ISB Borneo Global Issues Conference VII

27 February 2 March 2009

The fact that MUN (Model United Nations) exists to uphold the ideas of the United Nations among the young is particularly important since it is from the young that we should draw our energy and inspiration as we strive to make the United Nations effective and responsive to the needs of people worldwide. Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations

PRELIMINARY GUIDE FOR DELEGATES

Contents:
1. 2. 3. 4. Guidelines Parliamentary Procedures & Lexicon UN Millennium Development Goals Guide Writing Resolutions / Action Plans (sample given) Topics for each Committee and Forum & Useful Websites

ISB BGIC VII will take place from Friday 27 February Monday 2 March 2009 at the International Convention Centre in the Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. Students from The International School of Brunei, other local schools in Brunei as well as overseas schools in the South East Asian region will attend. Due to the expected numbers of participants this year, two forums will run in parallel. In each forum, students will be assigned the roles of Secretaries General, Parliamentarians, Committee Chairs and Country Delegates, and will debate some of the worlds most demanding problems/topics assigned to the following committees:

Political Committee Human Rights Committee ECO/SOC Committee Environment Committee

GENERAL GUIDELINES
Delegates are assigned countries and committees and must research the countries they have been assigned. A delegate should know about the government of the country they represent as well as information on the political, social, and economic system of the country and specific information about their committee topic and the opinion of the country they represent on that topic. Delegates must remember at all times to seriously represent the country they have been assigned. Delegates are also to follow standard policies of official dress and proper methods of address. On the first day of the conference held at ISB, the 4 Secretaries-General will welcome delegates. This will be followed by lobbying in which delegates will write and seek support for their resolutions as well as having them passed by the vetting committee. On the second day a guest speaker will address the delegates in an opening ceremony. This will immediately be followed by resolution debate in committee. The committees must discuss the pros and cons of each resolution, looking in particular at which plans are likely to have the biggest impact on the topic. Each committee must choose (by passing via a simply majority vote) up to four resolutions (placed in rank order of quality) to take to the General Assembly and amend, improve and merge these resolutions when they feel it is appropriate. On the final day, passed resolutions will be debated in the General Assembly. The General Assembly will amend and debate resolutions and resolutions passed in the GA; this requires a two-thirds majority. Delegates must copiously research the countries and topics they have been assigned as well as acquire a good working understanding of Parliamentary procedure. The Secretaries General and Committee Chairs must administer and control the conference and debate, demonstrate a mastery of parliamentary procedure, and provide strong leadership. For the students who take part in the ISB BGIC, this is a defining moment in their development and will play a role in their future career choices, university admission and personal commitment to making this world a better place.

The ISB BGIC Parliamentary Procedures and Debating Rules

1. In the lobbying period delegates must try and gather support for their resolutions. They may merge their resolutions with those of other delegates if they wish. A resolution must

have at least five co-submitters and/or co-sponsors to present the resolution to committee. Delegates can only co-submit two resolutions and co-sponsor up to four. 2. When a resolution has at least five co-submitters it must be sent to the faculty vetting committee for approval and or rewriting. Once the resolution has been approved by the vetting committee it must be sent to the Chair of the appropriate committee by the opening of day two. The chair will choose the resolutions to be discussed in committee and draw up a speakers list. In committee the speakers will present their arguments for and against the resolutions. 3. Speaking -when ever a delegate wishes to speak they hold up their placard and are addressed by the chair to which point do you rise, which the delegate responds with I raise to a Point of Order, Point of information etc Also delegates are required to use formal language at all times. 4. A roll call will be called at the opening of the committees and General Assembly. Each country must respond with present and voting. 5. After the formal roll call each delegate will be invited to give an opening speech of not more then one minute. Each delegate must make an opening speech. 6. Debate starts with a reading of the operative causes of the resolution followed by Points of Clarification. 7. The chair then allows debate on the resolution by a set number of debating rounds following the speakers list the chairs have arranged. Debate is set at a minimum of 2 rounds but can be extended upward on the desecration of the chair. The chair will set rounds according to the number of speakers on their list, but can extend debate after the initial rounds if the chair feels additional debate time is needed. Speakers will be invited to speak for or against a resolution; chairs will not allow any delegate to speak to the resolution. 8. If a delegate wishes to take time out to discuss a resolution or amendment they must raise their placards and ask for a Motion for Recess. The chair has the right to refuse the motion. If the chair accepts there will be a vote and if a majority of delegates vote for a recess, then caucusing shall be allowed at a time limit set by the chair, with a minimum of 5 minutes. 9. All debate speeches must be no longer than two minutes. 10. All speakers will be asked if they are open to points of information, and can respond with no or any and all. 11. If a delegate wishes to ask a question after a speaker has addressed the floor they must raise their placard and when addressed by the chair state that they raise to a point of information. They will then be invited to state their question to the speaker. Follow-ups to Points of Information are limited to one and at discretion of the chairs. 12. If a delegate wishes to amend a resolution, the amendment must be written clearly on an overhead projector sheet then sent to the chair who will present amendments at their desecration and at any time during the debate process. The chair acknowledges a

