제22기 유엔 전문가 교육 결과보고서 - The 22nd Training Program at UNHQ in New York

Special thanks to.

Group Programmes Unit, United Nations Department of Global Communications

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Produced by.

Education Department, Hope to the Future Association

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CSO Representative at the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UNDGC) Member of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Korea Web: www.hopetofuture.org | Address: 4F., Dana Bldg., Bongeunsa-ro 176, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 06125 Tel: +82-2-6952-1616 | Email: webmaster@hopetofuture.org

Managing Director Jin Hoan Choung | President

Editor-in-Chief Hyeonkyung Ha | Program Associate

Assistant Editor Soonwoo Lim | Intern Changju Lee | Intern

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Tel: +82-2-6952-1616 | Email: webmaster@hopetofuture.org 6

Yale Model UN Conference The Yale Model United Nations Conference (YMUN) stands as a premier international relations simulation for high school students, fostering an environment where young minds from across the globe converge to deliberate on pressing global challenges. Held annually at Yale University, this four-day event encapsulates the essence of diplomacy, international law, and the United Nations' workings by simulating its operations. Participants, or delegates, assume the roles of UN representatives and members of various international bodies, engaging in discussions that span the spectrum of security, economic development, and social progress.

Through this immersive experience, YMUN not only educates its participants about the intricacies of global politics and problem-solving but also hones their negotiation, leadership, and collaborative skills.

These simulations serve as a practical platform for young individuals to engage in multilateral diplomacy and develop a nuanced understanding of international relations. By tackling realworld issues, delegates learn the importance of negotiation, compromise, and the art of consensus-building. Furthermore, MUNs provide a unique opportunity for participants to improve their public speaking, research, and writing skills, all within the context of fostering a deeper appreciation for global affairs. This hands-on approach to learning not only prepares students for future careers in international relations but also instills a sense of global citizenship and responsibility towards addressing global challenges.

YMUN's commitment to education and excellence is evident in its structured approach to simulating the United Nations and its agenda, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By integrating discussions on the SDGs into the conference framework, YMUN aligns its objectives with those of the United Nations, thereby encouraging delegates to contribute meaningfully towards achieving these goals. This alignment not only enriches the delegates'

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understanding of global priorities but also positions them as stakeholders in the global effort to promote sustainable development, peace, and prosperity.

The YMUN experience is further enhanced by its setting within the historic and academic environment of Yale University. The conference's unique "Yale Day" offers delegates a glimpse into the life of a Yale student, with committee sessions held in the very classrooms that have nurtured world leaders. This immersive experience, combined with the opportunity to interact with Yale students serving on the Secretariat, provides delegates with unparalleled insight into the university's rich academic and cultural heritage. The intimate committee settings, typically capped at 30 delegates, ensure a focused and engaging discussion, allowing each participant to play a significant role in the deliberation and resolution processes.

As YMUN celebrates its 50th iteration, it continues to embody its founding values of education, excellence, and teamwork. The conference not only challenges delegates to think critically and engage deeply with complex international issues but also fosters a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding among future global leaders. Through its commitment to providing a dynamic and enriching platform for young diplomats, YMUN plays a crucial role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and empathy required to navigate and resolve the multifaceted challenges of our interconnected world.

Why Choose Yale MUN? YMUN aims to empower students from high schools around the globe through deep and active engagement with complex global issues. At YMUN, delegates develop skills in diplomacy, cooperation, and critical thinking that motivate lifelong global citizenship.

Delegates leave YMUN with the knowledge that they can make an impact and affect positive change in the world.

Learn Today With our comprehensive chair recruitment and preparation procedure, we strive to create a fun, educational, dynamic committee experience for all delegates regardless of skill level. Our chairs are Yale students who are dedicated and passionate educators ready to be proactive with delegates. YMUN is also proud to provide both in-conference training and online preconference training.

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Lead Tomorrow Due to our commitment to learning, we hope delegates leave our conference with a greater awareness of global issues, equipped with the tools and motivation to make a difference.

Through our keynote speaker, partnership with a non-profit organization, and new out-ofcommittee learning initiatives, we strive to integrate impact, responsibility, and action into our conference events.

Engage with Yale Unlike many other conferences, YMUN is hosted on Yale’s beautiful campus and allows delegates and advisors to experience what our university has to offer. Even if you are participating virtually, through Yale Day, the Global Exchange Program and our Showcase, delegates will meet Yale students and professors to not only learn about international relations, but also to gain insight into college life and beyond.

22nd Training Program at UN Headquarters in New York

The Training Program at United Nations Headquarters in New York represents a cornerstone effort in mobilizing youth towards understanding and participating in global governance and international affairs. In an era where the involvement of all societal stakeholders, especially the youth, is increasingly recognized as crucial for sustainable development, this program stands out as a vital conduit for empowering young individuals. It is designed to immerse participants in the complexities of global challenges and the United Nations' multifaceted approach to addressing them. By aligning with the UN Youth Strategy launched in 2018, the program underscores the indispensable role of young people in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in fostering inclusive decision-making processes across all levels of governance.

Hosted by the Hope to the Future Association, in cooperation with the United Nations

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Department of Global Communications, the Training Program at UN Headquarters not only provides an educational journey but also an unparalleled opportunity for high school students to engage directly with the mechanisms and experts behind the UN's global agenda. This initiative is emblematic of the UN's commitment to youth empowerment, offering a curriculum that spans the breadth of the UN's objectives, from peace and security to sustainable development and human rights protection. Through a series of lectures delivered by highranking UN officials and experts, interactive workshops, and networking sessions, participants are afforded a holistic view of the UN's operations, challenges, and achievements.

The significance of involving young people in discussions on international agendas and global affairs cannot be overstated. By familiarizing them with the SDGs and the intricacies of global diplomacy, the program equips the next generation of leaders with the critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills necessary to navigate and influence the future of international relations. Furthermore, the opportunity to network with UN officials and experts offers invaluable insights and connections that can inspire and facilitate their contributions to global efforts towards peace, justice, and sustainability.

The 22nd iteration of the training program promises an in-depth exploration of the United Nations' efficacy in fulfilling its objectives, ranging from maintaining international peace to promoting sustainable development. Additionally, it provides a unique lens through which to understand South Korea's engagement with the UN, thereby broadening participants' perspectives on international cooperation and diplomacy. This aspect of the program not only enriches students' understanding of global governance but also cultivates a nuanced appreciation of the dynamics between the UN and its member states.

By participating in the Training Program at UN Headquarters in New York, young individuals are invited to become part of a global network of changemakers committed to addressing the world's most pressing challenges. This program does not merely aim to educate; it seeks to inspire action and foster a generation of informed, skilled, and motivated young leaders ready to contribute to a more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world. Through this immersive experience, participants are poised to make significant impacts in their communities and beyond, armed with the knowledge and networks necessary to advance the global agenda for a better future for all.

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Youth Engagement and International Solidarity

UN Secretary-General’s Message on the International Human Solidarity Day The world has achieved significant progress in human development over the past two decades. The global poverty rate fell by more than half. People are living longer and healthier lives, and are better educated.

Despite these and other advances, prosperity has not been shared by all.

Inequalities, extreme poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and environmental degradation continue to be prominent features of societies around the world.

Discrimination and prejudice remain major barriers to building inclusive societies.

Many vulnerable social groups find their situation worsening. The impacts of climate change will fall most heavily on those who did least to cause the problem.

Solidarity is essential to address these gaps in sustainable development.

Leaving no one behind, promoting prosperity and ensuring inclusiveness and equality are core principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by world leaders in September 2015, and of the Paris Agreement on climate change adopted in December of that same year. As nations strive to uphold their promises and to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), mutual support will be crucial. Global problems require collective solutions. At a time of

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divisiveness on many key global issues, from armed conflict to forced migration, people need to turn toward each other in common cause, not away from each other in fear.

On International Human Solidarity Day, let us emphasize the role of human solidarity in building lives of dignity for all on a healthy planet. We must work together to achieve the SDGs and secure the future we want.

- Ban Ki-moon, 20 Dec 2016 -

The theme of "Youth Engagement and International Solidarity" for the Training Program at United Nations Headquarters in New York is both timely and critical, reflecting a growing awareness of the indispensable role that young people play in the quest for a more sustainable, peaceful, and equitable world. This theme is set against the backdrop of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDGs are grounded in the United Nations' three pillars: peace and security, development, and human rights, which together encapsulate the comprehensive framework within which the UN operates to achieve its mission.

The importance of youth engagement in achieving the SDGs cannot be overstated. The United Nations has consistently highlighted the critical role of young people as agents of change in its strategic objectives and policy frameworks. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), young people's innovation, leadership, and resourcefulness are key to scaling up the implementation of the SDGs. The department emphasizes that engaging youth in all their diversity enhances the inclusiveness and sustainability of the solutions to global challenges. Furthermore, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) underscores the need for fostering youth leadership and participation in decision-making processes to achieve effective and lasting change, highlighting the positive impacts of youth-led initiatives on community development and global policy advocacy.

The theme underscores the necessity of building bridges across cultures, nations, and generations to address global challenges collaboratively. It acknowledges the interconnectedness of today’s world and the importance of fostering a global citizenship

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mindset among young people. This approach is crucial for promoting understanding, peace, and cooperation across different divides. By participating in the program, young individuals are expected to develop a deeper understanding of the United Nations' work, gain insights into the complexities of international relations, and build skills in diplomacy and global citizenship.

The expected outcome for participating youth is multifaceted. Participants will emerge with enhanced knowledge of the UN's operations and its approach to tackling global challenges through the SDGs. They will develop critical leadership and public speaking skills, broaden their global networks, and gain a heightened sense of responsibility towards promoting international solidarity. Most importantly, the program aims to inspire a commitment to global citizenship, empowering participants to take action within their communities and beyond to support the UN's mission and the global agenda for sustainable development. Through this engagement, the program hopes to cultivate a generation of informed, motivated, and capable young leaders ready to contribute to a more just and sustainable world.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Background A. Overview of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) B. Introduction of SDG16 C. Importance of youth engagement

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Understanding UN SDG 16

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Youth Engagement: Why It Matters

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South Korean Context A. WFUNA college leaders at the UN B. The SDSN Youth

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Global Context A. Comparison with SK’s Context B. International Initiatives or Organizations that Promote Youth Involvement in SDG 16

VI.

Conclusion

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I.

Background A.

Overview of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG)

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) are a comprehensive global plan agreed upon by all United Nations Member States in 2015.

The goals are designed to eradicate poverty, protect the environment, and promote peace and prosperity for all individuals by 2030. This comprehensive agenda is outlined in 17 interconnected goals, aiming to create a roadmap for a more sustainable and improved future for everyone. (“Sustainable Development Goals”) The achievement of these goals relies on the recognition that advancements in different areas are interconnected, with the ultimate aim of balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.

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Introduction of SDG16

Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Agenda focuses on fostering peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice, and building accountable and effective institutions. Recognizing the importance of peace, justice, and strong institutions as essential drivers of sustainable development. SDG 16 covers a wide range of important issues, including reducing violence, ending abuse and exploitation, addressing illicit financial and arms flows, promoting inclusive decision-making, and ensuring public access to information.

C.

Importance of youth engagement

Youth engagement plays a crucial role in achieving SDG 16. The global population is made up of a significant and dynamic group of individuals known as youth.

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), there were 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years in 2019, making up 16 percent of the global population. The active involvement of individuals in this field is crucial for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it guarantees the incorporation of a wide range of viewpoints and creative solutions into the practices of promoting peace and enhancing institutions. Embracing youth engagement brings a sense of inclusivity to the decision-making process, infusing it with the energy and fresh perspectives of the younger generation. This aligns with the principles of SDG 16, promoting a more democratic approach.

In addition, academic discussions highlight the significant impact that involving young people in governance and peace processes can have. Based on a report from the 25

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), engaging young individuals in the advancement of peace and justice not only helps in achieving SDG 16 but also has a positive impact on the other SDGs. This is because the involvement of young individuals promotes a culture of active citizenship and effective leadership, establishing the foundation for a future that is fair, peaceful, and environmentally responsible.

Ultimately, the involvement of young people in SDG 16 is not just advantageous, but absolutely crucial. Active participation is crucial for societies to cultivate a culture of peace and justice, establish strong and inclusive institutions, and ultimately attain sustainable development. It is crucial to prioritize and expand policies, initiatives, and mechanisms that encourage young people to play an active role in promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. By doing so, we can fully utilize the power of youth as catalysts for change in achieving SDG 16 and the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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Understanding UN SDG 16

At the core of the SDGs is the commitment to eradicate poverty (Goal 1) and hunger (Goal 2).

Goal 3 focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, targeting issues such as universal healthcare and disease prevention.

Quality education is the aim of Goal 4, emphasizing accessible and inclusive learning opportunities globally. Gender equality is central to Goal 5, seeking to empower women and girls by eliminating discrimination and violence. Goal 6 highlights the importance of clean water and sanitation, promoting sustainable water management and hygiene. Affordable and clean energy is the goal of Goal 7, promoting the expansion of renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. Goal 8 emphasizes decent work and economic growth, calling for inclusive employment and sustainable economic practices. Infrastructure and innovation are pivotal to Goal 9, advocating for resilient and sustainable industrialization. Goal 10 addresses inequalities within and among countries, striving for social, economic, and political inclusivity. Sustainable cities and communities (Goal 11) underscore the need for resilient urban development, while responsible consumption and production (Goal 12) target sustainable resource use and waste reduction. Goal 13 focuses on climate action, urging global efforts to combat climate change and its impacts. Preserving life below water (Goal 14) and life on land (Goal 15) are vital for biodiversity conservation.

Peace, justice, and strong institutions (Goal 16) aim at building just and accountable societies, and Goal 17, partnerships for the goals, underscores the importance of global cooperation to achieve sustainable development.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (UN SDG 16) centers on the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and the establishment of effective, transparent, and accountable institutions at all levels. This goal recognizes that without peace and stability, broader development efforts are at risk. SDG 16 seeks to reduce violence, end

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abuse, trafficking, and violence against children, and ensure legal identity and birth registration for all.

The targets of SDG 16 encompass a wide range of issues, including reducing financial flows, combating organized crime, strengthening institutions, and promoting the rule of law. It also addresses the importance of responsive, inclusive, and representative decision-making, access to information, and protection of fundamental freedoms.

By emphasizing global cooperation, SDG 16 acknowledges that addressing challenges like terrorism, crime, and corruption requires collaborative efforts across borders. Effective governance and strong institutions contribute not only to peace but also to the overall success of sustainable development.

III. Youth Engagement: Why It Matters Youth engagement emerges as a cornerstone for the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 16, aiming for the establishment of peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. Young individuals are instrumental in tackling complex societal challenges such as violence and corruption, thanks to their innovative approaches and significant contributions to inclusive decision-making processes. Their active involvement underlines the importance of integrating all demographic groups into societal development efforts, particularly the youth, whose futures are closely linked with the success of these initiatives. Through leadership, advocacy, and adept use of digital platforms and grassroots movements, youth amplify their own voices along with those from marginalized communities, fostering a culture of transparency, inclusivity, and equality.

In the pursuit of SDG 16, the role of young people transcends conventional participation, as they are pivotal in cultivating resilient institutions that mirror the diversity and dynamism of society. Their efforts in peacebuilding, combating corruption, and advocating for democratic governance and human rights significantly influence societal development. Empowering the youth and facilitating their full participation enables societies to leverage their unique abilities to foster unity and effectuate meaningful change, a crucial step towards the comprehensive achievement of SDG 16 and securing a sustainable future for all. This underscores the vital contribution of the youth to societal progress and the attainment of global development objectives, ensuring that their engagement propels us towards these goals and enhances the sustainability of development efforts.

However, young people face substantial hurdles in their quest to engage with society and support SDG 16. Key challenges include limited access to platforms for meaningful participation, marginalization from political processes, and a digital divide that exacerbates disparities in access to technology and information. These obstacles are accentuated in underprivileged and developing regions, where limited internet access and inadequate educational resources restrict youth participation and their potential to instigate change.

Furthermore, educational systems often fall short in equipping youth with necessary critical thinking and leadership skills, essential for effective civic engagement and advocacy.

Addressing these barriers is imperative to fully harness the potential of youth in driving forward the objectives of SDG 16 and fostering a more inclusive, just, and peaceful world.

IV. South Korean Context

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South Korea Youth Engagement- WFUNA college leaders at the UN Youth members in Korea are participating in numerous activities to combat the dire conditions of human rights in society. One of them related to SDG 16 was “WFUNA college leaders at the UN” in 2022 held in NewYork Un HeadQuarters. This program is a biennial workshop of the United Nations under the theme of Arms Reduction and Sustainable Development Goals where it brings university students together from diverse backgrounds who are interested in promoting SDG 16. During the 5 day conference, 49 Korean students were dedicated to acquiring knowledge of the work of the Conventional Arms Branch and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the role of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs which is to support the implementation of conventional arms control instruments and managing funding mechanisms and projects. Furthermore, Ms. Aude Feltz, the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs strongly emphasized the critical role of Youth and stated that raising awareness and tackling threats posed by weapons of mass destruction and conventional arms is imperative.

Youth-led Initiatives in South Korea - The SDSN Youth The Sustainable Development Solutions Network Youth is one of the largest youth-led networks working together towards the SDG goals. This network was launched in 2015 by Professor Sachs. SDSN primarily focuses on mobilizing and educating youth to shape a sustainable world for the future. SDSN consists of various youth-engaging programs such as Youth Member Organizations, SDSN Network Membership, Regional/National Networks, etc., providing fertile grounds for youth empowerment. One of the chief programs that SDSN launched was the SDG Youth Research and Policy Forum, where youth dedicated themselves to research and gained insights into what is needed to achieve SDGs in Korea. In a 33-page report, the research primarily focused on SDG goal 16, aiming to become an inclusive society beyond discrimination, a fair economy beyond efficiency, and an accountable environment beyond spontaneity. Seventeen youth leaders successfully delivered the reports to political parties and also coordinated eight public meetings.

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Global Context A. Comparison with South Korea’s Context South Korea's Youth Engagement in SDG 16 South Korea has made remarkable progress in involving young people in societal matters, placing great importance on education, technological advancements, and social welfare. However, it seems that the involvement of young people in promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions, as stated in SDG 16, is not as prominent as it could be. Efforts like the Korean National Ocean Science Museum's dedication to organizing regional youth forums on climate change and marine conservation showcase a progressive mindset in engaging young people in important matters. (“South Korea”) However, these initiatives do not directly tackle the key aspects of SDG 16.

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The government's initiatives to assist marginalized youth and implement policies to enhance youth employment are aligned with the broader objectives of SDG 16, as they strive to foster more inclusive and equitable societal structures. (“Republic of Korea Supports Youth Engagement on Climate Solutions and Marine Conservation in East Asia | PEMSEA”) However, it appears that there is potential for additional focused programs that actively involve young individuals in efforts to foster peace and enhance justice and institutions.

International Efforts in Youth Engagement for SDG 16 Across the world, there are many initiatives that highlight the crucial contribution of young people in the pursuit of SDG 16. The Youth4Peace initiative, supported by the United Nations, showcases a focused and organized approach to involving young people in activities related to promoting peace and resolving conflicts. By focusing on capacity-building, advocating for change, and actively participating in peace processes, Youth4Peace demonstrates how young individuals can play a crucial role in promoting peace and justice.

Another impressive example is the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), which brings together young people from ECOWAS member states to assist in the implementation of the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda. This initiative emphasizes the need for capacity building and advocacy, underscoring the significance of engaging young people in the preservation of peace and security. (“YOUTH, PEACE & SECURITY – West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP)”) Comparative Analysis and Insights for South Korea The approach taken by South Korea appears to be more concerned with addressing wider societal concerns rather than explicitly tying them to the core objectives of SDG 16. This stands in contrast to the global initiatives that specifically target youth engagement in peacebuilding and justice. Implementing programs like Youth4Peace could be advantageous for South Korea as it offers a structured approach to involve young people in peacebuilding initiatives.

Establishing structured pathways and platforms for youth participation in peace and justice initiatives is a key aspect of effective international endeavors. South Korea has the potential to create similar platforms that provide young individuals with clear opportunities to contribute to activities related to SDG 16.

The significance of education in actively involving young individuals is underscored by both South Korean and international initiatives. South Korea has a robust educational infrastructure that has the potential to integrate peace, justice, and strong

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institutions into the curriculum. This could help cultivate a sense of active citizenship among the younger generation.

Utilizing South Korea's impressive technological capabilities, there is an opportunity to engage young people in SDG 16 by leveraging innovative digital platforms. This could involve various online platforms, applications, and simulations that aim to educate and engage young individuals in initiatives promoting peace and justice.

B. International Initiatives or Organizations that Promote Youth Involvement in SDG 16 The 30th International Youth Forum (IYF) took place in Seoul, South Korea, from July 16 to 23, 2019.

This event serves as a notable illustration of global efforts to encourage youth participation in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16. This forum brought together 200 participants from 40 countries, with a focus on "Inclusion and Inclusiveness: Shared Vision of Youth for Local, National, and Global Village". (“30th International Youth Forum in Korea | O4af.com | Opportunities for Afghanistan”) The event was coordinated by the National Council of Youth Organization in Korea, in collaboration with the Korean Educational Psychology Association, and supported by several organizations including the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family of the Republic of Korea, the World Assembly of Youth, and the Asian Youth Council.

The forum delved into different facets of social inclusion, examining the obstacles encountered by individuals with disabilities, minorities, and other marginalized groups.

