Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian

From the Netherlands:

The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to commend the delegation of Japan for its statements regarding resource extraction in Africa, and agrees with Japan in that the first step towards addressing this issue is to restore political stability to African nations plagued by resource extraction. The Netherlands strongly believes that Africa’s ability to regain control over its resource wealth will depend on national governments that are transparent and accountable to the people. However, immediate steps need to be taken to end existing conflicts in particular African nations before we look to establish responsible governments. For example, the Netherlands has worked with the EU in drafting peace plans for the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and urges the governments of other African states plagued by conflict to consider future peace plans drawn up by the EU and the international community.
The next step the international community could take towards fostering wider political stability is to advocate for increased transparency in Africa’s industries. The Netherlands encourages African nations which haven’t already done so to consider joining the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. The EITI is an international body that dictates the standards of resource development and aims to provide countries with the means to document the revenues their industries generate. The underlying idea behind this organization is that more transparent policies will arguably mitigate political corruption.
The delegation of the Netherlands looks forward to working with other nations in this committee, and encourages all delegations to post their thoughts and responses concerning this important issue. Thank you.

From China:

My name is Angie Keh and I represent the People’s Republic of China alongside my partner Quinn Nagle. We are thrilled to be apart of this debate and find both situations of critical importance. In regards to resource extraction, we have noted the magnitude and impact in and out of the continent. Africa is plagued by an endless cycle over control and financial jurisdiction. It is a bitter engagement as countries seek vital resources from the area, and that African nations are able to generate a just source of income from the exportation. However, the issue lies in the control of the sale. African nations scarcely benefit from the sale of both large and small-scale resource extraction. This is concern is extended to any scenario, whether the government is stable or not. In the Falkland Islands, we are seeing a similar trend as the British government threatens Argentina’s chance for potential profit. However, at the same time we see the difference in this scenario as opposed to African countries. The government of Argentina has the ability to apply pressure peacefully in the UN. This situation would be unlikely in the Africa, where rebel groups and unstable government regimes attribute to the continuing violence. China would like to stress peace and believe that it is up to the British and Argentine government to resolve this issue. We look forward to the debate this weekend!

From Cote d’Ivoire:

Fellow delegates and honorable chairs. Many nations such as the delegation of Afghanistan are proposing to give aids within the nations as a solution to eradicate poverty. However, the delegation of Cote d’Ivoire believes that giving aids to nations will just make the problem worse or not really solve the problem. The fact that corrupt leaders within the nations are just the only people that receives the given aid, therefore it only benefits them. How about those poor dying civilians due to poverty? Therefore the delegation of Cote d’Ivoire believes that giving aids within the nations will not help in order to eradicate poverty. Instead the delegation of Cote d’Ivoire proposes the use of micro loans as the delegation of France proposed in his previous blog. Microloans are money that are lend to the less fortunate in order for them to start their own businesses. Microloan NGOs such as KIVA and VITANA will help in this proposed solution.

http://blogs.worldbank.org/africacan/aid-and-corruption

From France:

Japan mentioned a tariff system in which reduced tariffs spurn third world economic growth, and France recognizes the benefits of international trade as a stimulant for both national and world development yet such an individualized system fails to take into account bordering nations which, due to their own economic circumstances, can help or hinder trade. In order to strengthen regional blocs which in turn lead to the development of sound economic and diplomatic relations between neighbors, France would like to suggest the modification and expansion of free trade zones and export processing zones in regions tormented by extreme poverty (i.e. parts of Africa, between SIDS like Micronesia and Nauru etc.). Free trade zones act as “a special designated area within a country where normal trade barriers like quotas and tariffs are removed and the bureaucratic necessities are narrowed in order to attract new business and foreign investments”. Moreover, FTZs aim to “utilize the available business opportunities in the best possible way” while lowering unemployment rates and “increas[ing] foreign exchange. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a successful example of an implemented and fully functional free trade zone between Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Although several nations have formed similar economic treaties such as the Economic Community of Central African States, most institutions generally have failed to reduce the percentage of people living below the poverty line; therefore free trade zones would only be a step forward. Obviously, France does not want multinational corporations to monopolize the market, however we are confident that with minor structural modifications, FTZ’s can act in the best interests of all developing nations and ultimately stabilize shaky governments.
Regarding Kuwait’s comment on situational development, France would like to agree in the sense that, while impoverished nations may be economically and politically unstable, they usually boast some type of resource that they can neither access nor utilize. By aiding LLDCs through technological leap-froging or other similar support programs, LLDCs can maximize production through what they already possess while local agrarian citizens in turn benefit. Here is a link for more information on FTZs.