proposed amendment then sets 1 or 2 rounds of debate at their discretion. An amendment is added to a resolution if it receives a simple majority. 13. All voting on a resolution is by role call; all other voting including that for amendments is done by a placard vote. Delegates may abstain from any vote. A delegate may propose to the chair that another delegate explain their vote by rising to a motion to request an explanation. The chair will ask why the request has been made and if the chair feels the reason warrants the request can allow it. The delegate is then asked to explain their vote and given the option to change their vote. 14. If a delegate wishes to make a statement they may request a Right to Statement. A Right to Statement can only be allowed when no other business is being addressed (i.e. in between resolutions etc..) and at the prompting of the chair are their any Rights of Statement on the floor. Were the Chairs not to ask the question a delegate at the appropriate time can rise to a point of order and request a Right of Statement. All Rights to Statement are allowed at the chairs discretion. A Right to Statement will allow a speaker to speak up to a minute on any topic related to their country. 15. If a delegate cannot hear or wishes to make a short point about the conduct of the debate the delegate must raise their placard and rise to a Point of Concern. The chair will ask them to state their concern. 16. When debate and amendments on a resolution are completed a delegate may feel they agree with certain clauses in the resolution but not others. In this instance the delegate may move to Divide the Question. The delegate will be invited by the chair to address the floor and explain why. If a majority of delegates vote to divide the question each clause or group of clauses shall be voted on separately. 17. If a delegate wishes to close a debate at the end of a round, feeling that all the key issues have been covered and further debate would not be useful, the delegate may raise their placard and move to Close the Debate. The chair will ask the delegate to state their reasons for the motion. If the chair deems it a sensible reason there will be a placard vote. Two thirds of delegates in committee or General Assembly must agree to the proposal for debate to be closed, in which case the floor goes directly to voting procedures. 18. The chair has the discretionary right to accept as many Points of Information, Statements from the floor and Amendments as they wish. They may stop or curtail any parliamentary procedure if pressed for time or if they feel debate is being obstructed. 19. If a delegate is not following parliamentary procedure or being deliberately obstructive they may be given a warning. There is no penalty for the first warning. If a second warning is given the speaker will lose speaking and voting rights for an amount of time to be decided by the chair in consultation with teacher advisors, a third warning will cause the delegate to be removed for a set amount of time decided by the chair also in consultation with teacher advisors. 20. Resolutions passing committee with a simple majority vote are sent on to General Assembly. A resolution passes General Assembly only with a 2/3 majority 21. The evening before the General Assembly meets (and altered if needed on the day the General Assemble convenes) the Secretary Generals will draw up a list of resolutions to be debated along with a speakers list for each resolution. Resolutions chosen for debate

are at the discretion of the Secretary Generals. All rules for debate in committee apply also to General Assembly with the exception that a resolution requires a 2/3 majority to pass. 22. If a delegate feels parliamentary procedure has been breached they may rise to a point of order. Points of order can be entertained at the discretion of the chair. 23. If a delegate feels they or the country they represent has been insulted they may raise to have there grievances noted. The delegate can at any time rise to a grievance by standing silently but can only speak when addressed by the chair. Chairs can either request an explanation of the grievance or simply state your grievances have been noted the delegate may please sit down. 24. Two Parliamentarians will serve as arbitrators and interpreters of the procedures set for ISB BGIC, their rulings are considered final and can only be overruled by the Secretary Generals.