The goal was to promote a sense of unity and collaboration among young people from different backgrounds, inspiring them to tackle global challenges together. Participants had the opportunity to attend lectures by professors from Korean universities, where they actively participated in discussions on various topics such as education, the role of media in promoting inclusiveness, and the importance of designing inclusive environments. (Любослава Христова) One notable aspect of the IYF was the organization of participants into smaller teams for discussion sessions. During these sessions, participants had the opportunity to exchange insights on social issues in their respective countries and collaborate on generating solutions and action plans. This cooperative approach emphasized the significance of being a global citizen and the proactive involvement of young people in addressing exclusion and advocating for inclusivity.

In addition to academic activities, the forum also featured cultural events such as the "Global Village" night, where participants had the opportunity to share their cultures through national attire, cuisine, and traditional games. This fostered crosscultural collaboration and intercultural dialogue, emphasizing the importance of global solidarity and the value of embracing diversity.

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The United Nations Youth Association (UNYA), another important platform, also involves young people in global governance and the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 16. While the sources did not provide specific information about UNYA's activities, it is common for organizations of this nature to work on an international scale. They provide young individuals with the chance to engage in discussions, workshops, and projects that are in line with the objectives of the United Nations, such as promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Both the International Youth Forum 2019 in South Korea and initiatives like UNYA demonstrate the collective global endeavor to engage young people in the pursuit of SDG 16. They exemplify the impact of involving young people in promoting peace and inclusivity, fostering a sense of global citizenship and accountability. South Korea's hosting of the IYF demonstrates a strong dedication to these principles, providing a blueprint for other nations to follow in empowering young people to make a significant impact on global issues.

VI. Conclusion In summary, this report emphasizes the pivotal significance of young individuals in furthering Sustainable Development Goal 16. It tackles the obstacles they encounter when attempting to participate in society while showcasing their distinct contributions. Young people demonstrate their ability to effect societal transformation towards more harmonious, equitable, and all-encompassing communities by means of inventive resolutions and proactive engagement. Nevertheless, it is critical to surmount obstacles such as restricted availability of decision-making platforms, disparities in education, and the digital divide in order to completely exploit their capabilities. By confronting these obstacles, communities can enable young people, thereby guaranteeing their crucial contribution to the realization of SDG 16 and the promotion of a sustainable future that benefits all. This appeal urges relevant parties to prioritize youth engagement as a fundamental aspect of sustainable development. It promotes the implementation of inclusive policies and approaches that acknowledge and magnify the perspectives of young individuals on a global scale.

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Works Cited “Sustainable Development Goals.” UNDP, 2015, www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

“South Korea.” International Youth Foundation, 2023, iyfglobal.org/country/south-korea. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

“Republic of Korea Supports Youth Engagement on Climate Solutions and Marine Conservation in East Asia | PEMSEA.”

Pemsea.org,

2023,

www.pemsea.org/resources/news/republic-korea-supports-youth-

engagement-climate-solutions-and-marine-conservation. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

“YOUTH, PEACE & SECURITY – West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP).” Wanep.org, 27 July 2023, wanep.org/wanep/youth-peace-security/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

“30th International Youth Forum in Korea | O4af.com | Opportunities for Afghanistan.” O4af.com | Opportunities for Afghanistan, 9 June 2020, o4af.com/opportunity/iyf-korea/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024. Любослава Христова. “The 30th International Youth Forum in Seoul – BeKultured.” Bekultured.com, 2019, bekultured.com/en/the-30th-international-youth-forum-in-seoul/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.

Backgrounds: SDGs and MDGs

II.

Income Inequality in Education A. The Causation of this Phenomenon B. Possible Solutions for Income Inequality

III.

Gender Inequality in Education A. Gender Inequalities in Educational Opportunities B. Possible Solutions for Gender Inequality

IV.

Refugee Inequality in Education A. Three Key Facts about Refugee Inequality in Education B. Possible Solutions for Refugee Inequality

V.

Development Inequality in Education A. Impact of a country’s GDP on its education level B. Efforts of UN - ‘Bridge Project’ C. Possible Solutions for Development Inequality

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I.

Backgrounds: SDGs and MDGs

The UN is one of the most prestigious international organizations made up of 193 member states. The UN seeks to maintain international peace and security, while also protecting human rights and facilitating communication between the states. In 2015, the UN adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, also known as SDGs. These goals succeed the Millennium Development Goals, or MDGs with the intent of ending poverty. The SDGs build further onto the MDGs in the sense that they also strive for sustainable human development on Earth. These SDGs are expiring in 2030, and the goals are to be achieved before expiration. However, analysis of statistics and data seems to suggest that the global world is falling short of achieving its goals by 2030, similar to the situation with MDGs. The UN has no way to enforce policies to achieve its goals and is entirely dependent on the national governments. This calls for a very disorganized and ineffective process in working to achieve the goals. The first data to prove this point is that MDGs and SDGs look quite like one another. For example, MDG 1, “Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger”, reappeared in SDGs as Goal 1, “No Poverty”, and Goal 2, “Zero Hunger.” This information implies that the MDGs were not sufficiently achieved, which in turn caused the UN to re-establish the goal, with a different name. Another goal that was renamed and re-established in the SDGs is MDG 2, “Achieve universal primary education”, which is incorporated in the SDGs as Goal 4, “Quality Education.” This paper aims to discuss the world’s current underachievement in Goal 4 in four parts, income, gender, refugees, and development. Furthermore, group 2 seeks to offer possible solutions and insights to solve the issue.

II.

Income Inequality in Education

Group 2 referred to statistics about national relative poverty to traumatically present how high-income households have different quality of education from lower-income households.

According to accumulated data by global average collected from opportunity insight, there was a positive correlation between investment in private education and scholarly outcomes. This type of aspect stands out to countries that are more reliant on capitalism. Team 2 discovered the graph of the average university acceptance rate by household shows a rapid increase of 2.2 times as someone’s household income is at the top 90th percentile of America, collected data from a US news report. This resulted in the inquiry of group 2 about the causation of such trends, and it was identified that the trend was led by Ivy universities, collected from opportunity insights.

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The data from Princeton undergraduate students’ class of 2015 to 2018, who graduated high school in New York city, 62 percent of high school students are from private schools. Even though the rest of the students are from public high schools, it is shown that 21 percent of the students came from certain prestigious public high schools in New York, and 9 percent of them came from selective public high schools. This phenomenon does not only apply to America but Korea simultaneously. As household income increases, the graph shows that the fifth income quartile spends approximately 6 times more expenses on private education, and a selectively higher probability of getting accepted to 4-year college than the first income quartile. This demonstrates that expanses give more education opportunities, while other groups of incomes are achieving less.

A.

The Causation of this Phenomenon

The generations that have gone through these phenomena are Generation Z and Millennials. In economics, the Great Economic Crisis occurred in the 20th century and 21st centuries. Other generations underwent predominantly one or two financial crises, which were the foreign exchange crisis and oil waves, while they were trying to get employed. On the other hand, millennials and Gen Zs experienced the foreign exchange crisis, the 2008 financial crisis (great recession), and the great lockdown (COVID era) while they were trying to get employed. This graph has shown that not only the economic crisis they have faced, due to rapid GDP growth caused by the advancement of technology and population, but the average global education has also rapidly increased. According to Chapter 1: Education and Economic Outcomes Among the Young, 34 percent of millennials have finished a bachelor's degree, while other generations have only finished less than 30 percent. Because of such educational inflation, people with a higher degree of education became more beneficial than ones who have a lower degree of education, so a setback to people who only have high school diplomas or lower.

B.

Possible Solutions for Income Inequality

The essential way to eliminate the gap between high-income households and lowincome households is to give privileges to lower-income households. Job training program. It has proven its validity by implementing in the past by 2015 US governmental job training program reported by Brookings Education, the US government provided a job training program in 2015 to people from low-income households, by including the Workforce and Innovative Act. As a result, it succeeded in reducing the number of people who were willing to drop out of university and extinguished 1/2 of people who did not graduate college. (WOCA).

III. Gender Inequality in Education 39

A.

Gender Inequalities in Educational Opportunities

Gender also plays a big role in the unequal distribution of education opportunities. Women have more chance of being biased against, harming the right to equal opportunities. The social bias of women’s roles is hindering them from approaching some areas of interest, such as STEM. Only a third of the total STEM degree recipients were women, a sizeable increase from the past, but still not enough to satisfy Quality Education.

Getting equal education in STEM will be a big step to contribute to the SDG. Also, the general statistics on the education of women are not hopeful. From 2016 to 2018, right after the SDGs were set, the female primary education enrollment percentage went down by 1% point, from 49% to 48%. The secondary education enrollment was stationary, hovering just over 48%. The UN SDG 4 was set to balance male and female education opportunities, ideally at 50%. However, the percentages going down or being stationary show that the world is not developing toward balance, or it is retreating away. Fixing the reversed flow of the graph will be a daunting task for the UN and the world.

Another statistic shows that MDGs were more successful than SDGs in this case. The female secondary vocational pupil’s percentage increased from 44.75% to 45.5% in the period 2000 - 2009.

After 2009, it experienced a sharp decrease, falling 1.5% point to 44%.

Then, it met another steep decline right after 2015, settling at 42% in 2018. It is now 2024, and if that trend continued, the percentage would be near 38%. This brings up a concern about the SDGs and their necessities.

The two data above seem to suggest a decline or stagnation in progress toward Quality Education after the SDGs were established. This might be a natural decline, or it might have human causes, but one thing is sure; the UN needs to act on behalf of the SDGs and help the world achieve the global goal.

A little more dramatic statistics suggest a big flaw in the SDGs that is not able to fill in the gender gap. The percentage of youth not in training, education, or employment shows the numbers for young boys and girls who are not investing their time in selfdevelopment. This might be for multiple reasons: the need to support their family within the household, unwillingness to develop themselves, or inability to access basic education. The percentage of female youth reached as high as 81.2% in Afghanistan and 69.2% in Yemen. On the other hand, the percentage of male youth was far below.

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It still reached 70.7% in Tuvalu, but this is most likely due to the sea level rise. The second highest is more interesting; 45.5% in Kiribati. In Yemen, it was only 22.1%.

This shows that in most developing countries, women lack the opportunity to invest in themselves and take part in the economy. The developed countries have no problem; in Iceland, the female percentage reached as low as 2.8%. This imbalance is also one of the most pressing problems, not just in education, but in all perspectives of the SDGs.

B.

Possible Solutions for Gender Inequality

In the solution to gender inequality, an advertisement can help people see the dire need for equality. Dealing with economics within the advertisement is crucial, as this advertisement hopes to draw the interest of common people by making them aware of the actual economic value of women's education. An internationally recognized organ, such as the World Bank or IMF, will provide and calculate the exact economic value of women's education within each state. The Global Partnership for Education states that “a one percentage point increase in female education raises the average gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.3 percentage points and raises annual GDP growth rates by 0.2 percentage points.” To see this in context, there must be an example. If the US raised female education by one percentage point, they would see a 63 billion dollar increase in the GDP. Dividing by the population of 300 million shows that an average of 230 dollars increase in GDP per capita is expected.

Also, doing a women’s interest survey to understand the need for education and jobs for women is necessary. Before applying solutions and policies in the real world, we must be aware of what the women want to do, and the best way to find out is by asking them directly. In the UN Egovernment Survey taken by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which takes place again in 2024, we will need to add a category dealing with majors or areas of interest for women. This survey can bring reliable and impartial information, especially considering that the UN has specific guidelines for gathering the information, mostly for developing or transition countries.

After the information has been gathered, policies must be made to utilize the data collected by the UN. Because the UN cannot implement schools for women all around the world, they should prioritize the countries that need equal education the most. The statistics that can represent gender equality in education best is the gender parity index in education. The gender parity index represents a ratio between males and females in each indicator. The data shows that out of the countries represented in the World Bank Database, Somalia has the lowest gender parity index value, with 0.55 for primary education, 0.46 for secondary, and 0.25 for tertiary. These values are almost twice as low as the second-lowest country. Also, the education level in Somalia is one of the lowest in the world, with non-educated persons reaching 80% of the population.

Therefore, it seems plausible for the UN to focus on building schools for women in Somalia.

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To fund these schools and data gathering, it is necessary to get funding from other UN branches, other NGOs with a common cause, and donations from governments.

UN branches, such as UN Women, will sympathize with the cause and will contribute a significant amount to the project, especially considering that the budget of UN Women in 2023 was 204.4 million dollars. To get construction workers, we must reach out to Building Goodness Foundation, a nonprofit organization working to build houses and schools for underprivileged people around the world. Furthermore, getting funds from governments are a little bit harder, but the governments of Israel, Mexico, The Netherlands, and Norway is supporting gender equality financially. Those governments are still able to donate more, and this project will give them international recognition, by calculating their contribution to the economic rise of Somalia.

IV. Refugee Inequality in Education During the war between Ukraine and Russia, many refugees have been formed. Refugees encounter various difficulties, and one of the most significant disadvantages is the lack of education. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, also known as UNHCR, many of the refugees of school age do not receive the basic education they need. And to explain the situation and the seriousness of this problem, the UNHCR has given us a few key facts about refugees and education.

A.

Three Key Facts about Refugee Inequality in Education

More than half of refugee children around the world are not able to go to school. The schoolaged refugee population has increased by about 50% since the start of 2022, resulting in 14.8 million refugees. This means that over 7 million refugee children are not enrolled in school. Also, for example, almost half of the Ukraine refugees are missing out on formal education, meaning that almost 1.85 million students are not being educated properly. Here are some factors to explain why the Ukraine refugee students are not being educated. Legal and language barriers, lack of information on available education options, hesitancy among parents to enroll their children in host countries’ education systems, and lack of capacity of schools in host countries to support Ukrainian students.

Also, there were steeper drop-offs of refugee students at higher levels of education.

It is shown in the statistics below that 38% get pre-primary education, and the rate increases to 65% in the primary. However, the problem starts in secondary schools.

41% of students go through secondary education, and only 6% attend tertiary education.

This data suggests that there is not much help given to the refugees who are moving on to the next level of education.

Finally, the gap between gross enrollment rates among refugees and non-refugees is wide, with far fewer refugees attending school. In 2022, the global average of primary gross enrollment rate was 103% for males and 101% for females, however for refugees, it was 63% for males and 61% for females, according to the UNHCR. Gross

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enrollment is enrollment in a specific level of education, regardless of age. This means that the percentage may exceed over 100 percent, due to the inclusion of over-aged and under-aged students. So even including students who are over or under-aged, the refugee’s gross enrollment rates are far from 100%.

These statistics display the clear need for education. The need to educate the refugees is extremely important. Resolution 2601 emphasized the need to facilitate the continuation of education in situations of armed conflict. Refugees have the right to be educated in any situation.

B.

Possible Solutions for Refugee Inequality

The most feasible solution is raising money. Many famous companies such as IKEA and Airbnb are helping to raise money for refugees. For example, IKEA has partnered with UNHCR on a project called “Brighter Lives for Refugees”, in which IKEA pledged to donate a portion of all sales of light bulbs and lamps. As a result, IKEA was able to raise more than $33.4 million for renewable energy sources to be used by refugee families.

The UN can also use propaganda to change how people look at refugees and help them be included in education. There is a video titled, “Most Shocking Second a Day Video” posted by SaveTheChildren.

The video shows the viewers what effects war can have on a child and how anyone can become a refugee. The video ends with the quote, “Just because it isn’t happening here doesn’t mean it isn’t happening”. Many people have already seen the video and felt empathy towards the refugees who might have experienced the same thing. Using propaganda can raise awareness of refugees and may solve the problems of isolation of the refugees.

There are too many refugees not living in the right environment to be educated. To help these refugees, we can send professionals and recruit local volunteers to help the refugees get the basic education they need. In an organization called “The Global Compact on Refugees (GCR)”, which is supported by the UNHCR, there has been a case where volunteers helped Syrian students who had fled to Türkiye after the break of civil war. One of the biggest barriers for the students to be educated was language.

So, to help them get a chance to achieve higher levels of education, they have provided language training programs. With the funds raised by using propaganda and partnering with companies, the GCR can provide educational help to more refugees.

V.

Development Inequality in Education

The goal of quality education of the UN must also be implemented in countries where education policies and infrastructure are not provided in nature to ensure the students in those countries have a stable education in an improved educational environment. The problem of

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education deficits at the political level occurs in these two cases: developing countries with low GDP and countries with strong religious beliefs such as Saudi Arabia and Iran.

A.

Impact of a country’s GDP on its education level In terms of GDP, the level of education infrastructure varies depending on GDP. For example, Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology modeled the relationship with cross-sectional regressions and found a strong correlation between GDP per capita and universities. The results of the study suggest that a 10% increase in the number of universities in a region is related to about 0.4% higher GDP per person.

For another example, this world map shows the literacy rates in the world.

According to this map, the slow development in the literacy rate is mostly among the developing countries that didn’t join the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in the 1960s.

In this map, Chad, Mali, and South Sudan are the countries with the most literacy difficulty. Their GDP per capita stands at 814 Dollars as of 2022, which shows a sharp difference from the average OECD members' GDP per capita for 2022 was $43,261. These two resources show that the wealth of a country has a significant impact on the level of its educational infrastructure.

B.

Efforts of UN - ‘Bridge Project’

To solve the level of education that varies differently depending on the economic power of each country, UNESCO and UNICEF have continued to improve education around the world through cooperation with local communities, innovation in educational curriculum, and improvement of educator capabilities. Even if there were the efforts of the UN, in particular, the UN has not been very effective for equal education worldwide. For one case, UNICEF promoted the 'Bridge Project' for the development of education in developing countries by expanding educational accessibility for Africa from 2010 to 2020. But the literacy of the representative countries including South Africa and Zimbabwe that applied the bridge project at that time had very insignificant growth rates during the same period.

C.

Possible Solutions for Development Inequality

In response, the UN can develop the following resolution. On the public relations level, first of all, international recognition is made that the education level of the poorest countries and the literacy of students are at a serious level. After that, 44

institutions such as the International Development Fund and developed countries are encouraged to donate or support more resources or funds so that developing countries can realize fair and high-quality education by example. This is a resolution to be promoted in terms of the promotion of funding and can serve as an opportunity to expand the infrastructure for overall education.

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52

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.

Introduction A. Topic Analysis B. Problem C. Research Question D. Definitions 1. Population Demographics 2. Population Pyramids 3. Fertility Rate 4. Mortality Rate

I.

Body A. Individual Country Analysis B. Compare and Contrast C. Causes of Population Instability

II.

Conclusion & Solutions A. Fertility and Mortality 1. Utilization of Family Planning 2. Implementation of Microloan System 3. Renewal of Immigration & Refugee Acceptance System B. Policy Recommendations 1. Reformation and Revitalization of Labor Rights and Monitoring Systems 2. Creation of a Modernized UN Framework for Sustainable Population Growth and Recovery 3. Strengthening and Increasing Accessibility to Justice Systems C. Urbanization 1. Utilization of Tax Incentives 2. Increase Infrastructure Investment 3. Create Affordable Housing Policies

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I.

INTRODUCTION A.

Topic Analysis

The declining and aging population is one of the most serious population crises in Pacific Asia. Countries face economic burdens, loss of nationality, and even the risk of losing their descendants. By analyzing population demographic models of different countries, we can identify the problem and find creative solutions using SDGs.

B.

Problem

The first consequence is a rise in healthcare expenses for the elderly. Secondly, there is a decrease in the workforce accompanied by an increase in retirees. Thirdly, it initiates a detrimental cycle of diminishing numbers in the younger generation. Lastly, it results in an unstable trend in the population.

C.

Research Question -

D.

II.

What solutions can countries implement to solve or prevent declining and aging population?

Definitions 1.

Population Demographic: The social characteristics and statistics of a human population

2.

Population Pyramid: What represents the breakdown of the population by gender and age at a given point in time

3.

Fertility Rate: The total number of children that would be born to each woman

4.

Mortality Rate: The ratio between the deaths and individuals in a specified population and during a particular period.

BODY A.

Individual Country Analysis 54

① People’s Republic of China The first country is the People’s Republic of China, located in East Asia. It has a population of 1.4 billion people and a fertility rate of 6.39 births per woman. The mortality rate is 7.87 deaths per 1000 people. According to the population prediction, by 2050, the population will decrease to 1.313 billion. The GDP rate is 26.94 trillion USD. The graph depicts a declining fertility rate for the 0-4 age group and an increasing elderly population that is retiring.

② Republic of India The second country's name is the Republic of India which is in South Asia and has a population of 1.4 billion which is stable. The fertility rate is 2.14 births per woman. The mortality rate is 7.4 deaths per 1000 people.

Population predicted that the population would be 1.67 billion. The GDP is 3.73 trillion dollars.

③ Republic of Indonesia The third country’s name is the Republic of Indonesia. The location of the country is in SouthEast Asia. The fertility rate is 2.14 births per woman. Also, the mortality rate is 7.4 deaths per 1000 people. The population prediction by 2050 is 1.67 billion. The GDP is 1.67 trillion USD. The 0-4 years old population is decreasing slowly. However, the elderly population who are retired is slowly increasing.

④ Japan Japan's location is in East Asia. The population is 123.3 million people. The fertility rate is 1.33 births per woman. The mortality rate is 10.2 deaths per 1000 people. The population prediction by 2050 is 104,1 million.

The GDP is 5.15 trillion USD. The 0-4 newborn years children rate is decreasing, but the population of retiring age is slowly increasing.

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⑤ People’s Republic of Korea The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s population is 26.2 million in East Asia. The Fertility rate is 1.8 births per woman. The mortality rate is 9.5 deaths per 1000 people. The population prediction by 2050 is 25.8 million.

The GDP is 21.24 billion USD. This nation’s fertility rate is also decreasing, and the retiring age population is increasing.

⑥ Republic of Philippines The sixth country is the Republic of the Philippines. It is located in south-east Asia and has a population of 117.34 million. The fertility rate is 2.454 births per woman, and the mortality rate is 6.3 deaths per 1000 people. It is predicted that the population will be 157.89 million by 2050. Lastly, the Philippines has a GDP of 921.8 billion US dollars. The population is increasing, which means it is stabilizing.

