Cleveland-Autumn Conference Position Papers for: The Development Programme Delegation from: the Parliamentary Democracy of Belgium Represented by: North Olmsted High School Position Paper for the United Nations Development Programme The issues presented to the United Nations Development Programme include South-South Cooperation for development and technology sharing for economic development. Belgium, as headquarters of the European Union and NATO, is dedicated to bringing together decision-makers from developed and developing countries to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality and exclusion among countries. I. South-South Cooperation for Development The Parliamentary Democracy of Belgium highly supports South-South Cooperation for development. South-South Cooperation is a term used to describe the exchange of resources, technology, and knowledge between developing countries. One key goal of the cooperation is to strengthen and improve economic ties amongst countries. Representatives from the developing south meet annually to discuss the development and improvement of financial inclusion strategies and policies. Although there are many developed nations willing to donate resources, technology, and knowledge, one of the biggest challenges the UNDP faces for South-South Cooperation is lack of capital. Another challenge the UNDP faces for South-South Cooperation is that rich and powerful states in the South are most often the only voices heard. Belgium is a small, highly developed, and densely populated country which allows it to provide financial support to developing nations. Belgium, as well as several other donor countries, has recently provided financial aid for training sessions and the dispatch of Moroccan exports in the areas of fisheries, drinking water and sanitation, machine and road maintenance, and several other areas. South-Africa and Belgium currently has very strong ties in the development of both countries. They have a mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship and scientific partnership based on technological exchanges that enhances the development of both countries. Belgium provides bilateral aid to 18 partner countries in Asia, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Middle East. In order to improve South-South Cooperation, it is important to consider all aspects of the donation of resources, technology, and knowledge. The Parliamentary Democracy of Belgium is in favor of improving the standing resolutions and programs that were created to allow for the development of nations. Many countries are hesitant in donating resources, technology, and knowledge because they are in debt and fear that prosperity in one country will lead them to have less opportunities to prosper as well. Belgium would like a resolution to be made that pairs up countries and will provide them with a mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship similar to the one that Belgium and South-Africa have. Belgium would also like to see a program created to raise capital for a South-South Bank that could replace the frequently criticized World Bank.II. Technology Sharing for Economic Development II. Technology Sharing for Economic Development The advancement of society as well as the improvement of everyday life has always been the foremost goal of mankind, and shall continue to be so as long as humanity wishes to continue it's existence. For this reason, it is important to address the issue of places in the world that are struggling to advance, and in turn are finding their means of survival challenged. As representatives of countries across the globe, we are tasked with the sizable challenge of coming to a consensus of how to bring an end to the exponentially growing economic challenges that plague our respective inhabitants. Poverty is an issue that affects a large range of individuals, not only is it the daily toil for the impoverished in underdeveloped countries, 2 but similarly effects struggling individuals in even the most prosperous of countries, illuminating poverty as an issue that must be fought by all nations. Clearly, there are nations that have been able to develop, as well as utilize, more advanced technologies than other nations, creating a gap in technological prowess between nations. Additionally, these countries that have reached higher levels of technological status, also have a higher level of financial status for the nation and its’ population as a whole. This does not, and should not act as a tangible display for which countries are superior to others. This common knowledge should instead act as a statement to more developed and economically stable nations; that struggling countries need aid through the sharing of technologies available to them, as a means to assist all societies in advancing both economically and technologically as a whole. A major issue facing poverty stricken nations is the challenge of having enough suitable housing to provide to a large sum of a country’s population. In numerous countries there are a lacking number of housing or the buildings infrastructure are in them self underdeveloped, providing unsatisfactory shelter to its inhabitants. Through more developed nations lending construction equipment, as well as the plans for developing similar tools and more efficient infrastructures; struggling countries with be given the technological boost they need to start combating their own economic difficulties. Additionally the introduction of new technologies to countries will give way to a whole new market of technology related services, development, and maintenance which will in turn stem a multitude of jobs; completely revamping numerous nation’s economies. Offer advanced technology to deteriorating markets, such as textile or other manufacturers, will simultaneously allow them to better provide their products to consumers, which will allow money to flow smoothly between consumers and producers to create an all around steady market for the nation being gifted these advancements. Though the first steps towards the end of poverty and inequality in all societies has already been taken with the recent proclamation of the “Sustainable Development Goals for 2030”; it is now time to take action. Through the passing of resolutions and initiative policies, finally truth and effort can be delivered to the promises made to the citizens of the world. The utter ceasement of poverty and economic uncertainty will come to fruition once all nations can look upon each other as neighbors in need of a helping hand. 3 Delegation from: The Federal Dominion of Canada Represented by: Rocky River High School Position Paper for The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) The issues that are seen before the Development Programme are that of Topic A- South-South Cooperation for Development and Topic B- Technology Sharing for Economic Development. A. South-South Cooperation for Development As The Federal Dominion of Canada has been very active in the South-South Cooperation, this is a topic of great importance to the country. Canada, believes in its youth and through the South- South Cooperation we are able to have exchange programs through education with poverty stricken countries to try and help further the development of these nations. The South-South Cooperation is a highly seen and regarded as a great plan that will help promote biodiversity for employment opportunities. This is essential for developing countries which is why we see this partnership as a plentiful one. The nation of Canada has just recently done such in relation to the cooperation by passing legislation in 1988 to have a Canadian Multiculturalism Act. This act is proof that diversity is evident in a large 1st world country in which all languages, religions, and customs of others will all be respected. The Federal Dominion of Canada has also recently created a specific partnership with the Republic of South Africa. This deal is that of which we will support the growing nation by improving service delivery with a focus on the poor, institutional capacity building of South African government and civil society organizations, and also improving management of natural resources. In return for high level of skills, ethics and integrity within government. The Dominion of Canada believes the South South Cooperation is a success. Thus, leading to more growing nations and development of those that are still developing. We are asking other delegations to push for more partnerships with nations that are in need and to promote development for all countries to expand in education and peace. B. Technology Sharing for Economic Development As The Federal Dominion of Canada has been furthering the technological advancements in our own country we see technological sharing as a must for other delegations to further their economic development on the world stage. This will lead to more economic success and also help combat the major issues in our world that can be calculated with improved technological advancements. The Dominion believes that technology is crucial to a growing economy. Here are just some of the facts: 117 Billion dollars or 7.1% of all of the country’s total economic output is produced by the Economic Sector. Also, in a recent partnership with Wave front and a number of leading tech 4 firms, the Brookfield Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship released a comprehensive report on the state of Canada’s tech sector this week. With the high-growth tech industry responsible for many of the changes we’ve seen in our culture, economy and way of life. Also we believe that a joint partnership deal with the United States of America is crucial to demonstrating how a cooperation of technology can be greatly expressed to that of other delegations across the globe. For example we have been very keen on the issue of Climate Change and through technology we have been able to see how it affects us as a nation in our Northern Provinces ice is melting and thus we have realized as a nation through technology we need to promote a low-carbon future to emit less emissions into the atmosphere The Dominion of Canada believes that the sharing of technology is crucial.