The ISB BGIC Lexicon

Committee Each delegate is assigned to a committee. There are four committees, each debating on different issues. Committees meet during the first day of the conference where Resolutions are presented by submitters and debate ensues, followed by voting on the resolution. Resolutions pass a committee with a simple majority. General Assembly (GA) All Committees congregate in the General Assembly (also know as GA) on the final day of the conference. Rules of procedure apply as in committee, except all delegates can debate on all topics. Resolutions passed in committee are debated in GA but must have a 2/3rd majority to pass GA. The General Secretariat chairs debate in GA. Note-passing In both committee and GA, delegates may converse with the chair and amongst themselves in note form. Notepaper will be provided. Delegates wishing to pass a note should hold the note up and floor secretaries will pick up and pass them on. Floor secretaries will forward all frivolous notes to the chair which may result in a warning for the delegate. Frivolous notes include all content which has no relevance to debate. Delegates must refrain from note passing or tearing note paper during speeches or during voting. Resolution A document prepared by delegates which addresses the issues of their respective committees. Resolutions are the material that the debate will be based on; therefore they should be specific and accurate in reflecting the policies of the nation they represent. Each resolution must consist of the following: (i) State the audience to whom the resolution is addressed, i.e. committee name. (ii) State the problem being addressed (iii) State co-submitters and co-sponsors separately (VI) Perambulatory clauses defines the problem and the need for action. Must begin with present or past participle, e.g. affirming, alarmed by etc. (v) Operative clauses state the plan of action or recommendations. Must begin with verbs, e.g. suggests, condemns etc.

(vi) All lines numbered Resolutions passed in committee will proceed to be debated upon in general assembly. Draft Action Plan The action plans should broadly follow the format of the United Nations resolution and be split into two sections; the perambulatory clauses and the operative clauses. The perambulatory clauses should refer to the United Nations and NGO resolutions and national and international legislation that relates to the issue being addressed in the action plan. The operative clause should appeal to NGOs/governments/UN to deal with the issue in a manner that corresponds to the perambulatory causes. Co-submitter When resolutions are merged, the submitters become co-submitters. A delegate can only be considered a co-submitter if s/he has contributed to the resolution. Authors of resolutions must gain the support of at least 5 co-submitters and or co-sponsors. Each delegate may only cosubmit up to 2 resolutions. Co-sponsor If a delegate supports a resolution but has not made any contributions to it, s/he can be added to the co-sponsors list. If debate on the resolution has commenced, co-sponsors can still request to be removed from the co-sponsors list by sending a note to inform the chairs. Each delegate may only co-sponsor up to 4 resolutions. Caucusing/Lobbying On the first day of the conference, delegates will be given the opportunity to lobby or caucus. They should take this time to collaborate with other delegates, discuss different views, merge resolutions and gain support for their resolution. Should a delegate require time to break for caucus, for example, to discuss amendments etc, then s/he should motion to recess. Vetting Committee/Approval Panel This is a group of teachers and advisors who approve resolutions for debate. All resolutions must be approved and stamped by the vetting committee before it can be debated. Opening Speech Opening speeches must not exceed one minute in length. They provide and introduction to their nation, including their nations perspective and policies in relation to the committee issues. Speakers List The chairs will draw up a list of speakers who wish to speak for or against a resolution. The main submitter of a resolution must speak for the resolution after s/he has read out the operative clauses and responded to points of clarification. This speech for the resolution will be followed by a speech against. This is considered one round of speakers. The speakers list will continue to alternate between for and against. At least two rounds must be completed before a motion to close debate may be made. Point of Clarification These will be entertained after the main submitter of a resolution has read out the operative clauses. A delegate may rise to a point of clarification when s/he wishes for any words or phrases in the resolution to be defined or clarified. Delegates may not challenge the content of a resolution in a point of clarification. The number of points of clarification to be entertained will be determined at the discretion of the chair.

