with supporters such as Ukraine and Canada backing them to create an IAEA-like agency to monitor stockpiles of biological weapons. Ukraine and Canada want to allow countries that already have BWs to keep their current stock of weapons, but to allow those weapons to be inspected and accounted for, while prohibiting other countries from developing them. In a separate interview, Ukraine also wished to see a clause that allowed countries to maintain secrecy over their stockpiles too. They are likely backed by the United States.
Palestine delegates have stated their agreement with the disarmament of BWs in order to "make the world a better place to live.. [and]... bring peace". Other middle-eastern countries such as Afghanistan back the opposition to the US possessing BWs "for defense purposes", for the US delegate's stance against North Korea and Iran holding BWs for the same purposes was cause for concern.
Germany and Algeria are both opposed to countries possessing BWs, for they believe that this threatens peace and security. In particular, Germany opposes BWs on historical and ethical reasons, stating their knowledge of their country's past history with chemical and biological weapons and the fact that it is purely "unethical" to possess weapons of mass destruction as reasons to oppose the proliferation of BWs.
Alternative Energy (WB)
By noting Africa's disproportionate energy resources relative to its production and consumption, France led the discussion by suggesting that immediate action be taken on getting solar and natural gas energy used. Germany identified the major threats to industrialization if power was cut from Africa, and urged industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse emissions while helping Africa produce green power. Australia took a similar stance by urging industrial powers to help Africa skip past the dirty power stage through technological input. It also offered to lead the Pacific Rim bloc on providing contributions to the final resolution.
Syria and Jordan both support alternative energy, for the reason of preventing Africa becoming oil dependent on oil-producing countries. Syria, in particular, proposes that they allow fossil fuels to be exported out of Africa, though, noting that the income would be integral to the development of their society.
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