⑦ Republic of Singapore The seventh country is the Republic of Singapore. It is located in southeast Asia and has a population of 5.92 million. The fertility rate is 1.2 births per woman, and the mortality rate is 5.2 deaths per 1000 people. It is predicted that the population will be 6.4 million by 2050.

Lastly, the Republic of Singapore has a GDP of 26.5 trillion US dollars. The population of Singapore is stable.

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⑧ Republic of Korea The eighth country is the Republic of Korea.

It is located in east Asia and has a population of 51.8 million. Fertility rate is 0.84 births per woman, and the mortality rate is 5.4 deaths per 1000 people. It is predicted that the population will be 46 million by 2050. Lastly, the Republic of Korea has a GDP of 1.6 trillion US dollars.

Since the expected population by 2050 is less than the current population, also with a fertility rate of 0.84, the population is decreasing.

⑨ Kingdom of Thailand The 9th country is the Kingdom of Thailand.

It is located in south-east Asia, and has a population of 71.8 million. Fertility rate is 1.46 births per woman, and the mortality rate is 7.9 deaths per 1000 people. It is predicted that the population will be 65.94 million by 2050.

Lastly, the Kingdom of Thailand has a GDP of 1.3 trillion US dollars. Population is decreasing since the expected population by 2050 is less than the current population.

⑩ The socialist Republic of VietNam The tenth country is The Socialist Republic of VietNam. It is located in southeast Asia and has a population of 98.9 million. The fertility rate is 2.0 births per woman, and the mortality rate is 5.8 deaths per 1000 people. It is predicted that the population will be 107.0 million by 2050. Lastly, The Socialist Republic of VietNam has a GDP of $426 billion US dollars. The population is stable since the expected population by 2050 is greater than the current population.

B.

Compare and Contrast

10 Countries analyzed above can be sorted into three groups: Stable, stabilizing, and Declining. The sorting was done with analysis by comparing and contrasting different elements such as population, fertility and mortality rate, expected population change, etc.

-

Stable: Singapore, Vietnam

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C.

-

Stabilizing: Indonesia, Philippines, and India

-

Declining Thailand, China, North Korea, South Korea, and Japan

Causes of Population Instability

Through comparison of these countries, the group has concluded that there are three main causes of aging and declining population.

1) Low fertility and high mortality 2) Policies and Cultural Norms 3) Urbanization Family planning is defined as, “planning about when and how to have families to control family size.” Contraceptive methods and planning for employment are key aspects of proper planning. If done correctly, proper family planning can benefit countries with all sorts of situations; in the context of countries with declining populations, it can increase fertility rates to a sustainable level. Without proper employment, raising children to become full, productive members of society is nearly impossible. By including employment plans in family planning, sustainable population growth can be achieved by ensuring the means necessary for parents to support themselves and their children. All that said, any family planning initiatives must take into account the risk of the beneficiaries becoming dependent on the government and the time-consuming nature of these projects.

A microloan can be defined as a small sum of money that is lent to people with a low-interest rate. Its main purpose is to help individuals or small firms whether to start a business or to help people gain economic freedom. It has two benefits to society as the government is directly helping people who are in need. Microloan targets SDG 8 as it is a system that can boost the country’s economy while supporting people to end or avoid poverty. It is also related to SDG 11 as new businesses will create an environment for a more prosperous and sustainable city or community. Also, it can decrease people’s long-term dependency on the government as the microloan system targets the origin of poverty by helping people to support themselves. There are still limitations as giving out too many microloans can be economically burdening for the government in less developed or developing countries; however, with promising future, long-term benefits of the microloan system are to be considered.

Creating better systems for refugees and immigrants is beneficial in two big ways.

First, it creates an economic boost. In an aging or declining population, lack of labor is a serious issue. Also, demand not meeting supply is a huge issue. With better systems for refugees and immigrants, these problems can be solved as refugees and immigrants can be considered as a source of labor. The older population is growing, there is a huge demand for jobs providing services to the elderly. Also, because there are more people, the country’s GDP will grow as there will be more demand coming from more people.

Not only that but more importantly, accepting refugees and immigrants targets the refugee crisis and immigration crisis. It can provide safety to these people, and even provide them with economic opportunities. However, there are still limits as changing the whole system is time-consuming and it can cause different cultural issues such as

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loss of nationality. Therefore, it is quite important to create a good system to attain promising benefits while minimizing harm.

The detrimental effects posed by certain policies and aspects of culture may be addressed with the reform and revitalization of labor rights and associated monitoring systems, the creation of a modernized UN framework for sustainable population growth and recovery, and the development of strong, accessible justice systems at all times External migration is one of the many sources of population growth. While countries projected to have declining populations have strong domestic labor policies, they are also places where the mistreatment of foreign workers is still quite common. Thus, immigration may become discouraged in these countries in the future. Women are significant for maintaining sustainable population growth. However, certain current gender norms, especially the motherhood burden, push attaining economic stability over raising a family to the point of causing falling birth rates. Reforming and revitalizing labor rights and the associated monitoring systems is needed for these highly important sectors of society to contribute to maintaining sustainable population growth.

Proper international cooperation is required to achieve stable populations across the globe. While the 1974 World Population Plan of Action exists, it has become an outdated document. The experiences of countries like Japan and South Korea and the role Africa could play should have been considered. Furthermore, the interconnected nature of today’s world necessitates a system where awareness and expert knowledge can be easily shared. The creation of a modernized UN framework for the needed cooperation to achieve sustainable population growth and recovery among all countries is necessary.

Strong, accessible justice systems are another necessary factor to achieving sustainable population growth. Without them, the lack of development and human rights eventually leads to tension, terrorism, and open conflict. Justice systems represent peaceful ways to resolve these issues. The development of strong, accessible justice systems as preventive measures is vital to ensure that the conditions necessary for population growth are met.

III. CONCLUSION & SOLUTIONS Fertility and mortality, certain policies and cultural expectations, and urbanization are key reasons behind the declining populations of certain countries in the Asia Pacific Region. These factors are multifaceted, and the solutions must be equally so — with the costs and benefits properly considered and the people always at the center of every decision. These solutions include: ● Utilization of Family Planning ● Implementation of Microloan System ● Renewal of Immigration & Refugee Acceptance System ● Reform and Revitalization of Labor Rights and Monitoring Systems

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● Creation of a Modernized UN Framework for Sustainable Population Growth and Recovery ● Development of Strong, Accessible Justice Systems ● Utilization of Tax Incentives ● Investment in Infrastructure ● Creation of Affordable Housing Policies

Beyond the large-scale solutions against the declining populations in the Asia-Pacific Region, everyone must have this key mindset: Populations are declining and that’s everyone’s problem.

No matter the demographics of any one country, global cooperation is needed to find the needed solutions for a sustainable world with a stable population. Not all countries may be facing declining populations, but with the interconnected nature of the world, their perspectives must be taken into account in global discussions on population dynamics. Furthermore, as development occurs or declines in countries around the world, the lessons learned from countries with declining populations may serve as the basis for solutions in other countries in the future.

This report focused on countries with declining populations; furthermore, the problems and solutions mostly reflected the situation of countries in the Asia-Pacific Region. This doesn’t mean that other perspectives should be disregarded. On the contrary, there is power in diversity.

In our global community, all voices must be heard on the issue of demographics to ensure a progressive, sustainable, and stable world for all.

To put it simply, united we stand divided we fall.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.

Background A. The starting of climate action B. Past & current policies of climate change

II.

Comprehensive Analysis on Climate Action A. Present Scientific approach applied to tackle the ongoing issue of climate change B. The Efficacy of Carbon Tax Policies in Mitigating Climate Change

III.

An Integrated Approach to Environmental Sustainability: Policies and Strategies

IV.

Sociological Approach to Climate Change: Heat waves

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I.

Background A.

The starting of climate action

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, human influence on climate change was significantly weakened compared to the significant influence that appeared in modern times. The pre-industrial era was characterized by limited industrial activities, mainly limited to small-scale operations that emit little greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide and methane. Industrial processes were local and relied mainly on laborintensive methods, and energy was produced from natural factors such as wind power, water, and human or animal power. These natural energies were utilized through technologies such as windmills and water wheels. As a result, emissions from industrial processes were limited, contributing little to the concentration of greenhouse gasses in the entire atmosphere. In addition, before industrialization began in earnest, land-use changes, including forest use and urbanization, were relatively insignificant.

Large-scale forest use and industrial or urban land conversion were rare in some societies, so the environmental impact of human activities was limited, and the natural landscape remained largely the same. Climate volatility during this period was mainly caused by natural climate cycles such as solar radiation changes and volcanic activity, and human impact on these processes was minimal.

During the Second Industrial Revolution, the widespread adoption of coal as a major fuel source led to a significant increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Burning coal releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. The rise in carbon dioxide levels has had a significant impact on Earth's climate systems. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, meaning it traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere. As levels of carbon dioxide increase due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, forest use, and industrial processes, more heat is trapped, which leads to an increase in Earth's temperature. This phenomenon, known as artificial or human climate change, has caused various effects on the environment and society.

One of the most obvious effects of increased carbon dioxide levels and climate change is an increase in global temperature. This warming trend has resulted in changes in weather patterns, including more frequent and intense heat waves, droughts, and extreme weather events such as hurricanes and heavy rains.

B.

Past & current policies of climate change

As climate change intensifies around the world and resulting damage continues to occur, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) promotes the establishment of an international agreement on climate change and serves as a platform to discuss implementation, development, and modification of the agreement. A decision-making body, the 'Council of Parties to the Climate Change Convention (COP)', was created. COPs are held periodically and are held in cities designated by the host country.

COPs are held annually or at irregular intervals as needed to ensure a rapid and effective response to the problem of climate change. The first country to host COP was Germany, which was held in Berlin. The most recent COP meeting was the 28th held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on November 30, 2023. The COP is attended by parties to the UNFCCC Convention. This includes countries and regional organizations that have joined the convention, with 198 countries joining to date. Each 71

party fulfills the obligations and responsibilities defined in the Convention and discusses and cooperates on them at the COP. The COP establishes key decisions of the agreement on each country's climate change action plan, reduction goals, technology transfer, and funding, and improves or revises the agreement.

Representative UN climate agreements established as international treaties at this COP meeting include the Kyoto Protocol, the Doha Amendment, and the Paris Agreement.

1.

Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement adopted at the 3rd Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Kyoto, Japan in 1997. One of the main purposes of the Kyoto Protocol is to set greenhouse gas reduction targets for major industrialized countries, which aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% from 2008 to 2012 compared to 1990. Mainly industrialized countries and economically developed countries, such as highly industrialized Japan, Canada, and European Union member states, were encouraged to participate in this protocol, and participating countries were required to carry out their own reduction goals and obligations. The Kyoto Protocol also agreed to assist developing countries with sustainable development through technology transfer and funding, to support their efforts to minimize adverse impacts on the climate while pursuing economic development.

The Kyoto Protocol is recognized as one of the first steps in the international response to global climate change. However, at the same time, some say that the Kyoto Protocol failed for the following reasons. a)

Limitations of reduction obligations

The main reduction targets set in the Kyoto Protocol mainly applied only to major industrializing countries and not to developing countries.

Therefore, countries such as China and India, which are not major industrializing countries but emit large amounts of carbon, did not have reduction obligations as they were developing countries. b)

US non-participation

At the time of enacting the Kyoto Protocol, the United States was emitting approximately 5,800 million tons of carbon equivalent (5,800 MtCO2e), accounting for approximately 36% to 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this, participation in the Kyoto Protocol resulted in a negative impact on its economy. I refused to participate for fear of being burdened. The United States is one of the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters, and its failure to participate has limited the effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol, even though its participation is important. c)

Carbon Credit Imbalance

The carbon credit system introduced in the Kyoto Protocol was evaluated as not working effectively. At the time the Kyoto Protocol was established, each country had emission credits allocated to achieve its own greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. Carbon credits were provided to companies or projects when they realized additional reductions within the carbon emissions allowances allocated to them. It was created by 72

issuing corresponding carbon credits. These additional reductions could be achieved through renewable energy projects, forest conservation, and clean energy projects. The Kyoto Protocol allows the carbon credits generated in this way to be traded, allowing countries holding carbon credits to sell them to other countries or companies that need additional carbon credits.

2.

Doha amendment

As such, the Kyoto Protocol had several problems. To extend the period by establishing the second mandatory reduction period for the existing Kyoto Protocol and to set a new reduction targets, COP18 was held in Doha, Qatar from November 26 to December 7, 2012, resulting in adopting the Doha Amendment.

However, despite the adoption of the Doha Amendment, the United States did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol and its amendment. The key limitation of the Kyoto Protocol, targeting reduction obligations solely on major industrialized nations, remained unaddressed in the Doha Amendment. The imposed second reduction obligation period was criticized for its brevity. The carbon credit system, utilized in both the Kyoto Protocol and the Doha Amendment, led to unintended consequences for specific countries and companies, with ineffective carbon credit trade observed.

3.

Paris agreement

The Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 on December 12, 2015, to address these shortcomings in the Kyoto Protocol and the Doha Amendment.

Unlike the Kyoto Protocol and the Doha Amendment, the Paris Agreement does not impose greenhouse gas reduction obligations only on developed countries, but expands the scope and asks all countries to contribute. The Paris Agreement, which was created based on the belief that the existing approach was evaluated as a failure due to the insufficient participation of some countries, emphasizes a global response through more comprehensive and equitable participation. The global goal set in the Paris Agreement is to control global temperature rise to below 2'c and, if possible, to 1.5'c. In addition, each member country that has agreed to this agreement must submit greenhouse gas reduction targets through its own established contributions (NDCs) to achieve this global goal and update them periodically.

In addition, the Paris Agreement commits to strengthen technology transfer and financing to developing countries to achieve the global goal sustainably.

Developed countries will share the eco-friendly and renewable energy technologies they have developed with developing countries to help them sustainably grow their economies and contribute to reducing greenhouse gasses.

Additionally, the Paris Agreement strengthened cooperation with various international organizations, global financial institutions, and private companies to invest in eco-friendly projects to secure diverse sources of climate-related finance and support sustainable development.

The world is making endless efforts to respond to climate change, as can be seen from the fact that repeated COP meetings have produced more and more

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effective agreements that are more appropriate for the times. As future generations, we must pay greater attention to this and contribute to responding to climate change.

II.

Comprehensive Analysis on Climate Action A.

Present Scientific approach applied to tackle the ongoing issue of climate change 8 billion people in 200 years, 2.12 billion tons of plastic every day.

It is now time to take action.

Plastic pollution has significantly contributed to climate change, intricately affecting the ocean's pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance. One fundamental aspect lies in carbon sequestration, where the ocean absorbs around 25% of the world's carbon dioxide production. However, this vital function is compromised due to plastic pollution and other activities causing plankton die-out, thereby reducing the ocean's carbon absorption capacity. This interference not only weakens the ocean's ability to regulate atmospheric carbon levels but also exacerbates the ongoing global climate crisis.

The second crucial role the ocean plays is in heat absorption, serving as a massive radiator for the planet by absorbing approximately 90% of the total heat generated from emissions.

Yet, the constant influx of heat absorption is contributing to a cascading effect, resulting in the warming of ocean temperatures. This phenomenon triggers adverse consequences such as the melting of icebergs, rising sea levels, marine heatwaves, and ocean acidification. The impact of climate change on the ocean is, thus, multidimensional, with repercussions extending beyond mere temperature fluctuations. Biodiversity loss, the third aspect, is a direct consequence of environmental pollution, intensifying the effects of climate change. Vital ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses, known for their exceptional ability to sequester carbon

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dioxide at rates up to four times higher than terrestrial forests, are facing destruction due to pollution. The loss of these ecosystems further amplifies climate change by disrupting natural carbon sequestration processes, creating a destructive feedback loop.

Ocean acidification, the fourth and critical aspect, is a result of excessive carbon dioxide absorption, which harms marine ecosystems, particularly delicate environments like coral reefs. The altered chemical composition disrupts the crucial balance for marine life, making coral reefs more vulnerable to acidity changes. This, in turn, contributes to the broader issue of declining marine biodiversity, creating a vicious cycle that perpetuates climate change.

Plastic pollution, acting as a catalyst for climate change, has its roots in the life cycle of plastics derived from fossil fuels. Throughout extraction, production, and disposal, plastics emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The breakdown of plastic waste releases methane, further intensifying the environmental impact.

Furthermore, the presence of plastics in oceans disrupts the carbon cycle, hastening climate change through complex interactions with marine ecosystems. In response to this crisis, one proposed solution involves the adoption of a chemically bonded form of plastic derived from cassava, a biodegradable alternative. Cassava-based plastics have the potential to mitigate the impact of traditional plastics on marine life and the environment. These plastics offer biodegradability and pose fewer threats to marine organisms. However, it is imperative to note that while such innovations hold promise, the most effective strategy remains the reduction of overall plastic waste through comprehensive waste management, recycling, and the exploration of alternative materials.

Biodegradable plastics, including cassava-based ones, present several advantages, ranging from reduced carbon emissions and less environmental impact to waste reduction, energy efficiency, and faster decomposition.

Nevertheless, they are not a complete replacement for conventional plastics, and emphasis should be placed on minimizing the overall influx of plastic into oceans through sustainable practices. Understanding the intricate processes involved in biodegradable plastics adds another layer to the solution. The breakdown of plastic into smaller fragments and compounds is followed by microbial metabolic utilization, leading to the production of carbon dioxide, methane, micro biomass, and mineral salts.

This cyclic process underscores the potential for these bio-plastics to integrate into environmentally friendly waste management systems.

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B.

The Efficacy of Carbon Tax Policies in Mitigating Climate Change

As time goes by, and as we get closer to the present, carbon dioxide emissions are occurring around the world. This pervasive global phenomenon has real and detrimental effects on our planet. The ramifications of these problems are profound, underscoring the imperative of concerted international efforts to address and mitigate the environmental consequences of such emissions. The forthcoming analysis will center on political and institutional factors, providing illustrative examples. One such example that will be examined is the implementation of a carbon tax.

A carbon tax constitutes a form of carbon pricing wherein a tax is levied on the carbon content of fuels. The primary objective is to stimulate businesses and individuals to curtail their greenhouse gas emissions by rendering fossil fuels more economically burdensome.

The underlying rationale is that the imposition of a carbon price establishes a financial incentive, prompting both industries and consumers to embrace cleaner technologies and sustainable practices.

Typically, such a tax is contingent upon the volume of carbon dioxide (CO2) or other greenhouse gases emitted during the combustion of a fuel. Governments may implement carbon taxes as integral components of their broader initiatives to combat climate change and diminish the collective carbon footprint on a societal scale.

To determine if a carbon tax is effective: Carbon fees are a policy mechanism intended to lessen the energy sector’s contribution toward anthropogenic climate change. In this analysis, the references are made under the assumption that the policies in effect in 2021, when the survey was conducted, will remain in effect until 2050.

The observed trend in carbon emissions reveals a gradual decline since 2005, coinciding with the enactment of the Kyoto Protocol.

Notably, from the year 2021 onward, assuming the implementation of a carbon tax, the rate of reduction in carbon emissions appears to accelerate significantly. Furthermore, it becomes apparent that as the carbon tax price increases, both the speed and magnitude of the reduction in carbon emissions intensify. This correlation underscores the potential efficacy of higher carbon tax rates in achieving more substantial environmental benefits (Figure 1).

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The subsequent two graphical representations illustrate emissions attributed to coal and carbon dioxide emissions stemming from petroleum.

Both graphs serve as indicators of the effectiveness of the carbon tax in mitigating emissions (Figure 2, 3).

In addition to these, natural gas constitutes another form within the category of fossil fuels. Notably, natural gas finds predominant usage within the electric power sector compared to its application in other sectors.

Over the forecast horizon, the consumption of natural gas within the industrial sector, as outlined in the Reference case (encompassing lease and plant fuel, and natural gas converted to liquefied natural gas for export), surpasses the consumption of natural gas in the electric power sector. This shift is attributed to the proliferation of renewable generating capacity on the grid.

Additionally, natural gas holds a significant role as a fuel source in the residential and commercial sectors, primarily employed in space heating, water heating, and cooking applications.

Due to its relatively lower carbon intensity compared to other fossil fuels utilized for electricity generation and its pervasive use across various sectors of the economy, natural gas exhibits distinct responses to carbon fees when compared to its counterparts (Figure 4).

Natural gas-fired generation exhibits a nuanced pattern across all scenarios involving carbon fees. As coal-fired generation diminishes following the implementation of carbon fees, there is an observed escalation in natural gas-fired generation. This trend is attributed to the lower carbon intensity and cost-effectiveness of natural gas in comparison to coal, rendering it a more economically viable approach for reducing CO2 emissions (Figure 6).

Concomitantly, following the initiation of the carbon tax, there is a discernible uptick in the utilization of renewable energy and nuclear energy, aligning with societal aspirations. This observed shift can be attributed to the elevated cost of fossil fuels, prompting a conscious effort by individuals to circumvent their usage (Figure 6).

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The foregoing analysis demonstrates the efficacy of a carbon tax in curtailing the utilization of fossil fuels. The reduction in fossil fuel consumption directly correlates with a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. Consequently, the implementation of a carbon tax emerges as a viable measure for mitigating environmental pollution and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Carbon taxes are widely acknowledged as effective policy instruments, prompting numerous countries to contemplate their implementation. The European Union stands as a prominent example in this regard.

As of the latest information available, there is no comprehensive European Unionwide carbon tax in effect. Instead, the European Union has established the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), the world's first major carbon market operational since 2005. Under the EU ETS, specific industries, including power generation, aviation, and heavy industry, face a cap on total greenhouse gas emissions.