Point of Information After a delegate has made a speech, the chair will ask if s/he is open to points of information. The delegate may respond with no or any and all. If the delegate consents, the floor will be open to points of information. Delegates rising to a point of information can then challenge the competence of the resolution by asking the speaker a question. After the speaker has responded, if the delegate feels that s/he has not sufficiently answered the question, the delegate may then request for a follow-up. The chair holds the authority to deny this follow-up. A delegate may also ask a leading question, such as Does the delegate not think that. However, the chair may declare this question out of order if the chair feels that it does not enhance debate. Point of Order If at any point a delegate feels that parliamentary procedure has been breeched, s/he may rise to a point of order. It is at the discretion of the chair whether or not to entertain a point of order. Point of Concern Delegates may rise to a point of concern if s/he is experiencing discomfort which impairs his or her ability to follow the proceedings. For example, if the delegate wishes for the speaker to speak louder, s/he should rise to a point of concern. Motion to Recess If a delegate feels s/he needs time to caucus or discuss amendments, s/he may motion to recess. This motion may be denied at the discretion of the chair. If the chair accepts this motion, there will be a vote on the motion to recess. This requires a simple majority to pass. The time limit of the recess will be decided by the chair but must be a minimum of 5 minutes. Amendments If a delegate wishes to change any part of a resolution, s/he must write these amendments clearly on an overhead projector sheet and send this to the chairs. In GA, amendment must be written on paper and sent to the chairs. The amendment will be entertained at the discretion of the chair. Debate on the amendment will then ensue, followed by a vote that requires a simple majority to pass. If passed, the amendment is added to the resolution. Motion to Close Debate If a delegate feels that all points of debate have been covered, s/he may suggest an end of debate on that particular resolution by motioning to close debate. If the chair accepts the explanation for this motion, there will be a vote that requires a two-third majority to pass. If passed, the committee will move directly into voting procedures. Voting When voting, a delegate may vote for, against or abstain. A delegate may abstain if s/he is neutral on the issue at hand. At the end of debate, the committee will vote on the resolution. In committee and GA, final voting on a resolution and a motion to close debate requires a two-third majority to pass. All other voting procedures only require a simple majority to pass. All voting procedures will be done by placard where delegates must raise their placards when the chair asks for either for, against or abstain. The only exception is final voting on a resolution which will be done by a roll-call vote. The chair will call out each delegation and the delegate must respond with for, against or abstain. Motion to Divide the Question After debate and voting on a resolution, if a delegate agrees with certain clauses of the resolution but not others, s/he may motion to divide the question. The chair will request for an explanation. If this explanation is accepted then the floor will then move to vote on the motion to divide the

question. This requires a simple majority to pass. If passed, each clause in the resolution will be voted on separately. Right to Statement A right to statement is a speech on any topic relating to the delegates nation. It does not have to relate to any resolution or the committee topic. The chairs will entertain right to statements before and in between debate on resolutions. The chairs will ask if there are any right to statements on the floor. Delegates wishing to make a right to statement can then raise their placards. The number of right to statements entertained is at the desecration of the chair. Grievances At any point of time, should a delegate feel that his or her nations integrity has been challenged by another delegate, s/he may stand up but may not speak until recognized by the chair. Once acknowledged by the chair, the delegate should request for a right to reply. The chair will ask on what grounds the delegate wishes a right to reply. If the chair feels this is a sound reason, the delegate will be given 30 seconds to explain why his nations integrity has been insulted. Following this the chair will declare that the delegates grievances have been noted.

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2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. Achieve universal primary education. Promote gender equality and empower women. Reduce child mortality. Improve maternal health. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. Ensure environmental sustainability. Develop a global partnership for development.

GUIDE TO RESOLUTION WRITING

RESOLUTIONS (ACTION PLANS) A resolution is a plan of action to be taken on an issue. This is the ultimate goal of a delegate at BGIC: to write, co-submit and co-sponsor a resolution and see that it is passed in both Committee and the GA. Delegates should have a resolution prepared for BGIC and work toward merging your resolution with others when you can. Resolutions must follow a standard format explained below. Please read this and look at examples of Perambulatory and Operative e phases as well as the sample resolution on Iraq.
1. Headings (1stline is the name of the Committee which will debate the Resolution, i.e. Environmental, Human Rights etc.) 2. The second line is the Question that is being debated; i.e. Pandemics etc 3. The Third line is the list of countries that have written and support the Resolution, the CoSubmitters and Co-Sponsors, with the most prominent authors being at the beginning of the list. 4. All lines are numbered in left-hand margin, in this case, 1-53. 5. The PERAMBULATORY CLAUSES, or background information to the Question, are lines 1-6 of this Resolution. The Perambulatory should include relevant agreements, meetings, treaties which pre-date this Resolution. List of some appropriate Perambulatory phases follows.

