Author: Evelina Hassanova
Photo by Evelina Hassanova
The work done in UNDP has been anything but cooperative. Two groups worked separately from each other due to different perspectives on how to solve the problem. The discussions were long lasting and numerous amendments were voted on. After much deliberation, the committee has chosen which resolution they will be presenting to the General Assembly.
During most of the session the delegates were working in an unmoderated caucus in their groups, not as a whole committee. While one group was working as a team, the other was under the clear leadership of Chad. After long lasting discussions, numerous amendments were voted on. This was the most important vote for the delegations; they had to decide which resolution they would present to the General Assembly.
Submitted by Chad, Iran, and Yemen
The resolution presented by Chad, Iran and Yemen was drafted to acknowledge that food insecurity and unsustainable food systems are a problem that affects both more, and less developed Member States. The problem was heightened by the current humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
The resolution was written to emphasize the need for LEDCs to develop their food systems in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable manner. Their resolution supports the efforts of the World Food Program (WFP) in its efforts to minimize the effects of food insecurity.
Although most countries were not against the resolution, many countries proposed amendments. For example, Switzerland presented an unfriendly amendment that ended up being rejected. Cuba had an uncertain view on the choice of this resolution; the delegation spoke in favour of the resolution, but also put forward unfriendly amendments, which were later rejected.
The crucial role of water
The resolution that was submitted by Switzerland, Kuwait and Cuba acknowledges the crucial role of water pollution in relation to food insecurity and climate change, stressing the importance of oil spillage and waste management that needs to be addressed in all the member states. The submitters are conscious about marine problems that are actively affecting the Member States economically, causing hunger and poverty.
Countless questions followed the presentation of the last resolution. Yemen took the floor and spoke out to the delegation that the resolution was too general and that it needs refinements.
The resolution that was presented by Chad, Iran and Yemen was selected after winning the elections and will be presented to the General Assembly. Writing one resolution did not give the UN Development Program a reason to join forces, so the committee remained working in groups.
At the general assembly only 3 people will come out and present the handwritten resolution themselves, while the other part of the committee will only be in the role of spectators/listeners. This all leads to the problem that committees cannot work as one, even if there is a pressing issue for everyone.