Companies within these sectors are allotted emission allowances, which can be traded among themselves. This cap-and-trade mechanism provides financial incentives for industries to reduce emissions and invest in cleaner technologies.

Ongoing discussions and proposals at the EU level suggest a commitment to strengthening and expanding carbon pricing initiatives, aligning with the European Commission's objectives in achieving the EU's climate goals

III. An Integrated Approach to Environmental Sustainability: Policies and Strategies The discourse surrounding environmental protection in contemporary society involves considerations of policies and alternatives such as biodegradable plastics and carbon taxes.

Both of these initiatives necessitate a multifaceted approach, integrating perspectives from various fields, including political, scientific, environmental, and legal domains, to be effectively implemented. A comprehensive solution necessitates the fulfillment of approximately five key prerequisites.

Advanced technology integration comes first. Examples of cutting-edge technologies include artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and blockchain to monitor and manage environmental issues more effectively. Illustrative instances encompass the utilization of artificial intelligence for forecasting future scenarios subsequent to the implementation of a

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carbon tax, as well as the deployment of technologies aimed at the development and manufacturing of biodegradable plastics.

The second is the implementation of a Circular Economy. Anticipating future priorities, there is a growing emphasis on transitioning to a circular economy characterized by enhanced resource efficiency, minimized waste generation, and optimized recycling processes. Central to this paradigm shift are sustainable production and consumption patterns, aiming to mitigate environmental impact. The adoption of biodegradable plastics plays a pivotal role in fostering more sustainable life cycles within the commercial plastic sector. In the context of a circular economy, the utilization of biodegradable plastics contributes to the creation of a more sustainable framework wherein virgin polymers derive from renewable or recycled raw materials.

The third is Nature-Based Solutions. In the concerted effort to address climate change and enhance ecosystem resilience, increased emphasis should be placed on nature-based solutions, including reforestation, wetland restoration, and sustainable land management. Recognizing the pivotal role of natural ecosystems in carbon sequestration and climate regulation, it is imperative to elevate their significance in environmental strategies.

An illustrative example is the adoption of bioplastics, which not only aids in planktonic processes but also facilitates the recovery of marine ecosystems. The restoration of the marine ecosystem, facilitated by such measures, holds the potential to reinstate the ocean to its erstwhile ecological functionality.

The fourth imperative pertains to global collaboration, a matter of paramount importance.

Given the inherently transnational nature of challenges such as climate change and global warming, their impacts extend beyond the confines of individual nations. Consequently, the resolution of these challenges necessitates concerted global cooperation and unified efforts.

Finally, the aspect of Education and Awareness assumes significance as a prerequisite.

Awareness is foundational; individuals must be cognizant of a problem before active engagement in its resolution becomes feasible. Through this awareness, Community Engagement and Empowerment are facilitated. Enhancing awareness involves the strategic reduction of misinformation acquisition and dissemination, with a focus on providing individuals with precise, data-based information and actionable measures.

Nevertheless, even in the convergence of all the aforementioned factors, there remains a substantial likelihood that environmental transformations may not manifest in a significant manner. This complexity underscores the challenging nature of implementing solutions to the currently identified issues, and even when enacted, the emergence of subsequent challenges is a distinct possibility.

IV. Sociological Approach to Climate Change: Heat waves Climate action highlights a concerning trend in the worsening climate emergency. Extreme heat drives positive feedback loops, resulting in increased energy consumption, higher CO2 emissions, and a cycle of rising temperatures. Once on the treadmill, there is no way off.

There have been many different approaches to addressing climate change, but none of them were sufficient to get to the root of the problem. In the past social factors received no attention in crucial part of the report. For instance, the past report ‘why heat can be fatal’ explains simply the link between human physiology and environment. It argues that when body temperature

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rises enough above the normal range, heat injury occurs. Therefore, I decided to take a sociological approach to climate change.

After a devastating heat wave in Chicago, a CDC(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) led study identified key risk factors for heat-related deaths. The lack of daily mobility, medical issues, absence of air-conditioning or social contacts, and isolation can increase vulnerability. The study's findings have influenced public health strategies in U.S. cities facing frequent heat waves. Furthermore, analysis of the 1995 Chicago disaster revealed a local pattern of higher death rates in areas with concentrated African American populations.

Factors such as violent crime and a high proportion of elderly residents are correlated with increased heat-related mortality. However subsequent discussion and policies largely overlooked place-based risks.

To replenish this, there was research comparing two similar areas, North Lawndale and South Lawndale. I found that disparities in heat-related death rates were highlighted despite similar demographics. It's important to note that poverty, crime, and importantly social isolation played distinct roles. To explain the variance in death rates between African Americans and Latinos, we considered cultural arguments. These arguments suggest that Latinos' strong family ties may play a role.

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I also found that the local social environment significantly impacted the vulnerability of older residents. Little Village's vibrant streets, promoting social engagement, contrasted with North Lawndale's challenging environment, marked by abandoned buildings and high crime.

Understanding these dynamics is really important for effective climate action and personalized public health strategies.

Emphasizing the need for social solidarity is crucial. All phenomena have a sociological basis and require a sociological approach for effective resolution.

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Committee

Position

Name and School

Yuna Lee, Jones International Christian School World Health Organization (WHO), Belarus

Wonjun Yang, Harbin Wanbang School Commission on Population and Development (CPD), Ghana

Suvin Park, Saint Paul Academy Daechi Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), Uganda

Seoyeon Yoon, Daewon Foreign Language High School World Bank, Uganda

Seongyun Bae, Global Jaya School Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), Chile

Seokwon Jung, Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies World Food Programme (WFP), Ghana

Seohyun Kim, Ewha Girls’ Foreign Language High School Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), Belarus

Sanghyun You, Korean Minjok Leadership Academy Economics and Financial Committee (ECOFIN), Chile

Junhyuk Jang, Phileo International Academy Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), Ghana

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Jiwoo Hwang, Saint Paul Academy Daechi Arab League (LAS), Djibouti 1

Jieun Hong, Archbishop Carroll High Scool Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), Sudan

Jian Lee, Ewha Girls’ Foreign Language High School World Health Organization (WHO), Chile

Jeongyeon Lim, Michuhol Foreign Language High School Arab League (LAS), Djibouti 2

Haeram Yang, Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), Ghana

Eungyu Lee, Asia Pacific International School United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Ghana

Dahyun Pyeon, Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies World Bank, Ghana

Calibara, Kedric Jovid, University of the Philippines Rural High School Economics and Financial Committee (ECOFIN), Belarus

Byeongjun Park, Saint Paul Academy Daechi Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL), Ghana

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Yuna Lee Jones International Christian School

General Assembly | World Health Organization (WHO) |

Topic 1: Substance Use Disorders and Drug Addiction

UNODC had announced that drug users have increased over the past decade globally, which led to serious drug issues such as drug use disorders and addiction. Around 155 to 250 million people aged 15 to 64 use psychoactive substances. At least 15.3 million people have drug use disorders. Harmful use of alcohol results in about 3.3 million deaths every year. Injection of drug use reported in 148 countries had resulted in HIV infection in 120 countries out of 148 countries. In 2020, 284 million people had used drugs in the world. The use of psychoactive substances causes significant health and social problems for the users as well as people around these users, including families and communities. Even though drug-related treatment exists, accessibility is very low, especially in developing countries of financial conflicts and lack of notice, which makes people not know where to go and ask for help. Belarus has been going through the same conflict.

The delegation of Belarus suffers from severe substance usage of alcohol and drugs. As a nation with one of the highest alcohol uses in the world, the delegation Belarus faces alcohol use disorders. On the other hand, drugs are known to increase the possibility of HIV and death from HIV, and in 2008, the report showed that 72.1% of total HIV deaths in Belarus were drug users. In 2019, Belarus was chosen as the 3rd country in the world that uses the most illicit drugs with a rate of 4.10, measured with DALYs, the disability-adjusted life years. Therefore, Belarus recognizes the severe drug problems and suggests policies to propose a resolution below.

Belarus believes that solutions to limit substance use disorders and drug addiction should focus on international collaboration. Through international cooperation, for example, a consistent psychological program for people all around the world facing drug addiction or substance use disorders can be set up. With technological advancement, the psychological program can be both online and offline, which means no matter where the program physically exists, every patient can get drug dependence treatment and care like how WHO addressed the world’s drug problem by WHO-UNODC program. The psychological treatment and care for patients with substance use disorders and drug addiction can be taken by psychiatry specialists on substance abuse and drug addiction globally, where international collaboration takes place.

For wider accessibility worldwide, the program can be set as a free program, initially getting funding from the WHO and UN. As the international program expands to a long-term project, people who got cured through this program can be allowed to donate for the program to run longer and help more patients worldwide, where polite mindsets would slowly solve the global issue. Additionally, to sophisticated solutions, HIV infections will be classified with drug addicts, which will provide a specific guideline to alleviate such misused substances with proper cure. Secondly, Belarus believes more actively spread promotions and advertisements are needed to resolve low accessibility to drug dependence treatment itself. Through each 94

country making guidelines, the ways the promotion is being spread in every country can be discovered, for example, through public areas or social media. UN’s previously made promotions can be reformed. UN’s advertisements and promotions can be spread internationally, and with the guidelines made by every country, they can be applied internally within every country to raise accessibility.

Topic 2: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

UNICEF states that water, sanitation, and hygiene, also called WASH, are essential, including hand hygiene during COVID-19 to prevent disease from spreading. Still, three billion people worldwide do not have access to handwashing facilities with soap, which leads them to be most vulnerable and have a high possibility of getting affected by the virus and diseases like COVID-19. According to UNICEF, 2.2 billion people lack access to safe, clean water, and almost half of the world’s population does not have access to safe, clean sanitation.

Belarus is a land-locked nation with lots of streams and rivers. The OECD mentioned that 98.5% of Belarusians have access to clean water, and 92.8% have access to centralized sanitation. Belarus had addressed collaboration with the World Bank to result in current rates.

In 2006, Belarus adopted its national water development program, Chistaya Voda, which means clean water. It was able to be addressed with outside financing and had the potential to help the conflicted sectors increase the quality of services. The World Bank’s Belarus Water Supply and Sanitation Project aimed to improve the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of water, including wastewater treatment, in three portions: investments in infrastructure to rehabilitate and expand water supply and sanitation services, support to utilities in the preparation of project pipelines, and sector modernization efforts including benchmarking utility performance and the review of standards due to quality, efficiency and sustainability issues that Belarus had faced.

Belarus recognizes focusing on international relations and technology to solve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Using advanced technology, making a small, convenient water purifier can help improve WASH, where the UNCTAD, the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development, can join. Under UNCTAD, individual water test courses need to be established in order to make quicker solutions with better communication regarding WHO and UNICEF, where WASH problems are mainly discussed. This progress can be hosted by UN-Water, including WASH sectors of WHO, UNCTAD, and UNICEF under UN-Water. The invention should involve a water filtering paper and the function of the water purifier in the small model. As any type of water, including dirt water, goes into the model, the water would be automatically filtered inside the model, and the clean, filtered water would be out to drink it right away. The model should be handy, small, and light so kids can easily carry it. Belarus supports donating the invention to the whole world, especially people with poor WASH, or the cost is meager that anyone, even with a poor income, can purchase it, which can be equally measured involving each country’s currency inflation. Secondly, Belarus proposes more water access in public areas worldwide. Setting water supplies in public regions worldwide gives more accessible access to water to anyone. Through the World Bank’s Belarus Water and Sanitation Project, the project which sought to benefit 324,000 people with better quality of water had resulted in benefiting a total 611,766 people. 47,520 individuals had easier access to sanitation, and it also contributed to the rehabilitation of wastewater treatment plants and sewers that led to increased levels of treatment and safe disposal of wastewater, which considered environmental problems by reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. As a 95

result, providing more access to WASH in public areas through setting water purifiers, for example, would be able to resolve the global conflict on WASH.

Wonjun Yang Harbin Wanbang School

ECOSOCs | Commission on Population and Development (CPD) |

Topic 1: Population Growth and Resource Scarcity

Resource scarcity is no longer a problem to be set aside. As the population grows, the world faces a bigger danger of resource scarcity. The population has grown quickly: 1.6 billion in 1900 to nearly 8.1 billion today. It is even expected to reach 10 billion by 2050. With the rising population, the world is facing different resource scarcity problems such as food insecurity or natural resource depletion; however, it doesn’t mean that the world hasn’t been working to find solutions. The United Nations has come up with programs such as the United Nations Resources Management System and has been working with different organizations such as the European Union to direct the issue.

Ghana is a country with diverse natural resources. The country faces less threats from lack of resources; however, a huge problem in Ghana is food insecurity. OCHA reports that 39.4% of the total population, which is around 12.9 million, was affected by food insecurity in 2022.

The main cause of the problem is poverty as the country suffers huge inequality between the rich and the poor. Currently, 24.2% of the total population is in poverty. Ghana has been acting.

This includes collaboration with the World Food Programme, which has been working actively with both the public and private sectors in Ghana to improve nutrition status in Ghana and to strengthen the national food system.

Ghana, being aware of the past, current, and future potential harms of the issue, suggests the following to the committee to find feasible and effective solutions to this problem.

1. Forming a global network to better identify, prevent, and take measures of the issue. a. Creating a better system to better identify the global food supply. b. Having better communication with other countries to better identify the amount of food lost during the export and import. c. Forming world food banks under the support of the UN and the government to help people in poverty.

2. Building cooperation with public and private industries within and outside the country to cover the issue in more detailed and flexible behaviors. a. Forming cooperation with private sector industry regarding resource allocation, energy efficiency, food security, etc. b. Working together with public organizations to gain support and to better solve the problem.

3. Providing better education and programs regarding population management

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a. Providing education regarding demographic population change b. Helping families with better family planning to better manage the population and to help families with economic support.

4. Developing a better recycling system to use the resources more efficiently.

The delegate of Ghana Highly believes that these solutions will bring a positive impact on the committee and the world.

Suvin Park Saint Paul Academy Daechi

ECOSOCs | Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) |

Topic 1: Safe Water and Sanitation

Uganda faces critical water and sanitation challenges, with a significant part of its population struggling to access basic services. Despite the efforts of Uganda's National Development Plan II, aimed at enhancing social services quality, including water and sanitation, considerable challenges remain. The Uganda Sanitation Fund Program targeted 5.6 million people in over 9,000 villages to foster Open-Defecation Free environments and promote hygiene. Yet, many still lack access to safe water and sanitation facilities. The Joint Monitoring Programme reveals a reliance on unimproved or surface water for many Ugandans, with a majority lacking sanitary toilets. This situation underscores the disparity between the aspirations of governmental efforts and the actual struggles faced by the populace.

The United Nations, particularly through UNICEF, prioritizes investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in Uganda. However, there are persistent challenges in ensuring equitable and sustainable access to these essential services. While there has been progress in certain areas, significant portions of the population continue to lack access to clean water sources and basic sanitation facilities. This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the full spectrum of WASH needs.

Addressing these challenges requires prioritizing community involvement and skill development. Engaging communities in planning and implementing WASH projects ensures that these initiatives cater to the unique needs and circumstances of different areas. Training local leaders and community members in WASH management, maintenance, and hygiene promotion empowers them to take charge of their water and sanitation needs, leading to more sustainable outcomes.

Long-term success in Uganda's WASH sector depends on integrated and adaptive solutions.

This means implementing water resource management plans tailored to the specific social, economic, and environmental contexts of different regions in Uganda. Such an approach helps to address the shortcomings of previous strategies that often overlooked the distinct challenges and needs of various communities. Implementing appropriate technologies, building resilient

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infrastructure, and formulating policies that encourage sustainable water and sanitation practices are crucial.

The United Nations plays a vital role in resolving Uganda's water and sanitation crisis by focusing on community engagement, capacity building, and integrated, adaptive solutions.

Adopting this strategy not only achieves immediate improvements in the WASH sector but also lays the groundwork for lasting and sustainable progress.

Topic 2: Developing Smart Cities for Sustainable Urbanization

Uganda's journey towards urbanization, particularly in Kampala, its capital, presents a complex mix of progress and challenges. Following a period of stability post-1970s, secondary cities have seen a population surge, outpacing development in Kampala. This growth, however, is marred by challenges, notably in land tenure complexities in Kampala, hindering urban planning and infrastructure growth (“Land and Urbanization”). Secondary cities, despite their size, have seen a 50% increase in poverty, indicating stress on urban resources due to ruralurban migration (“Urbanisation in Uganda and Its Discontents”). Moreover, poor integrated urban planning has led to inefficient transportation systems.

Globally, the United Nations has been proactive in addressing urbanization issues. Yet, challenges persist, such as the limited effectiveness of UN-Habitat's New Urban Agenda in implementation ("New Urban Agenda | UN-Habitat"). Constraints often include inadequate funding, technical capability, or political will, leading to a gap between the UN's vision and actual urban conditions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

To address these issues, the establishment of the International Urban Development Collaboration (IUDC) is pivotal. For Uganda, the IUDC could focus on resolving land tenure issues by providing expertise in land management and urban planning, optimizing land ownership structures for better infrastructure development. Furthermore, the IUDC could aid in formulating strategies for integrating rural migrants into urban economies, potentially reducing poverty in secondary cities. Leveraging its global network, the IUDC is wellpositioned to address unique urban challenges in Uganda.

Additionally, the IUDC seeks to actualize the principles of the New Urban Agenda. This involves practical assistance to municipalities in developing countries, tailoring the agenda's principles to their specific contexts. The IUDC could offer financial support, skills training, and information exchange, bridging policy frameworks with tangible urban development outcomes. This approach aims to ground sustainable urbanization ideals in real-world applications, promoting more equitable and effective urban development.

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Seoyeon Yoon Daewon Foreign Language High School

ECOSOCs | World Bank |

Topic 1: Micro Funding: A Strategic Panacea for Inflation and Foreign Currency Exchange Challenges

“Inflation is taxation without legislation.”

External shocks, such as the outbreak of COVID-19 and the prevalence of high-interest rate policies in the United States, significantly impact the economic problems of developing countries. The current high-interest rate policy in the U.S. is exacerbating the economic difficulties of countries with inflationary issues. Developing countries are more vulnerable to external shocks, which can lead to inflation than developed countries are. This inflation can increase the cost and risk of debt repayment, especially if the debt is denominated in foreign currency, and can also make their economies less stable. This instability can undermine the credibility of the countries that invest in them, creating a vicious cycle that makes it harder to attract investments, stifles growth, and leads to recession.

Under these circumstances, Uganda is experiencing a significant inflation problem. Uganda experienced high inflation in the late 20th century, including hyperinflation of over 200% in 1987. Since 1981, the average inflation rate has been 31.5% per year, but it has been brought under control. In 2020, the inflation rate was 3.3%, and in 2021, it was 2.2%. Factors that are at risk of pushing Uganda back into inflation include but are not limited to income levels, the country's debt, and currency depreciation. All these factors are interconnected so it must be addressed. The World Bank classified Uganda as a low-income country based on its gross national income (GNI) per capita of $780 in 2020. Moreover, Uganda primarily benefits from IDA lending, providing concessional loans and grants to low-income countries. IDA accounts for about 90% of the World Bank’s assistance to the country, making it more important to fund Uganda’s development projects. Uganda has received both IBRD and IDA loans. As of 2020, the total outstanding debt from IBRD and IDA was $4.3 billion, with $4.1 billion from IDA and $0.2 billion from IBRD. Also, the UGX has generally depreciated against both the USD and the EUR over the years, resulting in lower purchasing power of the local currency.

The delegate of Uganda proposes that a platform must be created to activate funding and investment based on microfunding*. A system should be established to enhance accessibility, allowing anyone interested in funding from developed countries to participate. Additionally, an internationally coordinated monitoring system is necessary to encourage investment.

Investors are more likely to invest if they can trust that their funds will be utilized effectively.

This delegate emphasizes microfunding because improving the country's competitiveness is necessary to address inflation. The country's competitiveness is determined by the value of its currency, which in turn is linked to Uganda's attractiveness as an investment destination.

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According to the World Bank, there were approximately 156.1 million microborrowers and 98.4 million microsavers in 2022. The global microfinance market was valued at $226.37 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $646.25 billion by 2032. Significantly, microfunding can help people start or expand their businesses, improve their livelihoods, and cope with risks and shocks. The World Bank reports that 52% of Ugandans are self-employed, while 43% work as unpaid family workers. This indicates that 95% of Ugandans are involved in selfemployment through their own businesses or family enterprises. Microfunding allows entrepreneurs to develop their businesses, stabilizing the economy and increasing the value of Uganda's currency, paving the way to address inflation. Inflation remains a concern, and the value of the Ugandan currency must increase to address this issue in the long run. Uganda's economy must be made more attractive and investable to attract investment. Therefore, the committee must create an investment platform like the one mentioned above. This can provide a significant advantage for growth and stabilization of inflating economies.

Topic 2: Energizing the Future: Catalyzing Renewable Energy Adoption through Energy Sharing Agreements and Tariff Innovation

“The future is green energy, sustainability, renewable energy.”

- Arnold Schwarzenegger

Climate change is already more severe than expected and some of its impacts are irreversible according to the recent report by United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Climate change is caused by greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases trap heat in that atmosphere, leading to various impacts such as melting ice caps, rising sea level, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss. An essential responsibility of this committee is to promote importing and exporting renewable energy.

Uganda has a high potential for renewable energy sources. The country has a 95% renewable energy mix of hydro and solar. Uganda adopted The Renewable Energy Policy in 2007, which sets targets and incentives for renewable energy development, intending to increase Uganda’s renewable energy capacity and access. Uganda has been working steadily to increase this share.