6. The OPERATVI E CLAUSES, or calls for action / change, are lines 7-53 of this Resolution. The Operative e clauses are the heart of the Resolution. This is what is debated. The Perambulatory is just background. A comprehensive e Resolution is should have 10 or more Operative e Clauses, though there is no set rule here. 7. Each Operative e Clause is numbered to the right of the line numbers (e.g. Line 7 begins the 1st Operative e Clause, and Line 16 begins the 2nd Operative e Clause). 6. Each Operative e Clause begins with a verb, which is underlined, and which calls for action. This verb is often diplomatic, such as suggests, requests, or urges. Only the Security Council has the power to demand action, so the verb demand should be reserved solely for Security Council Resolutions, and since BGIC III does not include a Security Council then no resolution should have demand as an operative e cause. 7. Grammar - please note that the whole Resolution is one long sentence, punctuated with commas after Perambulatory Clauses, and semi-colons after each Operative e Clause. The only period, or "full stop", is on line 53 at the very end of the Resolution. 8. Length of the Resolution? One to two single sided pages. The font on the sample Resolution shown here is too small. Be reasonable. Use size 12 font, and if you have more to say than can fit on two sheets, then prioritize, and drop the less important "stuff'.

12 SAMPLE PERAMBULATORY PHRASES: Affirming Alarmed by Approving Aware of Believing Bearing in mind Confident Contemplating Convinced Declaring Deeply concerned Deeply conscious Deeply convinced Deeply disturbed Deeply regretting Desiring Emphasizing Expecting Expressing its appreciation Expressing its satisfaction Fulfilling Fully aware Fully alarmed Fully believing Further deploring Further recalling Guided by Having adopted Having considered Having considered further Having devoted attention Having examined Having studied Having heard Having received Keeping in mind Noting with regrets Noting with satisfaction Noting with deep concern Noting further Noting with approval Observing Realizing Reaffirming Recalling Recognizing Referring Seeking Taking into account Taking into consideration Taking note Viewing with Appreciation Welcoming

SAMPLE OPERATVI E CLAUSES Accepts Affirms Approves Authorizes Calls Calls upon Condemns Congratulates Confirms Considers Declares accordingly Deplores Designates Emphasizes Encourages Endorses Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope Further invites Further proclaims Further reminds Further recommends Further resolves Further requests Have resolved Notes Proclaims Reaffirms Recommends Reminds Regrets Requests Solemnly affirms Strongly condemns Supports Trusts Takes notes of Transmits Urges

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Sample Resolution
COMMITTEE/FORUM: The General Assembly QUESTION OF: The role of the UN in Rebuilding Iraq. Co-SUBMITTERS: Germany, Finland, Iran, Egypt Co-SPONSORS: South Africa, Mexico, Brazil THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, (1) Reminding that the United Nations has a vital responsibility in the reconstruction and administration of Iraq, (3) Believing that the International Community and the neighbouring Arab countries should participate in the reconstruction and administration of Iraq, (5) Aware of the need for rehabilitation of public services, (6) Approving the work undertaken to establish a permanent Iraqi constitution, (7) 1. Requesting direct support from the League of Arab States and the United Nations for (9) helping Iraqs sovereignty by: (10) a.) Governing council be given to Arab observers designated by the delegates of the (11) League of Arab States to protect the administration process, especially elections, (12) constitution, and government body from becoming biased, (13) b.) Aiding with funds raised by the League of Arab States to assist the formation of (14) Iraqi government in terms of elections, especially the advertisement of education of (15) elections; (16) 2. Urges the coalition authority and Iraqi governing council to allow a greater role for the UN (17) and the international community in the following areas: (18) a.) More multinational forces for reconstruction, designated by the UN, especially in (19) the area of engineering, (20) b.) To secure and to enhance the situation of Iraqs stagnant domestic economy, (21) c.) Control over all international funds by a special committee designated by the UN to (22) insure the proper distribution of funds; (23) 3. Suggests regular international conferences held under US auspices to recognize the (24) international communitys role by: (25) a.) Seeking investment opportunities in Iraq to expand foreign money reserves, (26) b.) Providing humanitarian aid by raising funds, and distributing it to meet Civilian needs; (27) 4. Urges the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to continue to: (28) a.) Improve water and sanitation sector by supporting the rehabilitation of sewage (29) treatment plants, repairing pumping stations and assisting in the clearance of (30) wastes and cleaning of the sewage system, (31) b.) Building and improving water distillation plants, (32) c.) Improve electricity sector by rebuilding and maintaining power services in major (33) cities of Iraq, (34) d.) Encourage hospital rehabilitation by improving hospital facilities and equipment, (35) as well as improve public health and environmental conditions around hospital areas; (36) 5. Reminds of the importance of rebuilding the Iraqi Civilian police force by the donation of funds (37) efficiently used for Iraqi police training; (38) 6. Requests the United Nations Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) in Iraq to ensure the (39) nationwide elections may take place by the January 31st, 2005 deadline by: (40) a.) Ensuring all nominations are receive ed by the new Iraqi election commission, (41) b.) Revising and updating the current electoral framework, (42) c.) Guaranteeing that all candidates are not to be intimidated and that the elections ( 41) will remain free and fair, (43) d.) Providing technical assistance to the Iraqis by: (44) i. Registering voters, (45) ii. Budgeting funds provided for the election, (46) iii. Reviewing the electoral framework, (47) VI . Training election officials, (48) v. Improving infrastructure such as polling stations to ensure that (49) voting is fair, accurate, and effective e