From the United Kingdom:

Dear fellow delegates:

The United Kingdom would like to respond to Japan’s proposal of the use of reformation of corrupt government through small corporations. Many resource extraction issues have been due to conflict between different tribes and foreign countries and the lack of communication between miners and the local government. Specifically in Tanzania, miners have constantly called upon the government to allow miners the usage of a mining license. Because of this lack of a stable government and corruption issues within African states, the UK proposes the AGOA which adapts poverty reduction policies in order to qualification. The UK believes that the use of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) can curb the corruption in many countries specifically in Africa leading to a more stable government, assisting the issue of resource extraction in Africa. The AGOA also focuses on promoting anti-corruption authority and also provide for discussions between the US-AID and Overseas Private Development Corporation (OPIC) regarding capacity issues and technical assistance as well as trade agreements with the United States. The issue of resource extraction can be marginalized through the stable trade agreements with the US, facilitated by the UK. The UK agrees with Japan on the pretext of a stable government in order to lessen the effects of resource extraction; however understands that sovereignty is still a large issue at hand. The UK looks forward to debating with other nations in committee and focusing on combating this issue of resource extraction in Africa together! See you guys in a few days! The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland would like to address the point brought up by Cote D’Ivoire and Japan on the issue of education in reducing poverty in LLDCs. Contrary to the Japan’s stance, the UK believes that education is an integral part of the issue of land locked developing countries. Education can increase economic growth in developing nations where with more adults educated, it will create more leaders with the ability to start corporations, companies, and increase average income for families in developing countries. This cycle of education affecting all aspects of the country’s stability allows the LLDC’s governments to improve their trading agreements with other nations and focus on other ways besides water transport to boost their trading systems. Along with greater economic stability and growth, these LLDCs will have a greater chance of reducing poverty through various projects that are cost-efficient. Education also informs many different citizens and poverty-stricken families about the ongoing cycle of HIV/AIDS and become aware of different programs they can participate in. The solution of education has been implemented in many different bloc regions such as Mexico’s Support to Oportunidades program that focuses on educational improvements to develop the Mexican economy and government overall. Education is an integral part of reducing poverty in landlocked developing nations in regards to the indirect effect education has on the economic and political stability of a nation.

Responses? If you would like to add a general comment, please send your comment to Catherine Choh at catherinechoh AT berkeley.edu. If you would like to respond to a specific post, please indicate so in your e-mail.

Hi Delegates,

I also wanted to remind you that although there are no laptops allowed in the committee room, we will have a computer for your use in OPI (which conveniently will be located right outside our room!). For good measure, I would recommend bringing a FLASH DRIVE that contains your position papers, caucus outlines, speeches, or anything else you might need during committee.

There will be no food or drinks allowed in the committee room, unless it’s water. It may rain this weekend, so for those of you staying in a hotel, be sure to pack an extra pair of shoes/socks.

Last, read this article!!! It’s one step in the right direction for multinational companies that pollute in Africa. How can the UN continue to further this type of accountability in African nations?

Catherine

Hey Delegates!

I am more excited than ever to meet you all in committee in just two more days! From what I have been reading via your comments, you all have done a lot of research, and I am pleased to see that. Based off of what I have seen from the comments, I have a few tips that you might find helpful during committee (see below).