The policy sets a target of increasing the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption from 4% in 2007 to 61% by 2017. Uganda also has been implemented various programs such as GET FIT program, Scaling-up Renewable Energy Program, the Uganda Solar Energy Association. These initiatives provide financing, technical assistance, and quality assurance for renewable energy projects. With efforts reinstated above, Uganda has been working to ensure that sustainable development is feasible. Uganda insists this committee to lay the foundation for the development of renewable energy.

It is crucial to address the lack of infrastructure for developing countries to produce energy and the overwhelming figures developed nations spend in harnessing renewable energy domestically. In this regard, Uganda proposes two solutions. One, an energy sharing agreement which promote sustainable energy sources such as electricity and wind power. Developed countries should focus on investment and infrastructure construction and developing countries should focus on energy production and distribution. Redirecting investments to developing countries with resourceful energy is a more efficient methods of utilizing both resources and capital. This will be a step towards achieving sustainable development. With costs of producing 100

electricity from renewable sources declining by over 80% in solar panels and 40% in wind turbines, more efficient methods of generating power have been consistently developing. While developed nations focus on investing capital and infrastructure in these developing nations with abundant resources, bodies that receive such investments should target improving more efficient techniques and expanding production. Two, raising tariffs on exports of electricity generated by non-renewable energy sources such as coal and fossil fuels, and lowering tariffs on exports of electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines. Setting the World Trade Organization (WTO) as an intermediate, this act promotes developed nations that heavily rely on imports of electricity to decrease demand for nonrenewable solutions and increase support for renewable solutions. This act aims to shift the market value of products to induce a profiting structure around renewable energy to benefit the development of renewable solutions. Incentivizing the use of sustainable products, newly formed market structures that highly incorporate these commodities is expected. Altogether, advanced methods of investment opportunities, systems to provide developing nations to research better technologies, and ‘manipulation of’ market structures that promote environmentally friendlier goods are advised to be discussed.

Seongyun Bae Global Jaya School

General Assembly | Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) |

Topic 1: Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons & Data Collection as a Threat to International Security

I. Data Collection as a Threat to International Security The issue at hand revolves around the expansive implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and the consequential data collection practices that have surpassed ethical boundaries. As AI development relies heavily on data and algorithms, the foundation of this technology lies in the vast amounts of information collected. However, the growing misuse of data has resulted in privacy violations, influencing political campaigns and fueling the revenue streams of big data companies. The stakeholders in this scenario are extensive, encompassing the 5.3 billion internet users globally as of October 2023. The sheer scale of data collection poses significant challenges, not only in terms of privacy infringement but also in managing and protecting data on an unprecedented scale.

Chile, recognizing the profound impact of unregulated data collection, has proactively responded to digital security challenges. The nation has crafted a comprehensive approach through the development of a Digital Security Strategy and a National Cybersecurity Policy.

These initiatives underscore Chile's commitment to safeguarding both private and public interests in the digital realm. Legal foundations for data protection, such as Law No 19,628 on Privacy Protection, have been established, emphasizing the necessity of explicit consent from data subjects and restricting data processing to its intended purpose. Despite the absence of a

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dedicated Data Protection Agency, proposed legislation in Chile seeks to rectify this gap, further emphasizing the nation's dedication to enhancing data security. The oversight provided by the Transparency Council ensures compliance with data protection laws among public entities, thereby reinforcing a holistic approach to digital security at a civil level.

Chile's stance leans towards the regulation of data collection to guarantee ownership rights and prevent the misuse of data gathered through the Internet. The emphasis on explicit consent and the proactive steps taken, such as proposed legislation for a Data Protection Agency, align with Chile's commitment to ethical data practices. Ideologically and practically aligned nations include those with similar data protection laws, such as the United States and members of the European Union. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union, for instance, resonates with Chile's efforts to protect personal data and regulate its usage. The engagement of like-minded countries becomes crucial in fostering global cooperation to address the challenges of unregulated data collection.

II. Proposal of UNAI and its sub-UN monitoring organizations Resolving the issue requires a nuanced approach that extends beyond the prohibition of data collection. Instead, the proposal to establish a United Nations Artificial Intelligence (UNAI) organization under the UNGA provides a strategic avenue for global cooperation in formulating international laws and standards for ethical AI development and data collection.

This initiative acknowledges the challenges, including potential resistance from powerful nations, particularly those wielding veto power, which could hinder the passage of crucial resolutions. Diplomatic efforts are paramount to garnering support, ensuring a diverse and independent UNAI composition, and securing funding from the UNGA's annual budget.

Moreover, the evolving nature of data trust, privacy considerations, and ethical nuances in the digital age necessitate continuous investigation and adaptation of regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements. The establishment of UNAI becomes a beacon of hope in navigating these challenges and fostering a global commitment to responsible and ethical AI practices.

III. Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons The issue under consideration is centered on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, and the global threat posed by nuclear stockpiles is of paramount importance. The stakes involved are nothing short of existential, encompassing the potential for catastrophic humanitarian impacts, long-term environmental devastation, and an escalated risk of nuclear conflict. The primary stakeholders in this complex situation include a spectrum of actors, including nuclear-armed states, non-nuclear-armed states, influential international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), and advocacy groups working under the UN towards disarmament (CD and UNODA). The various groups affected by this issue are widespread, ranging from citizens living under the constant threat of nuclear conflict to the broader global community facing the overarching risks of nuclear proliferation.

As the delegate of Chile, the severity of this issue reverberates profoundly. Despite Chile being a non-nuclear-armed state, it acknowledges the far-reaching implications of nuclear weapons on global security dynamics, environmental sustainability, and the overall well-being of its citizens. The impact extends beyond immediate geographic boundaries, influencing diplomatic relations, socio-economic stability, and the pursuit of a secure and sustainable future for the people of Chile. The issue resonates deeply with Chileans who advocate for a world

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free of nuclear weapons, underscoring the nation's commitment to peace and international security.

Chile's position on this issue is absolute – a determined advocacy for nuclear disarmament.

The country aligns itself with nations that prioritize comprehensive and transparent approaches to eliminate nuclear weapons. The proposed solution, emphasizing the peaceful repurposing of nuclear weapons for energy production, aligns ideologically with like-minded nations and nongovernmental organizations working towards a common goal. Potential bloc positions may involve forging alliances with other non-nuclear-armed states, collaborative efforts with influential advocacy groups, and strategic engagement with countries emphasizing global security over nuclear armament. The necessity of building collaborative coalitions becomes crucial for influencing discourse within international forums, such as the UN, and garnering support for a world free of nuclear weapons. The main potential enemies might be Russia, North Korea, and Iran, who use nuclear stockpiles as the key to their influence in international society and to maintain their national power.

IV. Proposal of renaming nuclear energy from weaponized technology to sustainable energy source The proposed solution, advocating for the repurposing of nuclear weapons for peaceful means, particularly as a source for nuclear power plants, is a transformative approach. It envisions an energy revolution and a more sustained energy cycle, but the challenge lies in persuading nuclear-armed nations to yield and repurpose their nuclear stockpiles voluntarily.

The feasibility of the solution rests on diplomatic finesse, international cooperation, and addressing multifaceted concerns. Anticipated challenges include resistance from nucleararmed states, trepidations about potential misuse, and the problematic limitation of the potential veto power exerted by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Overcoming these challenges requires an intricate negotiation process, international collaboration, and the development of persuading diplomatic approaches. The proposal seeks a perfect balance between disarmament, energy sustainability, and international security, outlining a comprehensive framework that offers a pathway towards a world free of nuclear weapons while seeking the controlled and peaceful utilization of nuclear resources as a replacement for the world's running energy resources.

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Seokwon Jung Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies

General Assembly | World Food Programme (WFP) |

Topic 1: Colonization through Global Food Policy

During European colonization, colonial empires abusively registered seed patents over colonial nations, especially the seeds that are native and vital to the local agricultural economy.

These patents inhibit farmers from food insecure nations from cultivating such indigenous species. Obligated to purchase seeds from the west, commercialization of such seeds forced some nations to lose self-reliable agrarian infrastructures. In the effects of these events, hybrid seeds in Ghana cost 10 times as much, get weaker by the generation, and require large quantities of fertilizers, which only layers on external dependency. As climate change strangles cultivation even further, exploiting this inability points against the zero hunger SDG. A vital responsibility of this committee is publicizing the use of conventionally bred plants such as wheat, corn, and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) products that enable food-insecure nations to reconstruct their agricultural infrastructure.

As a pacemaker in Sub-Saharan Africa to empower sustainable independence and culture, Ghana highly emphasizes the need for scientific innovation and support for food security in West Africa. With plant breeders developing high-yielding, drought-resistant, and diseaseresistant products from bio institutions, Ghana has legislated their rights through the PVP Act*.

This reinforces Ghana’s objective to create self-sufficiency in agricultural production for sustenance and, eventually, economized utility.

Operating efficiently to facilitate the eradication of malnourishment, promote food independence, and mitigate biopiracy, this committee must focus on seed accessibility, managed trades, and establishing self-reliant agrarian infrastructure. In this regard, the delegate of Ghana suggests two options; One, the United Nations incentivizing the development of scientific innovations to produce advanced GMO seeds that are surplus in yield and are arable in diverse climates through purchasing patents of such superior seeds. This monetary benefit would elevate market competition which would develop products with higher standards for purchase. The selection and purchase of seeds should be discussed periodically, selecting representatives of multiple regions to ensure all different climates are considered. The purchase will be made as a forward contract, with the price range pre-set and the WTO as an intermediate to mediate and accord for lower tariffs. Two, establishing a patent organization designated to permit and register seed patents from smallholder farmers in Africa. With policies pre established to secure the rights of farmers, promoting registrations regionally will guarantee direct patent protection moderated by the government for the farmers. In return, the organization requests for open access of the government or the UN to purchase seeds. With this, leakages of local species could be prevented and remain under cooperative conditions.

Ghana expects this committee to discuss methods to capture native GMO patents from commercialization and abuse.

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Topic 2: Food Insecurity Affecting Conflict Zones and Refugees

From domestic conflicts such as the Sudan War to international conflicts such as the RussoUkrainian War, inevitable destruction was caused to the agriculture infrastructure, isolating the population from accessing proper food or nutrients. While 25,000 victims starve to death, limitations due to such restricted accessibility and unstable logistics make food distribution a challenge. An essential component of this committee is to rebuild public food services and protect the logistics that enable the development of food security.

With two million internally displaced refugees and a party to two refugee conventions, the delegate of Ghana stresses immediate supplement of food aid to food-deficit countries that require the utmost attention and care. Since 2011, Ghana has supported Ivorian refugees with the help of this committee’s food assistance program under Emergency Operation 200321 (EMOP). On par with WFP Strategic Plan 2014-2017, Ghana’s objective is to sustain food security and nutrition requirements and rebuild livelihoods in fragile situations following emergencies.

With conflicts rooted in centuries of unresolved history, hostile parties unmercifullyattack civilian turf and humanitarian aid. The delegate of Ghana would like to propose two solutions.

One, a safe route to reach those in need to ignite internal food production must be established.

Recognizing the difficulty of this task, this committee must consider restoring public food services, negotiating to set the safety barriers of these facilities, and heavily sanctioning if the government or authority is uncooperative with the two items above. Methods of sanction would be capital control, asset freezes, and embargo restrictions to mainly penalize military actions.

In that context, the delegate of Ghana takes inspiration from the BreAD program and suggests rehabilitating bakeries and food factories to restore local food production. Receiving resources to rebuild factories, bakeries, and houses to produce food delivered externally, populations in the conflict zones can reconstruct their abilities to produce food independently. Two, dispatching officers periodically oversee the operation and ensure the right use of such resources and facilities is deemed necessary. To protect the initiative, if critical infrastructures related to food security are damaged or destroyed due to conflicts, establishing peacekeeping operations and imposing economic and international sanctions is practical to keep such facilities sheltered. As bombing manufacturing facilities could be a risk just as the infiltration of these facilities could be, negotiating to ensure the use of resources and supplies to be periodically monitored for the autonomy and the safety of these food-producing systems is a straightforward approach. The delegate encourages this committee to navigate methods to reduce starvation in conflict zones by increasing opportunities of aid.

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Seohyun Kim Ewha Girls’ Foreign Language High School

General Assembly | Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) |

Topic 1: The need to reflect on humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons

“Belarus stands as a testament to the possibility of a nuclear-free future.”

The global spread of nuclear weapons, exceeding 12,500 worldwide, poses a significant threat to humanity, the environment, and international security. The challenges extend beyond national borders, impacting people worldwide. Despite past international efforts, notably through treaties like the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), the persistence of this issue underscores the need for a comprehensive global strategy. Key players in this arena include countries possessing nuclear weapons and those without, along with organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations. While treaties have been implemented, they haven't fully tackled the problems, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative solutions.

Belarus, intimately connected to nuclear concerns due to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in neighboring Ukraine, continues to grapple with lasting health, environmental, and economic repercussions. Radiation exposure from Chernobyl resulted in increased cancer rates and genetic mutations. Belarus actively participates in international forums, advocating for disarmament and a comprehensive ban on actual use of nuclear weapons. Having voluntarily renounced its nuclear arsenal in 1993, Belarus stands as a testament to the possibility of a nuclear-free future.

In light of Russia's recent deployment of nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus, the government maintains this move was for the sake of self defense. aligning with international agreements such as the NPT by entrusting weapon control to Russia. Belarus asserts its right to ensure its security while emphasizing its commitment to the NPT as the foundation of its nuclear policy. The country shows willingness to engage in collaborative efforts addressing security concerns on all sides, indicating a preference for diplomacy and dialogue amid heightened tensions. This position could potentially serve as a bridge toward de-escalation and fostering broader regional stability.

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To effectively address the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, Belarus recognizes and proposes solutions to overcome key barriers. A significant obstacle lies in the absence of a well-defined global strategy. Therefore, Belarus proposes a detailed plan covering disarmament, risk reduction, and coordinated responses to potential nuclear incidents. Belarus advocates for reinforcing existing agreements like the NPT and TPNW, urging the active participation and compliance of all nations to showcase a collective commitment to eliminate nuclear weapons. Countries can conduct regular assessments to ensure compliance with disarmament commitments. Belarus calls for international support in the form of resources for humanitarian aid, including essential assistance such as medical aid, environmental restoration, and economic recovery in areas affected by nuclear activities. For example, a global fund could be established to provide financial support for countries dealing with the aftermath of nuclear incidents.

Remaining dedicated to collaborative efforts, Belarus underscores the importance of universal adherence to international agreements and frameworks. This includes promoting diplomatic dialogues and negotiations to address disagreements and strengthen global cooperation. The objective is to create a more secure world where the adverse effects of nuclear weapons are minimized through collective initiatives and responsible global leadership.

Sanghyun You Korean Minjok Leadership Academy

General Assembly | Economics and Financial Committee (ECOFIN) |

Topic 1: Combating Illicit Financial Flows

Chile has been taking steps to combat illicit financial flows. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Chile is part of the third group of countries to undergo review under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Chile’s review process is scheduled to begin in November 2022. A report by Global Financial Integrity states that Chile was among the top 30 countries with the highest dollar value of illicit inflows between 2006 and 2015. A recent study by Tax Justice Network highlights Chile’s vulnerability to illicit financial flows in outward foreign direct investment positions in Latin America.

However, banking secrecy provisions continue to limit Chile’s ability to investigate and disclose potential money laundering offenses and provide effective international cooperation through the Financial Intelligence Unit.

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The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have taken coordinated actions to combat illicit financial flows. Since 2017, they have developed a conceptual framework for the statistical measurement of illicit financial flows, implemented pilot measurement exercises, and created methodological guidelines to measure illicit financial flows from selected illegal market activities1. The UNODC has also been working with Chile to combat illicit financial flows. Chile is part of the third group of countries to undergo review under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Chile’s review process is scheduled to begin in November 20222. While Chile has been taking steps to combat illicit financial flows, banking secrecy provisions continue to limit its ability to investigate and disclose potential money laundering offenses and provide effective international cooperation through the Financial Intelligence Unit. Thus, making us one of the world’s most secure countries in terms of money laundering, and the most secure preventing Illicit Financial Flows in Latin America.

In order to eradicate Illicit Financial Flows collaboratively, Delegate of Chile would like to propose an establishment of the ‘International IFF Screening Unit’ with the cooperation of other IFF-clean countries like Denmark, New Zealand, Finland, Sweden, and Norway, who are often ranked high in global indices measuring transparency, anti-corruption efforts, and overall cleanliness in financial dealings. IFF-free nations like Chile, the mentioned nations and more should take care of screening for illegal financial activities while managing the national and international IFF counter-law legislation council. It is especially harder to spot illegal transactions as the procedures are different in each and every country. Through the organization, the laws and systems should be standardized for the maximum transparency and screen international transactions as well. The ‘Standardization of financial reporting and compliance’ is just one of the many things that can be discussed. Another is the ‘Whistleblower protection’ which encourages people to voluntarily report their wrongdoing for the cost of pleading them not guilty. The sanctions and penalties regarding the regulations can be further discussed to satisfy not only the council members but also countries around the world. One major matter to be handled is the screening of transactions being held through online platforms like cryptocurrency.

Topic 2: Eradicating rural poverty

Rural poverty in Chile is a significant issue that has been exacerbated by the country’s overcentralization. Chile is one of the most centralized countries globally, with regional governments functioning in deconcentrated and decentralized municipalities. These municipalities rely significantly on the central government yet receive a fraction of their funding. Only 3% of Chile’s GDP, or 13% of the total public investment, was allocated to local government expenditure. This leaves local governments outside the nation’s capital shortstaffed and underfunded. The lack of higher education outside of the most populated regions further propagates inequality, stagnates the possibility of growth and hordes the nation’s human capital. The 2020 National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey (CASEN) saw a pandemicinduced economic downturn. The year 2020 witnessed a 1.7 increase in percentage points for children and adolescents living in poverty, where rural residents were one of the four most vulnerable groups, with 18.1%. The unregulated nature of under-the-table work has worsened the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chile has made significant strides in eradicating rural poverty. The country’s pro-growth strategy, which was balanced by aggressive social policies, helped reduce poverty from 40% 108

to 20% between 1990 and 2000. The United Nations has also been working towards eradicating poverty in rural areas. In 2018, the General Assembly adopted a resolution entitled “Eradicating rural poverty to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. The resolution highlights the imperative to eradicate poverty in rural and remote areas to ensure that no one is left behind and reiterates the urgent need to accelerate the pace of rural poverty eradication. In 2012, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), jointly with the Government of Chile, launched the Chile Fund against Hunger and Poverty in order to promote Chile’s international cooperation policy in accordance with its commitment to the MDGs and SDGs. The resolution also requested the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly a report on the status of the implementation of and follow-up to this resolution in order to identify the gaps and challenges faced in rural poverty eradication, especially in developing countries.

In order to eradicate Rural Poverty collaboratively, the Delegate of Chile would like to propose the international community to prioritize the development of rural areas by formulating rural development strategies with clear poverty-eradication goals. Secondly, our country recommends strengthening national statistical capacity and monitoring systems to ensure that the progress made towards poverty eradication is accurately measured. The UN has been working towards eradicating poverty through various initiatives such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Countries should come together to also launch initiatives like the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. Lastly, Chile would like to encourage the international community to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries to help them achieve their poverty eradication goals. Our country firmly believes that by building on these past initiatives and implementing the resolutions proposed above, our committee can make significant progress towards eradicating rural poverty and achieving sustainable development.

Junhyuk Jang Phileo International Academy

ECOSOCs | Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) |

Topic 1: Safe Water and Sanitation

Currently, the Republic of Ghana faces a massive problem with water sanitation in most regions due to pollutants released from industrial activities and factories, and chemicals released from mines. According to the Republic of Ghana Statistical Service, ⅓ of the African population does not have access to safe water. According to UNICEF, about 76% of the whole population of the Republic of Ghana is at risk of consuming contaminated water. To resolve this problem, the United Nations has worked hard with its continuous efforts. On March 22, the United Nations named World Water Day in 1993. In 2000, the UN founded the Millennium Development Goals to have the number of people without sustainable access to safe drinking

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water by 2015. In 2015, around 2.6 billion people acquired access to clean water, and 1.4 billion people acquired basic sanitation since 2000, while UN member states accepted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with an emphasis on universal clean water and sanitation by 2030.

In the past, poor-quality water sanitation has been a substantial challenge. About 76% of households in the Republic of Ghana are at risk of consuming polluted water. According to WHO, “7,653 deaths were caused by WASH-related illness in 2019, 21 people per day, almost one person every hour dying from preventable WASH-related diseases”. WASH is an acronym for water, sanitation, and hygiene. The Republic of Ghana government has begun the Ghana Clean Water Project following the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change's protocol for water purification systems with low greenhouse gas emissions. They have provided about 1700 filters to households in the Republic of Ghana. The Republic of Ghana is feeling the urgency of this issue and has a severe and firm stance towards it.

The Republic of Ghana believes that a series of regulations of illegal mining has to be done in order to resolve this motion, safe water and sanitation, the 6th SDG goal. Especially in recent years, illegal artisanal gold mining has drastically increased in the Republic of Ghana. “Ghana is among the top mineral-producing countries in Africa. Ghana sees both large-scale mining companies with permits and illegal small-scale artisanal gold mining.”. These people negatively affect the WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), by emitting mercury and cyanide when artisanal gold mining. To reduce and eliminate the illegal artisanal gold mining in Ghana, the Delegate of Ghana proposes a new resolution which divides each artisanal gold mining place into different sectors, and designates government officials to those regions, for surveillance. The government can construct offices for those ‘watchers’ to stay there and continue their job. Those offices will be built every 5 km to cover all those rocky regions of artisanal gold mines. So, each office will be watching over an area of 25 km². Four provinces including Ashanti, Sefwi Wiawso, Tamale, and Koforidua regions are the possible artisanal gold mining places, and their areas are 24,389 km², 23,921 km², 70,384 km², and 19,323 km² each. So basically, about 5.5 thousand offices will be needed to be put in all offices. The Western Region has a border with Côte d'Ivoire, so the Côte d'Ivoire government can help invest both money and labor for the offices in this region. UN-Water can provide financial and labor support, too. So, the UN, including UN-water and Ghana with Côte d'Ivoire, will provide 70% and 30% of workers and finances, respectively. Then, with the settlements of guarding offices to watch artisanal gold mines to be safe, the frequency of illegal artisanal gold mining activities will reduce. Finally, the delegation of Ghana supports the mining monitoring initiative by the following terms: constructing monitoring offices in the mining areas in Ghana.