(50) e.) Screening all candidates to avoid the selection of candidates that will invoke violence
(51) (52) (53) and turmoil in Iraq, f.) Publicizing information about registering and the elections through the means of but 7. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

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ISB BGIC VII 2009 Topics

Forum 1: Political Committee In September 2008, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that he desired a peace agreement "by the end of the year" However, political uncertainty continues to intensify due to a constellation of unrelated factors. They include the growing Hamas threat within Palestinian society and leadership transitions in Israel and the US, which may be followed by elections in the Palestinian Authority in 2009. What is now the way forward for the Annapolis peace process? Devise an action plan. Political Committee - Less than 1 year ago the world was concerned about Oil Prices hitting $90 a barrel. Nowadays it is regularly over $100 a barrel and any fall below this causes OPEC to cut supply. Are they genuinely concerned about international demand for oil or are they just protecting their profits? Devise an action plan for the continued use of oil globally and the sustainability of future energy.

Forum 1: Human RightsCivilian deaths in Afghanistan from US and NATO air strikes nearly tripled from 2006 to 2007, with recent deadly air strikes exacerbating the problem and fuelling a public backlash. How can the US and NATO reduce these numbers, given that one of the tactics of the Taliban is to use civilians as human shields? Devise an action plan. Human Rights - Indian security forces and Naxalite rebels should immediately end the use of children in the conflict in Chhattisgarh state in central India, Human Rights Watch said in September 2008. Using children under age 18 in armed operations places them at risk of injury and death and violates international law. How can this realistically be achieved?

Forum 1: ECOSOC Today, over 26,500 children died around the world. This daily tragedy, from poverty and other preventable causes, rarely makes headline news. The latest World Bank figures for world poverty reveals a higher number of people live in poverty than previously thought. In contrast, about 0.13% of the worlds population controlled 25% of the worlds assets in 2004 and the wealthiest 20% of the worlds population consumes 76.6% of the worlds goods while 80% of humanity gets the remainder. What should the world be doing to re-address this imbalance and how can it be achieved? Devise an action plan. ECOSOC - In developing countries, the production of mass biomass energy in line with sustainable food production and the sustainable use of local resources could result in higher incomes for farmers and added energy services for the community, all of which would enhance the communitys ability to develop economic activity designed to reduce poverty and enhance food security. Yet the move to biomass has huge environmental implications, in particular the destruction of the rainforests and the removal of land for food crops. So what is the way forward? Devise an action plan.