I also just wanted to ask all delegates to keep comments as short as possible! The blogs are a way to facilitate dialogue between you all before the conference, and super long comments deter others from reading and responding. Again, I apologize that the actual comment function does not work, but please try to keep your comments to around 10 sentences max. Thanks!

Tips for Committee:
- There is no general debate at BMUN, so please do not include background information on the topic in any of your speeches. Our chairs assume every delegate already has a strong understanding of that information.
- SPECIFIC solutions to the topics (ie. if you want to increase aid to LLDCs, through what means?)
- Awards will be given to delegates are able to bring direction to the committee.
- Diplomacy will be a big part of your score!

As always, any questions should be directed to catherinechoh AT berkeley.edu. Thanks!!!

Best,
Catherine

Hey delegates!

With just one more week until the conference, I wanted to remind you all about a few BMUN 58 Policies. For a complete list, please contact your advisor(s) – they should have received instructions via e-mail.

Electronics Policy – This year, our committee will be enforcing a strict no electronics policy. If you are caught using your cell phone, PDA, laptop computer, or any other electronic device, I will issue a warning. If you are caught a second time, I will contact your advisor and you may be removed from committee. If you absolutely need to use an electronic device during committee, please approach me at anytime and we can discuss that. There will be computers available for your use in OPI, right across from our committee room.

Pre-Written Resolutions, Plagiarism, etc – If you are caught plagiarizing or using pre-written resolutions, there will be no warnings… you’ll be removed from committee and your advisor will be contacted.

Note Passing Policy – Our chairs reserve the right to read any note that is passed in committee. If there are any inappropriate notes being passed around, our chairs may remove note passing privileges.

Dress Code – Please remember to dress in professional attire throughout the weekend – no jeans, sunglasses, tennis shoes, or baseball caps will be allowed!

NEWS UPDATE:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/02/12/nigeria.pipeline.attack/index.html

Read this article and think about how access to natural resources in Africa is used as a means of political obstruction. How does that affect populations surrounding areas with high volumes of natural resources? How do groups like the JRC in Nigeria affect people’s livelihoods and political legitimacy?

If you have any questions, please e-mail me at catherinechoh AT berkeley.edu!

From Japan:

Distinguished Chair and Honourable Delegates,

The delegation of Japan believes that all viewpoints and ideas proposed by countries such as Belgium, Afghanistan, and Cote D’Ivoire. Japan was a developing country before, so the nation understands the struggle that developing countries face each day – and is deeply concerned with the additional troubles that landlocked developing countries face. We must work together as an international community to eradicate poverty in landlocked countries, and many delegations have already proposed effective ideas. Afghanistan brings out a good point by stating that they encourage “continued financial aid from the international community, as well as continued relations between regional and international partners”. Japan has been an active contributor in the Millennium Development Goals, in the effective us of Official Development Assistance (ODAs). Belgium also proposes strong ideas, such as international trade and the use of resources. While trade is extremely important, Japan believes that, in order to enhance the efficiency of trade, transportation must be considered thoroughly. The Almaty Programme of Action focuses on aiding LLDCs by improving policies, transport infrastructure, international trade measures, technical and financial international assistance, as well as monitoring agreements. Japan contributes to economic infrastructure in LLDCs, including roads, ports, and railways – and we encourage Member Nations to do so as well. As well, Japan currently grants tariff treatment to 141 developing countries under its Generalized System of Preference (GSP) scheme, which reduces tariffs for developing countries. This system is extremely flexible and effective, benefiting all developing countries involved. These ideas can be very effective in eradicating poverty in LLDCs because international trade is a strong component in stimulating economic growth, and Japan encourages Member Nations to develop these ideas along with adding their own to create the most effective solution. Finally, Cote D’Ivoire proposes education to eliminate poverty, but Japan would like to point out that there are many other issues that LLDCs face in addition to poverty. This means that there are many other factors in proposing an effective solution, and even though education may be an important factor in eliminating poverty, keep in mind that we are dealing with more complex problems that challenge LLDCs.