Topic 2: Developing Smart Cities for Sustainable Urbanization

The development of smart cities for sustainable urbanization in the Republic of Ghana impacts diverse stakeholders. Firstly, urban residents are directly affected, experiencing changes in infrastructure, services, and overall quality of life. Additionally, local businesses, both traditional and tech-driven, play a fundamental role in the economic fabric of these cities.

Furthermore, lawmakers and civil authorities are directly involved, needing to navigate the complexities of integrating intelligent technologies. Finally, marginalized communities may face challenges and inequitable access to these advancements, potentially exacerbating existing social disparities.

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The delegate of Ghana views limited financial resources, bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of cohesive policy frameworks hinder progress in developing smart cities for sustainable urbanization. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, private sector entities involved in technology and infrastructure development, and international organizations like the World Bank would be primary actors/countries/people/organizations involved in this issue. Companies specializing in urban solutions and global technology firms are also significant players. Local communities, academic institutions, and NGOs contribute to the dialogue and application. Collaborations with international partners, particularly from technologically advanced countries, also shape the trajectory of smart city development in the Republic of Ghana. While progress has been made, ongoing efforts involve continuous support, capacity building, and policy advocacy to ensure a sustainable and inclusive transition to smart cities in the Republic of Ghana. And that is why the delegate of Ghana believes that adequate finance and cohesive initiatives have to be done in order to resolve this motion, by setting up the internet all over the regions of Western Africa. Currently, Ghana has an internet penetration of 68.6%, and Western Africa has an internet penetration of 48%.

The delegate of Ghana proposes a resolution requesting developed countries to share internet technologies to the developing countries in the W. Africa, with the International Telecommunication Union(ITU) building a TF(task force) Team, in the center of this international tech-sharing policy. Developed countries, countries having HDI greater than 0.8, which is the average HDI of developed countries, would be providing the technologies about the internet installations. However, as these developed countries provide internet technologies with the companies and factories they construct, they will have the assured profits. Even though they share the technology for free, W. Africans will be paying for the internet usage fees periodically to those companies. Back to the TF Team, with the TF Team consisting of ITU members, it will be divided into 2 parts, with different tasks each. The first group would be for the arbitrating job as they connect the tech providing countries and tech receiving countries.

They will find the points of negotiations, avoiding conflicts between those 2 country groups.

This group will basically make the whole process of this policy smoother and compatible with each other. The second group of the TF Team would be working for the maintenance of security and regulations during the whole process of this policy. Acknowledging the values of internet technologies, keeping those internet technologies safe without leakages of it would be emphasized. They will also be continuously monitoring the whole process, aiming to keep everyone in check, letting no one violate any international laws nor ethics and moralities. This group would basically act as the watchers eager to get rid of any wrongdoings done in this project. Finally, with the newly founded TF Team consisting of a broker group and regulating group under the lead of ITU, developed countries would be able to provide internet installation technologies to the developing countries in the W. Africa.

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Jiwoo Hwang Saint Paul Academy Daechi

Regional Body | Arab League (LAS) |

Topic 1: Treatments and Rights of Religious Minorities

The majority of the population of the Arab League are Muslims, but religious diversity exists in all. While other religious groups include Shia Muslims, Roman Catholics, Roman Catholics, Protestants, Ethiopian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hindus, Jews, Baha’is, and atheists, in the whole, more than 400 million people, which is 6% practice various religions or traditional religions. Discrimination against Christians is also particularly prevalent in Egypt and Iraq. The delegate of the Republic of Djibouti strongly believes the necessity for delegates in this committee to discuss and come to an agreement as to where the religious, ethnic, and political lines lie among the Arab League states and find ways of supporting or condoning specific religious minorities in the modern, post-Ottoman reforms landscape of the Middle East.

Issues related to religious minorities pose a significant challenge for Djibouti, given the peripheral association of the geopolitical crisis. The erosion of conflicts between the minority and the majority is escalating, particularly within Arab League nations. Djibouti is not exempt from such challenges. Given that the issues at hand extend beyond the purview of individual nations, the delegate of Djibouti advocates for a peaceful resolution to address the violent conflict. Djibouti is poised to make a case for additional resolutions to foster the development of other nations. These may include initiatives such as cultural exchange programs, government support, and international cooperation.

The delegation of Djibouti strongly proposes the resolution of cultural exchange programs.

Djibouti supports establishing youth exchange programs between internationally recognized religious institutions, for example, the Roman Curia. A successful educational program implemented in the Arab states, the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y), in which was purposed to teach foreign languages and culture, can be extended to religious teachings. The program may include exchange programs that aim to understand other countries' cultures, including their languages and religions. Additionally, the program will extend to encompass Global Citizenship Education for children to facilitate collaboration with peers of diverse religious backgrounds, learning about their respective pastoral cultures. Moreover, collaborative efforts with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and students representing various religions will be undertaken to develop school textbooks. As the second policy, governments should mandate at least 20 visual aids in a year's educational course. The visuals should encompass narratives depicting various faiths, cultures, and conflicts to aid and stimulate students’ cognitive capabilities and imagination effectively. The government should 112

remind students from early childhood that they can choose their religions without force.

Moreover, the educational system promotes critical thinking skills essential for developing informed and responsible citizens. The concluding policy centers on international cooperation, which Djibouti believes should involve all nations globally. Promoting awareness through campaigns is crucial for Djibouti to address current global issues.

Topic 2: Restoring Civilian Rule in Sudan

Sudan has had a conflict since its independence in 1956. Military forces have ruled over the country for most of its history, and attempts to transition to civilian rule have been largely unsuccessful. In 2023, escalating tensions between the Rapid Support Force (RSF), a paramilitary organization, and the military junta led by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) brought the country into yet another armed conflict. This has led to widespread violence, displacement of civilians, and a humanitarian crisis. As Sudan leans on the precipice of a civil war, the delegate of Djibouti and delegates of other Arab League countries will discuss a comprehensive plan to mediate the conflict, with the ultimate goal of establishing a stable and democratic government in Sudan that meets the aspirations of its people and contributes to peace and security in the region.

As Sudan is a member of the Arab League, it shares close ties with Djibouti, including geographical proximity. The environmental conditions in both Sudan and Djibouti are conducive to Djibouti to offer support. The Republic of Djibouti advocates a peaceful resolution to the Sudan civil war. In the event of a deteriorating situation, the escalation in the number of civilian casualties will be rapid. Additionally, countries must contemplate the repercussions of post-civil war, including restoring citizens’ residences. For these reasons, the delegate of Djibouti vehemently contends that the Sudan civil war should be concluded peacefully at the earliest opportunity.

Through two primary initiatives, Djibouti can contribute significantly to addressing the Sudanese civil war. Firstly, Djibouti is positioned to offer its extensive harbor facilities to countries dispatching troops for civil war intervention. Situated above the Horn of Africa, where the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden converge, Djibouti’s harbor holds strategic importance as it can dominate maritime transport routes connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. If this harbor is utilized effectively, the harbor can dominate maritime transport routes connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Simultaneously, it secures a gateway from the Middle East to Africa. The harbor is also essential since this is the only way to provide humanitarian aid to Sudan.

Secondly, Djibouti has resolved to host a minimum of ten thousand internally displaced persons (IDP) from the Sudan Civil War. Prior to accepting them and aiding their adaptation to a new environment, Djibouti will enhance its policies concerning IDPs. For instance, Djibouti intends to implement policies that support IDP in their integration into specific companies or occupations, given Djibouti’s concern regarding population decline. Accepting 113

IDP will contribute to the enhancement of labor systems. Furthermore, following Djibouti’s acceptance of IDPs, the country encourages fellow Arab League members to support IDPs in establishing stable residences within their home country, Sudan, similarly. It is imperative that countries situated in close proximity to Sudan provide support to these individuals as a mandated and obligatory responsibility.

Jian Lee Ewha Girls’ Foreign Language High School

General Assembly | World Health Organization (WHO) |

Topic 1: Substance Use Disorders and Drug Addiction, One of the Most Serious Problems

“By emphasizing the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals grappling with substance abuse, we can collectively contribute to fostering a healthier and more resilient society.”

Substance abuse and drug addiction pose significant challenges throughout South America, with Chile being no exception to this pressing issue. Chile grapples with severe problems related to drugs and substance abuse, and the impact is profound. According to a 2017 study, smoking alone accounted for 16,472 deaths, constituting approximately 16% of the total fatalities in Chile. Despite the Chilean Government's substantial investment of 14 trillion Chilean Pesos, the issue persists and appears to be worsening, with detrimental effects extending to even the younger generation. Despite the government's concerted efforts to address drug addiction through diverse strategies, the situation shows limited signs of improvement. The need for comprehensive and effective measures remains evident considering the persistent challenges posed by substance abuse in Chile.

In 2010, the Chilean Office of the Attorney General reported the seizure of 2,304 doses of synthetic drugs, a number that skyrocketed to over 1.6 million doses in 2019. The surge in drug seizures highlights the escalating challenge faced by the Chilean government, primarily attributable to the rise of drug cartels within the country. Given that 95% of Chile's foreign trade occurs through maritime routes, leveraging the dynamism of its ports, these become conduits for drug cartels involved in both importing and exporting illicit substances. As the prevalence of drug cartels continues to grow in Chile, so do the associated crime rates. Notably, the homicide rate in Chile rose from 4.6 per 100,000 people the previous year to 6.7 in the most recent statistics, marking a significant 46% increase. A staggering 79%

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of Chileans identify drug trafficking and organized crime as a "crucial or significant threat to national security." This underscores the urgency for comprehensive measures to counteract the escalating impact of drug-related activities on both public safety and the nation's security.

Chile has taken progressive steps in drug policy, having legalized medical marijuana in 2015 and continuing to ease regulations on cannabis consumption. Chile's government's focus is on a compassionate approach, prioritizing the treatment of substance abuse over punitive measures. In this spirit, Chile presents a comprehensive resolution aimed at addressing the treatment of drug addicts and combatting substance abuse. This resolution underscores the significance of a multi-faceted strategy, calling for increased investments in rehabilitation facilities, mental health services, and educational programs to raise awareness about the consequences of drug abuse. Moreover, Chile strongly advocates for the establishment of international partnerships to share best practices, exchange expertise, and coordinate efforts in tackling the root causes of addiction.

By emphasizing the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals grappling with substance abuse, we can collectively contribute to fostering a healthier and more resilient society. Recognizing the addictive nature of harmful substances, including drugs, Chile urges the international community to shift its focus towards treatment rather than strict restrictions and punitive measures.

Topic 2: Sanitary Water, a Basic Human Need for Everyone

“The United Nations General Assembly, recognizing its paramount importance, declared safe and clean drinking water and sanitation a fundamental human right in 2010, integral to the full enjoyment of life and all other human rights.”

Water, being a fundamental resource crucial for human survival, commands unanimous acknowledgment. The United Nations General Assembly, recognizing its paramount importance, declared safe and clean drinking water and sanitation a fundamental human right in 2010, integral to the full enjoyment of life and all other human rights. Despite this global consensus, the United Nations reports that a staggering 884 million people still lack access to safe drinking water. Regrettably, this issue resonates in Chile, where approximately 8% of the population faces challenges in accessing both drinking water and sewerage. This dual predicament underscores the urgency for coordinated and comprehensive efforts to ensure universal access to clean and safe water, aligning with the principles set forth by the United Nations.

Insufficient access to water goes beyond the deprivation of basic needs; it permeates every facet of human life, rendering individuals unable to sustain their livelihoods. The consequences of a water-deficient environment extend to the realm of healthcare, where the scarcity of this vital resource hampers people's ability to receive appropriate treatment. The alarming reality is that unsanitary water sources afflict at least 2.4 billion individuals with debilitating diseases,

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including cholera, typhoid fever, and various other illnesses, perpetuating a cycle of suffering and diminished well-being. Moreover, the scarcity of water detrimentally impacts agricultural practices, impeding the ability to harvest sufficient crops. This agricultural setback not only compromises food security but also precipitates an economic crisis, as communities reliant on agriculture for their sustenance and livelihoods such as Chile find themselves grappling with the far-reaching consequences of water scarcity.

The Chilean government states that water conservation awareness is paramount, urging public participation and the adoption of watersaving practices. In agriculture, we propose incentivizing water-efficient irrigation and embracing precision farming. Upgrading water infrastructure, rainwater harvesting, and promoting greywater reuse are key strategies, especially given Chile's unique geography. The adoption of drip irrigation, soil moisture management, and efficient industrial processes align with our commitment to sustainable practices. Wastewater treatment and recycling initiatives, alongside natural resource preservation, underscore our dedication to responsible water management. Community engagement and the establishment of water management committees ensure inclusivity and grassroots involvement. Chile will do its best to solve and improve on the problem for a better future, and international society.

Jeongyeon Lim Michuhol Foreign Language High School

Regional Body | Arab League (LAS) |

Topic 1: Treatments and Rights of Religious Minorities

Honorable Chairs, it is a great honor to stand on the podium as the delegate of Djibouti. The agenda, treatments and rights of religious minorities is meaningful in solving the discrimination of religions.

This delegate would like to inform you that as reported by the U.S. State Department, Djibouti, designates Islam as its state religion. However, the constitutional fabric of Djibouti strongly upholds religious freedom. It mandates that all faiths, regardless of their nature, are to be respected, and equality is guaranteed before the law. In collaboration with Christian leaders, it is noteworthy that the Djiboutian government welcomes a registered non-Muslim group. This group, including Catholic, etc, is allowed to operate freely, revealing a government dedicated to fostering religious diversity. Further emphasizing Djibouti's commitment to interfaith cooperation, Muslim citizens are permitted to enter Christian churches. This inclusive approach 116

aims to promote mutual understanding and harmonious coexistence among different religious communities.

However, despite these positive developments, it is crucial to acknowledge challenges, especially catholic and other religions are socially strongly prohibited. Djibouti believes that this problem must be solved through an educational approach. First, all schools except for international schools should try to teach content about other religions. In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of Education, teach students with invited teachers to inspire students with positive awareness and interest. Through these teachings, thesolution can result in raising good influence to students, and be a good job opportunity for non-muslim people.

Finally, Djibouti firmly believes that a policy requiring hiring for a certain percentage of people who believe minority religion would be a solution for the religious minority rights. The Ministry of Labor should provide more residency cards and extend the time to 2 or 3 years to renew it, and businesses need to have measures to prevent employees who do not believe Muslims to be discriminated against.

Djibouti proposes a solution to educate students about different religions and systems for employing a certain percentage of people who do not believe in Muslims. In order to provide rights for religious minorities, they need to pave the way. Djibouti believes that there will be fewer situations of social discrimination, and enhanced performance in businesses can be expected.

Topic 2: Restoring Civilian Rule in Sudan

Honorable Chairs, it is a great honor to stand in the podium as the delegate of Djibouti. The agenda, restoring civilian rule in Sudan is meaningful in establishing and maintaining democratic governance and promoting social cohesion.

This delegate would like to inform that the relationship between Djibouti and Sudan is essential. As per the Observatory of Economic Complexity, Djibouti exported $245 million worth of goods to Sudan in 2018, showing a decrease from $5.13K in 1995. Conversely, Sudan exported $2.16 million to Djibouti, marking a 1.48% increase since 1995. These trade relations underscore the economic interdependence and historical ties between our nations. Sudan and Djibouti share a history of diplomatic and trade relations. These ties extend beyond simple economic transactions, enveloping shared interests, cultural partners, and mutual cooperation on various fronts. While acknowledging the potential for improved relations with the restoration of civilian rule in Sudan, Djibouti recognizes that this process is intricate and timeconsuming. The delicate nature of this transition may pose challenges, and we are cognizant of the potential complexities involved.

Therefore, this delegate will remain neutral, while recognizing the importance of fostering positive relations.

This delegate promise to actively participate in the conference. Thank you

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Eungyu Lee Asia Pacific International School

General Assembly | United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) |

Topic 1: Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Bias on Refugees and Asylum Cases

UNESCO defines algorithmic bias as a “term which describes the ways in which certain AI systems can generate outputs, decisions or recommendations which display an inclination or prejudice for or against a person or group, especially in a way that is considered to be unfair.”

The impacts of AIs and algorithmic bias on refugees and asylum cases are compelling in nations that harbor refugees. Though the use of AI in biometric technology can drastically raise efficiency, it brings about algorithmic bias and information leakage concerns. These concerns may cause high tensions in the global world, especially between the host nations and the refugees. As human rights are already under stress, introducing new challenges to human rights may become a catalyst to exacerbate. The effects of this potential infringement of human rights are detrimental: when some people are accepted or denied based on the bias of their race, sex, or religion, it will cause misled decisions. This will affect the host nations and the refugee seekers.

In response to the rising need to set the boundaries and rules for AI use, the SecretaryGeneral launched a new Advisory body addressing AI, The UN AI Advisory Body. He stated, that this body “is truly universal, with representation from all parts of the world, in order to foster the networked, inclusive, evidence-based solutions that are needed.” The UN AI Advisory Body states in the Interim Report: Governing AI for Humanity, that the use of AI has various risks, which “range from harmful bias to various information hazards.” Resolution 40 C/Resolution 37 indicates that there will be a draft text at the 41st committee meeting, and the Draft text of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence was presented, outlining the ethical problem and potential solution of AI. These resolutions and other programs and guidelines for AI from other NGOs and UN bodies help set the appropriate boundaries for AI usage.

As a developing country interested in AI, the Republic of Ghana strives to have a society where humans and AI coexist by 2033. Ghana also hosts many refugees from nearby countries, working with the UNHCR. Ghana believes in the advantages of AI implementations in refugee cases but is concerned about the potential dangers it may bring. The government of Ghana has sought to put governmental regulations on AIs to retain any damages. The delegation of Ghana is worried about the errors that can occur due to inept AI capabilities and ambiguous supervision of such technologies. With such concerns, the Republic of Ghana would like to urge the UN to be more conservative in using AI in biometrics.

The Republic of Ghana feels that AI needs to be developed more for humans to rely on in decision-making. Therefore, Ghana suggests using cognitive automation. The algorithm will only perform specific tasks, in this case, gathering information. Ghana feels this will lessen the

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danger of algorithm bias and help monitor the data flow, as the program is more superficial.

Even though the AI will not make any decisions, this will speed up the process by a large margin, as data collection can go on at all times. The Republic of Ghana believes this is a good solution that seeks a balance between protecting human rights and increasing efficiency in the admission process.

Topic 2: Impact of Climate Change and Natural Disasters on Internal Displacement

Climate change and natural disasters have catastrophic effects on the environment and its inhabitants. Climate change may disturb agriculture, displace unique species, and reduce arable land, in the form of sea level rise. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated during his closing speech at the UN climate change conference that, “timelines, pathways, and targets will differ for countries at different levels of development. But all efforts must be consistent with achieving global net zero by 2050 and preserving the 1.5 degree goal. And developing countries must be supported every step of the way.” UNHRC has adopted Resolution 48/13, which states that more cooperation is needed with other organs and committees to solve this dire issue and recommends finding a balance between development and ecological preservation.

The Republic of Ghana feels threatened by the hasty changes the world is going through.

The increasing temperature and frequent droughts are imposing a threat to Ghana’s food security. Also, increasing numbers of heat waves are lowering productivity. A three-degree increase in temperature has lowered labor productivity by 11%. To fight this change, Ghana has co-founded the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to fight climate change. Also, Ghana is set on reducing a million tons of carbon emissions yearly. However, the Republic of Ghana wants to urge other states, especially developed nations, not to impose generalized policies for all countries. Ghana agrees with Mr. Guterres that targets will differ for countries at different development levels. Therefore, Ghana pushes for more individualized goals rather than general ones.

Standing by individualized goals, the Republic of Ghana would like to suggest a status division system for all nations. The format will be similar to the Red List. However, the Red List ranges from Least Concerned to Endangered to Extinct. The status system for the countries would range from Crisis, Immediate Danger, Threatened, Vulnerable, and Stable. This scale would decide how nations must prepare for the future, and how international organs would send help to the nations. While nations in Crisis and Immediate Danger will need to fix their eyes on containing the disaster at hand and saving the currently displaced persons, relatively stable countries, nations in Threatened, Vulnerable, and Stable will need to act to prevent internal displacements in the future. The international organs could act accordingly, sending rescue teams to the nations in the former two categories, and sending technologies or workers to nations in the latter three categories as needed. However, before this system can be put out for practical use, there must be a clear definition of what kind of situations fit each category.

Because the situation for different categories is so different, the policies and actions they need will vary as well. Sending rescue teams and helicopters will not help the Vulnerable nations, for example. They will need preparation plans for the future, such as research teams to help them build the most effective structures that can prevent disasters, and clean energy generator to lessen their carbon emission. The delegation of Ghana firmly believes this division system will help the international society acknowledge the individualized needs of each nation.

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Dahyun Pyeon Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies

ECOSOCs | World Bank |

Topic 1: Inflation and Foreign Currency Exchange

Dear honorable mentions World Bank of the United Nation, the whole nations have been suffering from an insidious economic crisis. The cost of living has been skyscraping within an 8 percent increase in average global inflation rate since 2022. Even though this crisis was predicted due to the trade barrier caused by COVID-19, it was also unpreventable for Ghana to overcome like other nations.