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FORUM 1 Environment Half of the world's wetlands have been destroyed over the last 100 years and in the Philippines alone a staggering 80% of coastal wetlands have been drained, degraded, or destroyed in just 30 years. Global warming is causing polar ice to melt and sea levels to rise. This in turn is leading to shallow wetlands being swamped and some species of mangrove trees being submerged and drowned. Some scientists forecast that climate change will lead to the disappearance of entire nations. Devise an action plan that can save the wetlands, yet allow for sustainable development, with particular reference to the Philippines. Environment - Tiger populations have plummeted from an estimated 100,000 in the early 20th century to only a few thousand today. The latest official tiger census in India released in 2008 put the figure at a mere 1,411 left in the wild. Threats include the illegal wildlife trade, land being lost for projects sponsored by the World Bank, encroachment of human populations in tiger habitats and traditional Chinese medicine. Devise an action plan that will save the tiger

Forum 2: Environment Critical food shortages and growing demand for bio-fuels and hydro-electricity due to high fossil fuel prices rank among the greatest threats today to the preservation of precious wetlands worldwide as farmers and developers look for new areas for agriculture, energy crop plantations and hydro dams. Devise an action plan that finds a sustainable balance between the conflicting pressures and demands. Environment As global warming accelerates, reduced sea ice in the Arctic is likely to increase marine access to the regions resources, expanding opportunities for shipping and possibly for offshore oil extraction. In addition, increased areas of tree growth in the Arctic could serve to take up carbon dioxide (CO2, the principal greenhouse gas emitted by human activities) and supply more wood products and related employment, providing local and global benefits. So why should we be concerned and how can the threats to the Arctic be reduced? Devise an action plan.

Forum 2: ECOSOC - How can the development of educational opportunities for indigenous peoples be expanded whilst maintaining an appreciation of the cultures and customs? Devise an action plan. ECOSOC - Junk-food chains, including KFC and Pizza Hut, are under attack from major environmental groups in the United States and other developed countries because of their environmental impact. Intensive breeding of livestock and poultry for such restaurants leads to deforestation,

16 land degradation, and contamination of water sources and other natural resources. For every pound of red meat, poultry, eggs, and milk produced, farm fields lose about five pounds of irreplaceable top soil. The water necessary for meat breeding comes to about 190 gallons per animal per day, or ten times what a normal Indian family is supposed to use in one day, if it gets water at all. Overall, animal farms use nearly 40 percent of the worlds total grain production. In the United States, nearly 70 percent of grain production is fed to livestock. Yet in Indian Agriculture, women use up to 150 different species of plants as medicine, food, or fodder. For the poorest, this biodiversity is the most important resource for survival. Devise an action plan that meets the worlds demand for food yet sustains the needs of the poor and their biodiverse environment. Forum 2: Human Rights - Domestic workers are dying in Lebanon at a rate of more than one per week and more generally, maid abuse is on the increase around the world. What should be done by governments to ensure that basic human rights are granted to maids and how can they be enforced? Devise an action plan. Human Rights: In Nigeria, sabotage and oil theft have cut production in the world's eighth-largest oil exporter to its lowest level in 20 years, contributing to spiralling world oil prices. In the Niger Delta the rampant violence against the local people is a symptom of the rampant corruption that exits within the country. Whilst the government reaps the rewards, abject poverty in Rivers State ranks among the worst in the world. What should the world be doing to help Nigeria address the spiralling violence in the Delta and ensure better governance country-wide? Devise an action plan.

Forum 2: Political How can an increasing awareness of political issues discriminating against native peoples and encouraging indigenous people to be more politically active be achieved without further social and racial discrimination against them? Devise an action plan. (Specific examples to consider could be the aboriginal people in Australia or Barrack Obamas Sovereignty, Tribal-Federal Relations and the Trust Responsibility Plan ) Political - - A record number of floods, droughts and storms around the world in 2007 amounted to a climate change "mega disaster", the United Nation's emergency relief coordinator and under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Sir John Holmes, has warned. "We are seeing the effects of climate change. Any year can be a freak but the pattern looks pretty clear to be honest...this is here and now, this is with us already." Devise an action plan that requires countries to reduce their carbon footprint with immediate effect and not over the next 15 years as many advocate they may try to do.

Useful Web sites. http://www.globalissues.org/ http://www.aboriginalaustralia.com/

17 http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/freshwater/about_freshwater/intro/t ypes/index.cfm http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/wetlands/ThreatsToWetlands.htm http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-07/unu-ref072408.php http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/index.html http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/ndfa http://www.globalstewards.org/issues.htm http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of-biodiversity-andextinctions#PeopleandForests http://www.america.gov/st/envenglish/2008/June/20080613150723mlenuhret0.8161585.html?CP.rss=true