From the delegation of Kuwait:

Kuwait would like to address the points that Belgium, Cote D’Ivoire, Japan, and Afghanistan have brought up. While Afghanistan correctly states that they lack the natural resources that Bolivia does, Kuwait does not completely regard this as a problem in its development. However, what Kuwait believes there are alternatives towards its situation as it is rich in “natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromite, talc, barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones”, according to the CIA World Factbook. Also, Afghanistan’s climate is such that it is perfect for growing sweet sorghum, a budding biofuel that is profitable, and may become one of the greatest sources of fuel in the future. Using Afghanistan as an example here, delegates, Kuwait believes that it is possible to address all LLDCs development, on a situational basis.

Now in regards to what Belgium brought up, Kuwait believes the incentives that Belgium has put forth in addressing foreign investment (one of the key points in our solutions) are a good starting point. Incentives are important to encourage development in LLDCs, as well as resource-rich nations in Africa. However the statement that “developing countries should stop focusing on conflicts such as drugs and terrorism…allowing them to grow AND develop” is quite an idealistic statement, not taking actual situations of many conflict-torn regions into consideration. The need for stable governments is great, as the Cote D’Ivoire has indirectly brought up, and so Kuwait would like to bring up SSR, or Security Sector Reform, employed during previous United Nations peacekeeping missions. Especially for conflict-torn regions, or post-conflict areas, SSR is a basic first step to stabilize governments that need help. SSR helps to establish and keep security within a region using legitimate forms of authority with approval of the country, and helps to maintain uncorrupt governments beneficial for the people. Using SSR, Kuwait believes that governments like these would not be so taken-advantage-of by developed nations, and make better profits due to foreign investments (as they would now be safer to invest in). This concept could also be used for LLDCs, such as Rwanda. Rwanda, clearly affected by conflict, could use SSR to make sure that their nation is representing the people’s needs. Kuwait also sees it as logical to use models such as Rwanda for key developments in other countries in the future, with the same problem. This could also be used to address the “efficient political reform” that Japan has brought up as well.

Link for SSR:
http://www.ssrnetwork.net/about/what_is_ss.php

Responses? If you would like to add a general comment, please send your comment to Catherine Choh at catherinechoh AT berkeley.edu. If you would like to respond to this post, please indicate so in your e-mail.

If you submitted a post in the last few days and do not see it in this post, please re-send again!

From the United Kingdom regarding drilling in the Falkland Islands:

It has evidently been shown that the United Kingdom has begun drilling for oil off the shores of Argentina near the Falkland Islands. However, the UK believes that the UK has the right as stated by the UK Defence Minister Bill Rammell. Although we have begun drilling, we will be sure to protect the islands and take whatever steps necessary, and we have made Argentina aware of it. Our actions off the coast of the Latin American countries is completely in accordance with international law, and we believe that when Argentina requested to expand its waters last year, they overlapped into UK waters. It is apparent that Argentina and a few other Latin American countries have a problem with our drilling, which took hard labor to tow the Ocean Guardian, the drilling platform, 8000 miles from the Cromarty Firth in Scotland. It would be a shame if violence were to be taken into this issue, and UK wishes that peaceful measures and talks would be taken before assuming any illegal actions. Although UK believes that this conflict will not lead to further violence, we do have a solution in the rare chance that it does. Thank you, delegates, and if any delegates have any questions regarding our drilling in the Falkland Islands, please do ask.