As Ghana is one of those countries that are reliant on services, due to the high interest policy from the United States as an act of overcoming post COVID-19 economic crisis, Ghana’s economy has been seriously damaged. After the high interest policy, Ghana’s interest rate reached at the summit of 38 percent and an increased inflation rate of 12 percent to 54 percent in December, 2022. Fortunately, the situation has been slowly alleviating since the peak from September, but our nation is still struggling to prevail over this crisis. Nearly 800,000 people were pushed off to the absolute poverty added to the pre-existed 6 million people; predominant middle-income households are using half of their profit to gain food. Ghana cannot let happen the desynchronization of internationally exporting goods because of the painful precedent: a recession occurred in 1980 caused by preventing trade foreign entrepreneurs and companies, luckily overcome by an assistance from the World Bank. Besides, there are no industrial leads other than trading national products and offering tourist service to its own nation. Even though our nation has our soft power of having strong IT education, because of lacking national enforcement, our nation was not able to deter our fellow talented IT exports from immigrating to different countries for their sake of opportunities. This has exacerbated losing our own country's power, and accelerated the floods of people immigrating to different countries because of such reasons. However, not only is our nation drowning with economic issues, but with environmental issues as well. Due to the geographical circumstances, within plains and low plateaus covered with wild forest, our land is extremely vulnerable to natural disaster.

Ghana has been exposed to the flood more frequently for consecutive years since 1930, which is the moment when climate change began to be acknowledged as factual information. In 2023, it has been noted that more than 400,000 people were victimized by flood, and our nation is concerned if the increase of the number of victimized people will be accelerating exponentially.

Ghana had foreign relationships with China and the European Union, specially with creating actions against climate change. According to UNHCR, China and Ghana formed a SEA4L initiative to firmly recognize for Ghana to use renewable energy sources and succeeded in a holistic transfer on adding universal access in Ghana. However, since Ghana is highly reliant on the US by trading coffee and other products that are most harvested in Ghana, it causes Ghana to indirectly encourage Saudi Arabia to produce more oils since the US is using processed goods that originated from Ghana and export them to Saudi Arabia. Because of this transition of trade, Ghana has been able to access extra advanced technology, and resulted in 120

Ghana to lose determination to reject this type of trade.

As a current stance of Ghana, Ghana demands an initiative for the whole committee to invest into the renewable energy system, financial aid for our nation, the development to recover from inflation, assist the skyrocketing poverty and natural disaster as a solution for short-term accomplishment. The whole continent, Africa, is known to be the continent full of natural resources, such as minerals to build renewable plants, and this will genuinely encourage more nations to be more accessible renewable energy sources.

Byeongjun Park Saint Paul Academy Daechi

General Assembly | Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL) |

Topic 1: Question in the Balkan Region

I. Introduction The Balkan Peninsula is indeed a melting pot of different ethnicities and cultures, comprising over a dozen distinct nations. The fragmentation of The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the 1990s into multiple sovereign states highlights immense difficulty of managing such diversities. The ensuing Yugoslav wars, the scars of which still persist, led to unprecedented tragedy. According to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), it is estimated that more than 100,000 were killed and 2 million people were forcibly displaced. Ghana, as a nation that deeply empathizes with the lasting pain of these conflicts, would like to express full support to establishing stability and reconciliation in the Balkan region.

II. International Efforts There have been numerous international efforts to navigate the fragile peace and rebuilding stability in the Balkans, most notably the establishment of ICTY, which aims to individualize war crime responsibility, thereby preventing the convicts to hide under the disguise of “collective responsibility.” Indeed, aside from the punitive measures to address stability, there have been more direct measures that brought a ceasefire to the Balkans, with the Dayton Accords ending the 3 ½ year- long Bosnian war.

III. Ghana’s Efforts While Ghana’s direct involvement in the Balkan crisis has been limited, partly due to its distant location, it has not been idle, for it has consistently engaged in broader peacekeeping efforts. Ghana had regularly deployed observers to the UN Peacekeeping Corps, 32 of which joined the United Nation Protection Force (UNPROFOR). Furthermore, Ghana has been the

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signatories of major international conventions that upholds humanitarian values and condemns war crimes comparable to those of the Balkan crisis. The Genocide Convention, ratified in 1951, has 41 signatories, one of which is Ghana, which signed in 1958.

IV. Ghana’s Stance & Suggested Solutions Ghana would like to extend full support and establish stability and prosperity in the Balkans.

In this capacity, Ghana proposes two solutions, one of which is the launching of cross-border cultural exchange programs. Through these programs, drastically different nations, such as Croatians and Serbs, may commune to celebrate shared history and cultural heritage. This would include student exchange programs and joint educational curriculums, since youth are more likely to transcend the cultural and racial barrier to truly empathize with the opposing nations. Moreover, Ghana proposes the establishment of the Balkan Fund to encourage greater foreign direct investments, thereby establishing more startups, attracting more entrepreneurs, and building more infrastructure.

Topic 2: Yemeni Civil War

I.

Introduction

The Yemen civil war is indeed a poignant testament to humanitarian crises. The prolonged battle by various forces inflicted by devastating political and geological disputes had caused over 22,7000 casualties and deaths since 2014 to present. The primary basis of the conflict first finds its origins from the 2011 Arab spring, a democratic movement, where Yemenis sought a resignation of president Ali Abdulah Saleh for government corruption arguing that citizens' economic opportunities were bashed by the corruption of the government. Correspondingly, Saleh was impeached by the Arab spring and Hadi Government had gained its control. However, tensions had surged when Houthi rebels who were discontented with the situation attacked the Hadi government regaining the control of Yemen. This transition of government led to violent responses from various regional actors such as Saudi Arabia, UAE. Ghana, as a nation that deeply empathizes with the lasting pain of these conflicts, would like to express full support to establishing stability and reconciliation in the Yemeni Civil war.

II. International Efforts Numerous countries and organizations had dedicated themselves to the conflict to tackle the situation in Yemen. One of them is Un’s embargo of arms sales to the Houthi, where they have forbidden any types of autonomous weapons exporting or importing from the Houthi forces to prevent the escalation of the violences.

III. Ghana’s Stance Ghana does not have direct involvement with this conflict due to its location. However as Ghana’s foreign policy stands as a peaceful and non violent resolution, Ghana has repeatedly urged the UN security council for Positive developments for several years (concerning the food insecurity and the fate of missing humanitarian workers) such as funding for the controlled dismantling of the FSO Safer and contributions to the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism.

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IV. Suggested Solution Ghana proposes 2 solutions, one of which is to immediately ceasefire by truce agreement for delivery of the aid and create a conclusive environment of the dialogue. Secondly, Ghana calls conflicting parties to cessate the hostilities to rebuild trust.

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Yuna Lee Jones International Christian School

I got an amazing opportunity to participate in the Yale Model United Nations 50, and the YMUN 50 gave me one of the best memories and experiences in my life. I was very nervous and afraid at first, because it was my first MUN ever as well as my first time in the US. As soon as the Opening Ceremony ended, I finally got the chance to meet my committee members as the delegate of Belarus in the World Health Organization (WHO). I was a little worried, because I wasn’t a person who could reach out to others first and get to know each other, but I wanted to be different this time, so I reached out to my committee members and started to make new international friends heading toward my first MUN conference session.

My first conference was not easy. It was more confusing than I thought, and I was worried about the rest of the conference. Still, I tried my best to get better and be brave in making moves. As time passed, I made moves and started to really participate in the conference to propose a resolution which can positively affect people on a global scale. Even though it was very new, I started to speak out, share ideas, and help my committee members. Not only them, I learned a lot from my amazing committee members, especially factors that I lacked and was afraid of, which was very meaningful. As the last committee session ended, I was sad that the time had ended so fast.

During Yale Day, I got a great opportunity to have a lecture on psychology by Professor Woo-Kyoung Ahn. I wasn’t interested in psychology before, so I made a trial. After having an interesting lecture by the professor, psychology stood out to me, and I got interested in psychology, which I never knew about. At night, we had the Delegate Dance. I went to the Delegate Dance with my friends, and I had so much more fun than I expected. First, I thought it was too much for me, but as I started to enjoy, I had a lot of fun with my friends and left a great memory.

Overall, when I look back on my long journey of YMUN 50, it was very tough, and it wasn’t easy, but as a result, I had made gains. I made amazing friends who gave me a lot of joy during the last four days. I learned a lot about myself and also from other amazing students around the world. Small happiness between my challenging times had brought me a great memory that I would never forget in my life, and I want to thank everyone for everything. It was a great honor to participate in the MUN happening in the world’s one of the best universities, Yale University. For my future delegates, I want to tell you that just give it a go, don’t worry, and enjoy and have fun! Lastly, the delegate of Belarus motions to end the Yale Model United Nations 50. The motion clearly passes, and the YMUN 50 comes to an end!

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Yoon-suh Choi Ewha Girls' Foreign Language High School

Title: Learning to Learn

Visiting the UN Like many other students struggling through their academic curriculums, I was always busy just following what the others were doing. However, these long races burnt me out, leaving me with the question of what I wanted to do when I grew up. Realizing that I was missing out on the reason for the long races, I was more actively involved in programs related to future careers and found out about a program where I could visit the UNHQ in New York and listen to lectures of the professionals working in the UN. And so, I signed up to the program and was curious to learn about the world I was living in.

The UN seemed imaginary to me, until I was going through the entrance of the UNHQ building. Inside, I was able to look around and get to know the UN by going through a guided tour. The UN was quite different from what I had imagined. I had thought of the UN only as an organization working in a big assembly dome. However, there were many areas made to deal with the works of the UN. After the tour, we were able to listen to various lectures and I was able to learn an enormous amount of new information that I would not have been able to know if I was not given these speeches.

Learning About the Bigger World Listening and learning from the professionals working in the UN, I was able to change my mind to not ignore the work done in global affairs. I always thought that global affairs did not affect my life and could not find the connection between them and me. However, I realized that everything around me, including the foreign news that I thought that only existed in the news, were all related and somehow, they had many impacts on my daily lives. And one of the most memorable speeches was from the United Nations Peacekeeping. Given by Gaëlle Sundelin, we were able to learn more about how peacekeeping was operated. It was new to me that even though keeping the peace may not be accomplished, the peacekeepers must leave when they were asked to. And I was able to learn that there is a strict rule which punishes the peacekeepers who use their status as an indulgence of their unethical behaviors.

Being taught about many ways to accomplish maintaining peace in the world, I was caught in the idea of ending conflicts and saving lives. In many ways, I always thought that to save people and change lives, we must be someone of a high status with unlimited budget or someone working in wars. What I thought was completely wrong. There are many ways to help and save people, even if you are not someone in high status or a soldier. We can volunteer to help the people in need, we can donate, we can work to help people recognize the conflicts around the world.

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What I have Learnt Studying in the UN helped me realize that the UN has worked hard to deal with as much global affairs as possible. There is a quote, “The United Nations was not created in order to bring us to heaven, but in order to save us from hell.” When I first saw the quote, I thought that if the UN cannot take us to heaven, then does it mean that the UN is not doing enough work for humanity? But after listening to lectures and learning more about the UN by preparing for the presentation related to the SDGs, I found out that the UN is doing their best to help the whole world.

During the program, I was able to learn how to learn. Long lectures tired me out. But I found out how to concentrate for long hours. Before going to the UN, I was always busy catching up with what the teacher was saying. However, I learnt a skill that helped me listen to the lecture and take notes about the important information. And lastly, I was able to learn about the UN more than I had imagined. I realized that what I knew was only a small portion of the UN and was embarrassed about it. However, the expert lectures made me understand the system and the various organizations of the UN and made me want to learn more about them. I know that if I had not attended this program, I would have never learnt how to learn.

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Wonjun Yang Harbin Wanbang School

Title: 10days of Most Valuable Experiences

“I am a dreamer, challenger, and a changer” This is the story of one of the most valuable and memorable experiences in my life. If I had to summarize this experience in one word, it would be “Blessing”. Those ten days were just a blessing. It wasn’t something I deserved. Therefore, I want to start my reflection by giving thanks to my dedicated teachers, amazing friends, loving parents, and everyone who has allowed me to have such a great experience.

My journey started on January 17 at the Incheon Airport. It was quite early in the morning just waking up from a good sleep in the car, but I still can’t forget the first impression that my friends gave me as they smiled and said hi to me. Wearing the same white jacket as my peers with “Republic of Korea” on the back, really made me feel the pride and confidence of representing Korea.

As soon as we arrived in New York, we moved to Colombia University where we met a student there who answered our questions. I personally learned a lot about life at Colombia University, and I really enjoyed listening to his story at my age. Also, he gave us so much useful advice that helped me.

We soon moved to a hotel on the Yale campus where four days of an exciting yet challenging experience awaited us. Actually, excitement didn’t wait for us until the next day as we met enthusiastic friends from Brazil who sang and danced with us all night. It was a unique experience that we were able to experience Brazilian culture. This kind of cultural experience continued for the whole time that we stayed there. As a future global leader and a world changer, learning about new cultures was something unforgettable.

Yale MUN committees and events such as Yale Day also taught me so much. Yale MUN was a challenge to me. MUN isn’t just reading the script or solving questions with clear answers.

MUN is about applying our knowledge to real-world issues in the country that we represent, and we also must communicate and collaborate with other delegates who all have different ideas, values, and backgrounds. I decided not to focus on getting an award, but I decided to focus on every process of the competition as that was how I could really learn and grow. Not only I learned more about the topic we discussed, but I also learned how to better communicate in respectful way, apply creativity in challenging situations, and listen to others for learning.

Furthermore, overcoming a challenge itself made me stronger and wiser. I am grateful to have learned so much.

After our journey at YMUN, we moved to New York for lectures and training at UN headquarters. We learned about SDGs and dived deep into some of the SDGs. Sustainable Development Goals, being the UN’s biggest goal as of present, shows how the world should be developed. It means that SDG tells us how to live our lives as the leaders of the world. Each 128

and everyone of the lecturers were leaders right now. I learned how much they are dedicated to change the world.

After the lectures, I gathered up with my team to prepare for the final presentation. If I have to choose the most challenging thing that I faced during the program is probably this presentation. Preparing 30minute presentation itself isn’t easy, but when you only have few days and even these few days after a tiring schedule made it so much more challenging; however, me and my team made it possible. We lacked time, so we tried to maintain a great teamwork. Only because we worked together, we were able to finish the presentation well. This presentation reminded me how important good cooperation is.

Outside of these milestones, there were so many stories and lessons that I learned. With no doubt, this program was one of the most valuable experiences that I ever had. I hope to keep these memories and to apply these lessons I learned for the future.

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Suvin Park Saint Paul Academy Daechi

“Empowering Youth Diplomacy for Peaceful Futures: Leveraging U.S.China Relations to Achieve SDG 16”

I. Introduction The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) represent a global initiative to address poverty, environmental protection, and the promotion of peace and prosperity for all individuals by 2030. One of the goals that stands out is Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which places a strong emphasis on fostering peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, ensuring access to justice for all, and establishing effective and accountable institutions at every level.

The participation of young individuals in the pursuit of the UN SDGs is of utmost importance, as demonstrated by a multitude of initiatives and instances showcasing the valuable contributions made by the youth worldwide. An excellent illustration is the UN Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals initiative, led by the Office of the UN SecretaryGeneral’s Envoy on Youth. Every year, a group of exceptional individuals is acknowledged for their efforts in driving change and contributing to the global sustainable development agenda.

This prestigious initiative unveils a new class of 17 young leaders annually, celebrating their dedication and impact. These leaders are involved in a wide range of projects, addressing issues such as gender equality, disability rights, clean water, and sustainable agriculture.

Young people play a crucial role in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), bringing their fresh perspectives and creative ideas to the table. They actively contribute by coming up with innovative solutions, rallying others to join the cause, and advocating for policies and community actions that align with the goals. As an example, organizations like Plan International UK, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and AIESEC have demonstrated the valuable contributions of young people to the SDGs. This involves implementing programs that address actual needs, actively pursuing partnerships and forging alliances, and exerting influence over development policies or legislation.

The ECOSOC Youth Forum serves as a platform for young individuals who are making a difference to come together and exchange their ideas, suggestions, and projects aimed at creating a sustainable future. It highlights the significance of incorporating the perspectives of young people in policy dialogues within the United Nations. This forum provides a crucial platform for young individuals to actively participate in policy discussions, showcasing their creative solutions to the global challenges we encounter. (Meet 17 Young People Leading the Way on the Sustainable Development Goals | Unfoundation.org, 2016) By examining the relationship between SDG 16 and the paper "Shaping U.S.-China Relations in the 21st Century: A Focus on Youth Diplomacy and Future Harmony," it becomes clear that the inclusion of young people in diplomatic efforts closely corresponds with the goals of SDG 16. The paper highlights the importance of involving younger generations in diplomacy to promote mutual understanding and cooperation, especially between the United States and 130

China. Active participation in addressing current tensions and promoting global peace and stability is crucial, aligning with the principles of SDG 16. Through the utilization of diverse viewpoints, creative strategies, and a deep investment in the future, there exists a great opportunity to promote peace, justice, and robust institutions. This, in turn, directly supports the achievement of SDG 16 goals.

In the long run, the correlation between UN SDG 16 and the paper's content underscores the significant impact that young people can have in promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.

Young individuals are playing a crucial role in advancing peace, justice, and strong institutions on a global scale. Initiatives like the UN Young Leaders for the SDGs and platforms such as the ECOSOC Youth Forum are empowering them to make a significant impact. This emphasizes the importance of incorporating the viewpoints and ideas of young people in diplomatic and peacebuilding initiatives, as discussed in the document, in order to create a more collaborative and peaceful global atmosphere.

Amidst the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions, the intricate and significant interplay between the United States and China emerges as a prominent force shaping the global stage. The trajectory of U.S.-China relations has far-reaching implications, extending beyond the borders of these two nations to impact the global economy, technological advancements, and the international security landscape. The core of this relationship is a complex set of issues, spanning from trade disputes and technological competition to divergent governance and human rights concerns. These tensions, if left unchecked, have the potential to escalate into a new Cold War-like scenario, with far-reaching consequences for international peace and stability.

Despite the mounting tensions, there is cause for optimism due to the youthful engagement of individuals in diplomacy. This essay contends that the involvement of younger individuals in diplomatic efforts is not only beneficial, but also crucial in addressing the current tensions between the United States and China. Young people, with their fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and vested interest in the future, can provide valuable insights and new avenues for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. This thesis argues that the younger generation has the potential to become future leaders and highlights the significance of their early involvement in diplomacy. It implies that such engagement may help cultivate a more amicable and collaborative relationship between the United States and China in the future.

The methodology used for this research includes a thorough examination of recent articles on U.S.-China relations, an analysis of youth diplomacy initiatives, and a historical investigation of youth engagement during the Cold War. This comprehensive approach allows for a deep comprehension of the present geopolitical landscape, the potential impact of young people in global affairs, and past instances of youth engagement in diplomatic endeavors. The sources used in this research encompass a variety of scholarly journals focusing on international relations and geopolitical dynamics, as well as historical analyses of the Cold War and contemporary studies on the evolving U.S.-China relationship. These sources offer a comprehensive basis for comprehending the intricacies of the present geopolitical situation and the potential impact of young people in shaping a more cohesive global arrangement.

The significance of this study lies in its focus on an often-overlooked demographic in diplomacy: the youth. This essay advocates for the involvement and active engagement of younger generations in diplomatic dialogues and initiatives, challenging the dominance of seasoned politicians and diplomats in traditional diplomatic efforts. In this endeavor, the aim is to emphasize the distinct worth that young individuals can contribute – their capacity to surpass conventional limitations, question established frameworks, and cultivate a sense of

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collaboration that is crucial for tackling the obstacles of the modern era.

Ultimately, this essay seeks to emphasize the crucial significance of youth involvement in diplomacy, specifically within the framework of U.S.-China relations. This study aims to illustrate that by involving young individuals in diplomatic spheres, it is possible to not only generate creative resolutions to existing conflicts but also establish a foundation for a harmonious and collaborative global environment in the future.

II. Literature Review A. An examination of the Cold War and the current state of U.S.-China relations in a scholarly and analytical manner The geopolitical landscapes of the Cold War and current U.S.-China relations exhibit notable differences, especially when considering global alliances and technological advancements. The Cold War was characterized by periods of worldwide conflict and economic downturn, a stark contrast to the past three decades of relative tranquility and economic growth that shape U.S.-China relations in the present day (Hillman). In contrast to the Soviet Union, China finds itself surrounded by capable states and confronted with a persistent U.S. presence in Asia (Hillman). The disparities are amplified by the advent of the digital age, which has completely transformed the field of diplomacy and international relations. This new era presents a striking juxtaposition to the tightly regulated and less publicly examined diplomatic landscape of the Cold War period.

B. The concept of economic interdependence The modern relationship between the United States and China is characterized by a significant level of economic interdependence, which stands in stark contrast to the economic isolation experienced by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. China's extensive integration into the global economy has rendered strategies from the Cold War era, such as containment, less practical (Hillman). The close relationship between these two nations requires them to carefully consider the economic impact of their diplomatic choices, which in turn affects their strategies and calls for a sophisticated approach.

C. Considerations in Military and Strategic Matters The possibility of military confrontation, including the potential for nuclear conflict, reflects the tensions experienced during the Cold War. Nevertheless, the current landscape is influenced by the progress made in military technology and the concept of nuclear deterrence. The diplomatic engagements between the U.S. and China are shaped by a shared awareness of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. This understanding fosters strategic dialogues and crisis management efforts, aimed at preventing escalations similar to those seen during the Cold War (Hillman).