From Cote d’Ivoire:

At the turn of the millennium, the UN set a 15-year timeframe to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). World leaders agreed to the MDGs’ time bound targets as an effective way to eradicate extreme poverty, boost health and education and empower women across the developing world. For the first time, there is a global compact in which rich and poor countries recognize that they share the responsibility to end poverty and its root causes. The world has the money, resources and technology to achieve these goals, but only if governments take action. However, we must make sure that each country is working and creating programs and plans in order to end the poverty problem within the nation. Thus, the delegation of Cote d’Ivoire proposes to establish annual reports for each nation in order to regulate about what have the country been doing in order to eradicate poverty within the nation. This will require each nation to send reports on what programs have worked and failed. Nations will benefit through this due to the fact that other nations are able to get some ideas on what programs have been working. Thus, this will help in order to meet the UN’s goal which is to halve poverty by the year of 2015. So what do you guys think?

http://www.endpoverty2015.org/

Also, the delegation of Cote d’Ivoire represented by James Domingo and Mark Hamilton is very excited for the 58th session of the Berkeley Model United Nations and is also looking forward in working and meeting you guys in 8 days!

From Cote d’Ivoire:

After careful consideration of this analysis, it appears that Simple prohibition of resource extraction in Africa is not the best option and will lead to increased social difficulties both short and long term. Therefore other options should be considered. The nation of Cote D’ivoire looks forward to expressing our plan, and receiving advice and considerations of how to resolve this issue. http://www.unep.org/dewa/Africa/publications/AEO-2/content/011.htm

From Ireland:

Click here for the book link!

Hello fellow delegates,

We found this book very helpful in our research process. It was published by the World Bank in 2003 and focuses on the negative consequences of resource extraction. If the idea of doing 403 pages of “light reading” is not appealing, we especially recommend the “Policy Recommendations” on pages 330-334. We hope this is as helpful to you as it was to us. See you in one week!

From Netherlands:

Netherlands would like to reply to Cote d’Ivoire’s statement on how “education is the key to success”.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands also strongly recognizes the importance of education for the eradication of poverty. Furthermore, the Netherlands stresses the implementation and promotion of gender equality, in particular women’s rights. To achieve this the Netherlands has undertaken many initiatives and funded several UN organisations. For example, in Bangladesh, the Netherlands is currently working in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and of Women and Children’s Affairs, to examine and revise textbooks and teaching materials to reflect and teach children at an early age that girls and boys are indeed equal.
Though gender inequality is widespread in various developing countries, women are often the ones who keep impoverished households fed and ensure the health of children. The Netherlands believe that when women are given access to education, they can generate an enormous potential that can drastically increase the possibility of economic growth and stability. Therefore, since education has such a crucial effect on gender equality, the Netherland believes that both, combined, can even more efficiently combat poverty and boost development.

From Japan:

Hello Delegates!
The country of Japan recognizes the need to address the people of Africa through the crisis that arise from resource extraction. We are aware that the conflict in addressed regions are not simply differences clashing, but is also fuelled with not only the fact that Africa is dependent on natural resource, but that control on resource extraction is difficult without concrete government to control it. Quite frankly, the international community is poorly equipped to address resource-fuelled conflicts in Africa facing the UN. However, the Office of the Special Advisor on Africa (OSAA) has been relatively successful, and has met to discuss resource extraction in Africa and the struggles which arise with it, hoping “promote responsible, just and economically productive resource management in post-conflict countries in Africa and equitable distribution of wealth to all stakeholders, in particular local communities”. Therefore Japan has determined that the most efficient way to resolve resource-fuelled conflict is to empower in the population personally, considering political reform. However, Japan requires full co-operation from African governments as well as Member States.
Through cooperation between African and Japanese enterprises, Japan hopes that investment in small corporations will result in a more efficient political reform, which would be the first step to abolishing resource-based conflict. We recognize with reform of corrupt government, this will ultimately lead to the ability to control resource extraction in Africa, therefore leading to the end of resource-fuelled conflict. Japan plans to support TECHNONET Africa, through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). TECHNONET Africa “focuses on policy and institutional reforms, capacity development of SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises), and the promotion of technology transfer, trade and investment among African and Asian SMEs.”
Japan looks forward to meeting other countries to address this need and issue!

From France:

Hi delegates, our names are Jordan and Mia and we will be representing the French Republic. One reason that poverty is tremendously high in any nation is because the citizens have no way of generating an income. For this, we would like to see the implementation and development of Microfinaincing to provide oppurtonities to citizens to establish local, independent businesses. Furthermore, impoverished citizens, especially in landlocked countries, have little to no access to clean water. To address this, France would like to see the cheap and efficient playpump designed by PlayPump International, implemented on a larger scale. This organization produces waterpumps without the expensive materials used for traditional waterpumps.
For futher detail check out this link http://www.aidforafrica.org/member-charities/playpumps-international/
Thanks and see you in committee!

Responses? If you would like to add a general comment, please send your comment to Catherine Choh at catherinechoh AT berkeley.edu. If you would like to respond to this post, please indicate so in your e-mail.

On Saturday night, BMUN will be hosting our annual delegate dance and casino. Please make sure to wear your credentials at all times – you will not be let in without one! Please remember that your advisor/chaperone needs to be at the MLK Student Union at 11 PM to pick you up from the dance… otherwise, you will need to spend the night in MLK. (Just kidding! But please have your advisor pick you up!)

BMUN is happy to announce that this year’s theme for the Saturday Night Delegate Activities will be “Let’s CAN Hunger” where decorations and costumes will represent favorite foods from around the world. In support of this year’s conference cause, World Food Program, the theme aims to show solidarity in the fight against world hunger. Any food related-wear is appropriate and some possible things to dress up as include fruits, salt and pepper, M&M’s, the color representing your favorite food group, food mascots, your favorite Wheatie’s champion, or even farmers from around the world –although, creativity is definitely encouraged!

This year’s activities will include the delegate dance, entitled “You Are What You Eat,” and a casino with Blackjack and Roulette. There will be raffle prizes, a free photo booth and a refreshment stand. Of course, there will also be a dance floor and a DJ.

To address hunger in our own local community, BMUN will also be having a canned food drive Saturday night. Delegates who bring in canned and other non-perishable foods will be given an extra $50 worth of BMUN casino money for every item they donate.

The activities will take place on Saturday, March 6th. The doors to Pauley Ballroom will open at 8:00 p.m. and all activities will end at 11:00 p.m.

Take a look: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8527307.stm

Although not centered around Africa, this article explores an interesting case study. For just under two centuries now, the Falkland Islands have been a major point of contention between the UK and Argentina. Now, the UK will begin drilling for oil in the region. Think about what role the UN plays in this situation and how that might impact involvement in African resource extraction….

Position papers are due tomorrow, January 22nd at 11:59pm! Be sure to send it to bmun58sochum AT gmail.com with your country in the file name. Please don’t put your school name anywhere in the paper or e-mail! Our chairs would like to remain as unbiased as possible.

Last, take a look at your fellow delegates’ comments below. Do you agree with their takes on the issue? If so, consider the bloc formations that might help you to form resolutions during the conference. If not, send me an e-mail with your response!

I’m so excited to meet you all in 12 days!!!

Catherine

From Cote d’Ivoire:

Delegates! Côte d’Ivoire as a nation having ascended to independence is confronted with significant challenges. One of the primary difficulties that the nation experiences is to deal with both with the organization of general elections open to all, free and fair and meet the aspirations of the Ivorian population through the effective implementation of its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and the outcome of a long participatory process. Moreover, Cote d’Ivoire is already half way toward the 2015 deadline set by United Nations for achieving the Millennium Development Goals to which it committed itself at the Millennium Summit in 2000. The Republic of Cote d’Ivoire has been afflicted by six years of crisis which has weakened our nation with a break in social cohesion, increasing insecurity, a slowdown in economic development, massive youth unemployment and the spread of poor governance. Then followed a decline of the country’s image, suspension of the relationships with the international financial community and accelerated degradation of the basic socio-economic infrastructure contributing to an increase of the poverty rate of the nation. The Government of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire as a result of the situation is called upon to find the urgent and efficient solutions for these problems in terms of consolidation of peace, reconstruction of the nation and sustainable development. Cote D’Ivoire has made the eradication of poverty a critical issue and concern. Action has been expressed by the adoption of the priority orientation of the fight against poverty in 1997 and through the start of the process of development of the PRSP in 2000, as part of the initiative in favor of the Heavily-Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC).

From Belgium:

Dear Chair Catherine Choh and fellow delegates,

The country of Belgium, which will be represented by Garine Kejejian and Mary Kasmajian, is very enthusiastic about this year’s conference. Jumping right into the issue at debate, we have come up with the following:
Bolivia, being a landlocked nation, doesn’t have open and easy access to international trade, but that does not mean it is not possible. They must always succumb to the middlemen’s control of prices. Bolivia is rich in resources, lithium, and other nations, such as China, are taking an interest to trade with them. These relationships are a great way to open up international trade with the landlocked developing countries, but we must be careful. We cannot allow the richer developed nations to get the upper hand in the trade of the resources. Unfortunately, China by itself isn’t going to fix the issue of landlocked developing countries; therefore, countries who are resource-rich should give guidance for local labor, using China as an example. By doing this, a balance will be created between technology and guidance; for everything it receives, it also gives back.

Also, Bolivia is a country, who is one of the lucky ones, who have an abundance of a certain needed resource, lithium, but what about the landlocked countries that do not have such desirable resources?
We should encourage developed countries to trade with these landlocked countries and provide aid for them develop and start growing as a country. International communities should be set up for countries that control and provide other countries with products and necessities and encourage the local labor force. In order to progress and prosper and, developing countries should stop focusing on conflicts such as drugs and terrorism, therefore allowing them to grow AND develop!

From Cote d’Ivoire:

Poverty is both a cause and an effect of insufficient access to or completion of quality education. Children of poor families are less likely to enroll in and complete schooling because of the associated costs of attending school, even when it is provided free. The cost of uniforms, supplies, and transportation may well be beyond the means of a poor family, especially when the family has several children of school age. This means that choices have to be made, and the choice is often to drop out of school or, worse yet, to deny schooling to girls while enrolling the boys, thereby contributing directly to maintaining the inferior status of women. And as poor children who are enrolled grow older, the opportunity cost or their lost labor and the foregone income it may entail becomes greater, thus increasing the likelihood of abandoning school. Dropping out of school because of poverty virtually guarantees perpetuation of the poverty cycle since the income-earning potential of the child is reduced, not to mention overall productivity, receptivity to change, and capacity to improve quality of life. Lack of education perpetuates poverty, and poverty constrains access to schooling. Eliminating poverty requires providing access to quality education.Therefore, the delegation of Cote d’Ivoire believes that education of every children and illiterate person will help in eradicating poverty. This will ensure millions of people to have jobs and earn money in their entire lifetime. As Solomon Ortiz said: “Education is the key to success.”

Responses? If you would like to add a general comment, please send your comment to Catherine Choh at catherinechoh AT berkeley.edu. If you would like to respond to this post, please indicate so in your e-mail.

Hey delegates!

The  East African Submarine Cable System (EASSy) has finally landed in South Africa in the early morning of  February 15th, 2009. EASSy is a 10 kilometer undersea cable system which will link South Africa to Sudan and connect various parts of Sub-Saharan Africa to the rest of the world by 2011, mainly Europe and Asia. Experts predict that the success of EASSy will result in the reduction of telephone call rates and internet prices. The project has current costs of $235 billion, with financing provided by the African Development Bank (ADB), European Investment Bank, Germany’s Development bank, and the French Development Bank. Critical landlocked countries that are expected to benefit include Botswana, Burundi,  the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. A backhaul system that will link these landlocked countries to the coastal countries is in its final stages of completion. Moreover, EASSy is scheduled to be ready for commerical service by August this year.

Here is the link to the article: http://www.itnewsafrica.com/?p=5011

How do you think systems like this will aid landlocked countries in Africa? Why would European countries like Germany and France be interested in funding such a gargantuan project? Do you think this technology could be used to benefit landlocked countries in other continents?

Thanks for reading!

Angela