The role of young individuals in the field of diplomacy and peacebuilding is of utmost importance. Young people possess unique perspectives and fresh ideas that can contribute significantly to the promotion of peace and the resolution of conflicts. Their energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to challenge the status quo make them valuable assets in the pursuit of diplomatic solutions. By actively engaging and empowering the youth, we can foster a more inclusive and sustainable approach to diplomacy and peacebuilding.

The recognition of youth involvement in international relations and peacebuilding has 132

been steadily growing. Young individuals have immense potential to shape peace processes and contribute to global change, as highlighted by Schwartz and Suri. Research highlights the significance of youth in political engagement, conflict resolution, and their valuable contributions to peacebuilding initiatives (Ö zerdem and Podder). Their distinct viewpoints and active participation in diverse diplomatic endeavors, such as activism and representation in global organizations, are fundamentally transforming the field of international relations.

D. Exploring the Landscape of Youth Engagement: An Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities Despite the significant role they play, young people have frequently been disregarded in formal peacebuilding practices. Nevertheless, the growing prominence of inclusive peace initiatives and the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda suggest a changing perspective that acknowledges the significance of youth involvement in lasting peacebuilding endeavors (McEvoy-Levy). Participating in activities like Model United Nations and youth forums at international summits offers young individuals the opportunity to actively participate in and have an impact on diplomatic discussions.

These experiences help to equip future leaders with the necessary skills to navigate the intricate world of international relations (Miskel and Rahman).

E. Incorporating the viewpoint of young individuals in contemporary diplomatic practices It is of utmost importance to incorporate the viewpoints of young individuals into contemporary diplomatic approaches, especially when considering the dynamics between the United States and China. The perspectives and insights of young individuals have the potential to provide innovative solutions in order to alleviate tensions and prevent the emergence of a new Cold War scenario. With their extensive knowledge and global perspective, the younger generation is able to make valuable contributions to the development of diplomatic strategies that are both efficient and long-lasting (Schwartz and Suri; Ö zerdem and Podder).

This review highlights the transformation of international relations from the Cold War era to the present U.S.-China dynamics, with a focus on the crucial factors of economic interdependence, technological advancements, and strategic military considerations. The text emphasizes the increasing significance of young people in the fields of diplomacy and peacebuilding. It showcases their potential as catalysts for change and valuable contributors to ongoing efforts towards sustainable peace. Considering the involvement of young individuals in U.S.-China relations could play a crucial role in effectively managing the intricacies of this bilateral relationship and guiding it towards a future characterized by cooperation and harmony.

III. Methodology This study utilizes a meticulous and scholarly approach to examine the development of diplomatic strategies from the Cold War era to the current state of U.S.-China relations.

Through a careful examination of these two distinct periods, the study seeks to uncover changes in geopolitical dynamics, economic interdependencies, and military strategies. In addition, this study includes a thematic analysis that centers on the involvement of young individuals in the field of international relations and peacebuilding. This approach allows for a thorough comprehension of the evolution of young individuals' involvement in diplomacy and its current significance within the framework of U.S.-China relations.

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The data for this study is gathered from a range of scholarly sources. Academic journals, historical records, and contemporary analyses offer valuable insights into the geopolitical landscapes of the Cold War and the ongoing relationship between the United States and China.

Notable sources consist of publications by Hillman, Schwartz and Suri, Ö zerdem and Podder, McEvoy-Levy, Miskel, and Rahman. These sources provide a combination of historical context, theoretical frameworks, and contemporary perspectives, which are crucial for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

This study examines the economic interdependence and military strategies from the perspective of diplomatic history and international relations theory. This analysis delves into the impact of these factors on diplomatic dialogues and decisions, drawing a comparison between the containment policies of the Cold War era and the intricate economic connections between the United States and China in the present day.

The study delves into the role of youth by examining relevant literature on youth activism, participation in international forums, and their contributions to peacebuilding initiatives. This entails the examination of case studies and current examples where the active involvement of young individuals has significantly impacted diplomatic outcomes or peace processes.

The methodology incorporates both historical and contemporary analyses, with a particular emphasis on youth engagement. This approach provides a distinct viewpoint on the relationship between the United States and China. This approach provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of diplomatic strategies, highlighting the increasing significance of youth in international diplomacy and peacebuilding.

IV. Historical Context and Youth's Role The era of the Cold War was characterized by a fierce competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. During this time, there was a notable increase in youth activism, which had a significant impact on diplomatic relations. During this era, there was a rise in different youth movements that were marked by peaceful marches, student exchanges, and public demonstrations. These activities revealed a strong yearning for worldwide peace and mutual comprehension. Significantly, these movements went beyond national borders, cultivating a distinct sense of global citizenship among the youth.

An important factor during this time was the focus on peace and disarmament in relation to youth involvement. As an example, the Ban the Bomb marches in the United Kingdom and similar movements in the United States demonstrated a broad campaign led by young people against nuclear proliferation. (Cortright) These movements, with their primary focus on advocating for nuclear disarmament, unintentionally provided platforms for international dialogue and fostering understanding. Through the expression of their concerns, the younger generation has had an indirect influence on diplomatic relations, prompting governments to carefully consider arms reduction treaties and actively participate in diplomatic dialogues.

In addition, student exchange programs have become an important tool for cultural diplomacy. The Fulbright Program, which was established in 1946, serves as a prime example of how it has facilitated the opportunity for numerous students from the United States and various other countries to pursue their studies overseas. This initiative has played a significant role in promoting mutual understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds.

(Rundell) These exchanges not only offered educational opportunities, but also provided young people with the chance to immerse themselves in diverse cultures. In doing so, they helped to

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bridge gaps caused by political ideologies and fostered a more comprehensive understanding of global affairs.

The role of young individuals in shaping diplomatic relations during the Cold War era was thus multifaceted. Their involvement in peace movements and engagement in cultural and educational exchanges played a crucial role in reducing tensions and promoting a sense of collaboration and mutual respect between nations. It is important to recognize the historical significance of involving young people in diplomatic endeavors, as this knowledge is crucial in tackling current global issues.

V. Current State of U.S.-China Relations The present status of relations between the United States and China is characterized by an intricate network of tensions and competition, underscoring the significance of youth involvement in a more crucial manner than before. Significant points of disagreement encompass trade disputes, technological competition, territorial claims in the South China Sea, and divergent political ideologies, particularly regarding human rights and democratic values (Swaine).

The perspectives and initiatives of young people can have a significant impact in addressing these tensions. Young individuals, who are often more receptive to a wide range of viewpoints and less influenced by historical prejudices, can offer novel insights into these matters. As an example, within the field of technology and cyber-security, the United States and China hold differing opinions. However, initiatives led by young individuals that focus on establishing ethical guidelines for AI and cybersecurity can provide a shared platform for collaboration (Lee).

In addition, having a comprehensive grasp of cultural disparities and promoting mutual admiration is crucial when it comes to managing relations between the United States and China.

Young individuals have the potential to make a substantial impact in this regard through educational and cultural exchanges. Interacting with diverse cultures, languages, and histories can contribute to breaking down stereotypes and fostering a basis of respect and comprehension.

It is of utmost importance to adopt this approach, as inaccuracies and miscommunications frequently worsen diplomatic tensions.

The significance of the younger generation in U.S.-China relations extends beyond conflict prevention, as it involves establishing a solid groundwork for long-lasting and harmonious coexistence. Through the utilization of their distinct viewpoints and abilities, young individuals have the potential to enhance our comprehension of one another's stances, fostering a more cooperative and less adversarial approach to global affairs.

VI. Case Studies of Youth Initiatives An in-depth analysis of individual case studies of youth initiatives highlights their significant influence on shaping public opinion and policy, especially within the realm of international relations. Examples such as youth-led think tanks, international student forums, and cultural exchange programs demonstrate the active involvement of young individuals in global diplomacy.

For example, organizations like the European Student Think Tank and the Youth Initiative for Policy and Internet Governance are instrumental in offering new insights into global issues.

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These platforms provide opportunities for young individuals to engage in research, policy analysis, and effectively communicate their findings to policymakers and the public. Their work frequently introduces fresh concepts, questioning established beliefs and providing inventive resolutions to intricate issues (Smith).

International student forums, like the Harvard Model United Nations, exemplify the active involvement of young individuals in diplomatic endeavors. These forums aim to replicate the United Nations and offer a platform for students from different countries to engage in debates and gain insights into global issues from diverse perspectives. Experiences of this nature play a crucial role in cultivating diplomatic abilities and fostering a more profound comprehension of global affairs among young individuals (Jones).

Cultural exchange programs, such as the U.S. State Department's Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program, also have a significant impact. These programs offer students the chance to immerse themselves in a different cultural environment, fostering mutual understanding and respect. The impact of these exchanges goes beyond the individual participants, as they often serve as informal ambassadors of their cultures, challenging stereotypes and promoting international goodwill (Wilson).

These case studies illustrate the profound influence that youth initiatives can exert on shaping public opinion and influencing policy. Through their involvement in think tanks, participation in international forums, and engagement in cultural exchanges, young individuals are expanding their perspectives and making valuable contributions to fostering a peaceful and collaborative global environment.

VII. Conclusion The examination of U.S.-China relations within the framework of past diplomatic engagements and the influence of young individuals in shaping these interactions offers a complex narrative of changing global dynamics. This essay has thoroughly examined the differences between the diplomatic landscapes of the Cold War and contemporary U.S.-China relations, highlighting the intricate and complex nature of these relationships. The importance of youth in international diplomacy has been emphasized, showcasing how their participation can greatly aid in reducing tensions and fostering mutual understanding.

A. Main Discoveries The diplomatic strategies and geopolitical landscapes have experienced significant changes from the Cold War era to the current state of U.S.-China relations. This shift is characterized by alterations in economic interdependence, advancements in technology, and adjustments in military strategies. The Cold War's emphasis on ideological confrontation and containment has evolved into a multifaceted and interconnected global order, with U.S.-China relations playing a central role.

The role of young individuals in diplomatic and peacebuilding initiatives has become increasingly important in shaping international relations. Examples from the Cold War era, such as the Ban the Bomb marches and the Fulbright Program's student exchange initiatives, have highlighted the significant role of young individuals in advocating for peace and fostering mutual understanding. In today's world, think tanks led by young individuals, forums for international students, and programs for cultural exchange remain essential in promoting dialogue and fostering understanding between the United States and China.

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The participation of young individuals in diplomatic endeavors holds immense significance in the current landscape of U.S.-China relations. In light of the pressing global challenges we currently face, including pandemics, climate change, and cyber-security threats, it is crucial to recognize the potential of young individuals and their innovative and collaborative approaches in finding solutions to these complex issues. Engaging young people in diplomacy has the potential to bridge divides, overcome deep-rooted biases, and promote a collaborative and peaceful global atmosphere.

B. Areas for Further Study Further investigation should prioritize delving into comprehensive case studies of youth initiatives and their direct influence on diplomatic relations, specifically between the United States and China. Furthermore, it is imperative to thoroughly examine the obstacles that hinder the involvement of young individuals in global diplomacy, as well as develop effective approaches to surmount these difficulties. Additional research could also investigate the impact of digital diplomacy and social media on increasing youth involvement in global affairs.

C. Policy Recommendations Strengthening Youth Participation: It is imperative for governments and international organizations to establish additional platforms and opportunities for young individuals to actively participate in diplomatic discussions and engage in peacebuilding initiatives.

Expansion of exchange programs, such as the Fulbright Program and YES Program, can foster a more profound cultural understanding and collaboration among the youth of various nations, with a particular focus on the United States and China. Integrating Youth Perspectives in Policy-Making: Policymakers ought to actively seek and integrate the insights and perspectives of young individuals in decision-making processes, particularly on matters that directly affect future generations.

This paper, "Shaping U.S.-China Relations in the 21st Century: A Focus on Youth Diplomacy and Future Harmony," concludes with a critical note about how important it is to continue to integrate the active participation of youth in diplomatic relations between the United States and China with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16). Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Agenda aims to promote understanding, cooperation, and lasting peace between nations; this paper has shed light on the complex dynamics of U.S.-China relations and highlighted the power of youth diplomacy to achieve these ends.

The evidence presented through various initiatives, such as the UN Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals and findings from the ECOSOC Youth Forum, highlights the significant contribution of young individuals in promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions worldwide. These instances of youth engagement and leadership not only showcase their ability to contribute to the SDGs but also underscore the significance of their participation in addressing some of the most urgent geopolitical tensions of our era, such as those between the United States and China.

Based on the analysis and discussions presented in the paper, it becomes clear that involving younger generations in diplomatic efforts between the United States and China has the potential to reduce existing tensions and create a more harmonious global future. The unique insights, creative thinking, and hopeful outlook of young individuals provide valuable chances to disrupt patterns of conflict and cultivate a diplomatic atmosphere that supports long-term growth and harmony.

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In addition, the link between the engagement of young people in diplomacy and SDG 16 is not just a theoretical concept, but something that can be put into practice and acted upon.

Through involving young individuals in diplomatic dialogues, policy-making processes, and international forums, their potential to serve as connectors between different cultures and ideologies can be utilized. Their expertise in mobilizing, innovating, and advocating for peace and justice is crucial in navigating the intricate landscape of global affairs in the modern era.

The paper "Shaping U.S.-China Relations in the 21st Century: A Focus on Youth Diplomacy and Future Harmony" winds down by making a strong case for combining youth diplomacy with SDG 16's principles. It is essential to have the enthusiastic involvement of young individuals in shaping U.S.-China relations and their broader engagement in global peacebuilding initiatives. This is vital for achieving a sustainable, fair, and peaceful world. As we progress, it is crucial that global endeavors to tackle geopolitical challenges and accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals give utmost importance to and enhance the voices and contributions of the younger generation. In the long run, the ever-changing dynamics of the U.S.-China relations and the influence of young people in shaping these interactions pose a range of challenges and possibilities. The historical context of the Cold War offers valuable insights into diplomacy and international relations, while the current state of U.S.-China relations highlights the importance of adopting innovative and collaborative approaches. The participation of young individuals in diplomacy is not only advantageous but essential for cultivating a harmonious and collaborative global atmosphere. In today's intricate geopolitical landscapes, the valuable contributions of young individuals with their energy, creativity, and global perspective are crucial for fostering stability and harmony, as we strive to build bridges towards a prosperous future.

VIII. Works Cited Meet 17 Young People Leading the Way on the Sustainable Development Goals | unfoundation.org. (2016, October 4). Unfoundation.org. https://unfoundation.org/blog/post/meet-17-young-people-leading-theway-on-the-sustainable-development-goals/ Hillman, Jonathan E. “The Cold War Is a Poor Analogy for Today’s US-China Tensions.” Brookings, Brookings, 28 June 2023.

Schwartz, Stephen I., and Kiron Skinner. “Youth and Peace Building: A Key to Sustainable Development.”

ResearchGate, 2023. Özerdem, Alpaslan, and Sukanya Podder. “Youth and Peacebuilding.” SpringerLink, Springer, 2023.

McEvoy-Levy, Siobhan. “Reciprocal Institutional Visibility: Youth, Peace and Security and Formal Peacebuilding Practices.” SAGE Journals, SAGE Publications, 2023.

Miskel, James F., and Ziaur Rahman. “The Role of Youth in Peacebuilding: Challenges and Opportunities.”

UNICEF, United Nations Children’s Fund, 2023.

Cortright, David. "Peace: A History of Movements and Ideas." Cambridge University Press, 2008.

Rundell, John. "Cultural Diplomacy and International Understanding: The Fulbright Program." International Journal of Cultural Policy, vol. 16, no. 3, 2010, pp. 311-325.

Swaine, Michael D. "Chinese Views on Global Order and U.S.-China Relations." Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2021.

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Lee, Kai-Fu. "AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order." Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018.

Smith, Tom W. "The Role of Think Tanks in the Policy Process." International Journal of Public Administration, vol. 35, no. 11, 2012, pp. 715-727.

Jones, Andrew. "Model United Nations and Global Literacy: Educating for a Global Future." Global Education Review, vol. 3, no. 1, 2016, pp. 83-98 Wilson, Iain. "Cultural Exchange and the Cold War: Raising the Iron Curtain." Penn State University Press, 2005)

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Seungmin Hwang Marshall School

Title: Rethinking Recycling: Addressing Climate Change Beyond Traditional Practices

In the global pursuit of sustainable development, addressing climate change stands as the most important goal and challenge outlined in the SDG 13 Climate Action, the Sustainable Development Goals. Recycling has long been hailed as this important component and is known to mitigate carbon emissions and resource depletion, but closer research these days shows the subtle reality that the effects of recycling in combating climate change are not as simple as generally recognized. Despite the well-known and recognized advantages, the importance of recycling in climate action faces a variety of challenges. Most importantly, the economic burden associated with recycling planning and inadequate practices between individuals are an annual problem. And systematic flaws in the recycling process, such as the combination of non-recyclable materials in recyclable materialization facilities, undermine the environment. Therefore, a critical reevaluation of the role of recycling is essential in addressing environmental problems, consistent with the goals of SDG 13, and in exploring alternatives.

One of the main problems contributing to the inefficiency of recycling efforts is the widespread lack of adequate education on recycling practices. As mentioned in the introduction, many people do not comply with the appropriate recycling practices that could potentially affect them. There are a number of factors, including people's lack of awareness of recycling and insufficient education on the importance of recycling. When it comes to recycling, people can only throw away the basics, take a closer look, and see that there is little proper recycling.

If people only know the basic recycling methods and don't know the right ones, they will eventually pollute the recycling bins. And this has the potential to pollute the earth more with inadequate waste classification. There can also be misunderstandings about the environmental benefits of recycling, which will inevitably further sustain the problem.

Despite efforts to encourage recycling, a significant portion of the recycled products are still dumped in landfills due to improper treatment practices. Recycling facilities often receive contaminated materials that are inappropriate for recycling and have to be treated as general waste. Moreover, even if the materials are properly classified, recycling itself is not always the expected and diverted toward environmental benefits.

An alternative approach to general and traditional recycling is the development and adoption of biodegradable packaging materials. Unlike long-lasting plastics in the environment, it decomposes naturally over time to reduce the long-term environmental impact of packaging waste, and biodegradable packaging materials minimize contamination and resource depletion.

It also provides an expected solution to the challenges associated with recycling due to the lack

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of the necessity of complex classification treatment. And advances in biodegradable material technology continue to improve performance and viability as a sustainable packaging alternative. This highlights its potential as an effective strategy for making climate action good.

In conclusion, although recycling has been the focus of environmental sustainability and climate action, recycling's efficiency in addressing these problems is becoming increasingly low and questionable. The widespread lack of education about proper recycling practices and systemic flaws in recycling methods continues to undermine environmental benefits. In addition, the sustainability of recyclable materials in landfills highlight the need for alternative strategies to combat climate change. Developing biodegradable packaging is wasteful and offers a good alternative to traditional recycling while providing a direct and impactful approach rather than mitigating environmental damage. As we continue to work towards the goals of SDG 13, it is really important to critically reevaluate our approach to waste management and find innovative solutions that are consistent with sustainable environmental management and principles.

“Sustainable development requires human ingenuity. People are the most important resource” -Dan Shechtman

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Seoyeon Yoon Daewon Foreign Language High School

Title: Redefining Natural Disasters

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, also known as SDG 13, calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. It emphasizes the need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

This goal also advocates the integration of climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. My approach to climate change is through a terminological method.

Language serves as a framework for thought, shaping and constraining the way people perceive and understand the world. The structure and vocabulary of a language influence the way individuals conceptualize ideas, express emotions, and formulate thoughts. This linguistic framework not only reflects cultural norms and values but also plays a crucial role in defining the boundaries of what can be thought and communicated. We must be aware of the influence of language on our thoughts and communication and strive for precision and objectivity in our use of language. However, there is little concern for whether these terms accurately reflect social phenomena, and skepticism is lacking.

The term 'natural disasters' should be questioned as it implies that these events are random and beyond our control. In reality, many disasters occur due to climate change, and as the Earth warms, they occur more frequently. The term 'natural disasters' can be misleading as it fails to acknowledge the significant impact of human actions in exacerbating these events. It is crucial to recognize that our actions can contribute to climate change, which in turn increases the likelihood and severity of disasters. Therefore, it is essential to avoid considering these events as solely 'natural' and acknowledge our role in causing them. This change in perspective is essential for raising awareness, taking responsible action, and addressing the growing impact of disasters.

It is recommended that we update our language by replacing the outdated term 'natural disasters' with the more accurate and appropriate 'climate-related disasters.' The term 'natural disasters' has long been misleading, creating the impression that these events are random and beyond our control, without acknowledging the role of climate change. It is time for a change. The current language obscures the fact that human actions contribute to these disasters and hinders a full understanding of the situation. Using the term 'climate-related disasters' will help to demonstrate the direct link between climate change and the increasing number and severity of these environmental events. This change in terminology is an important step in discarding outdated ideas and aiding people in comprehending how human activity is exacerbating climate-related issues. It is a method to view these events objectively, acknowledging our impact on the environment and inspiring individuals to take action on climate change.

“This modification is not only about terminology; it is a means of redefining how we discuss and tackle the obstacles presented by climate change, simplifying it for all to comprehend and take action.”

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In essence, language is a potent instrument that shapes our view of the world. The phrase 'natural disasters' implies that events are arbitrary and outside of our influence, minimizing the impact of human-induced climate change. As the Earth heats up, it is vital to recognize our contribution. I suggest replacing 'natural disasters' with 'climate-related disasters' to more accurately reflect reality. This change highlights the direct connection between climate change and the growing frequency and severity of environmental events. It is not just a matter of semantics; it is a critical step in promoting a comprehensive understanding of our role in these challenges. By using clear language, we can increase awareness, promote responsible actions, and effectively address the urgent global need for climate action. This linguistic transformation is not just about semantics; it is a call to reshape our conversations and strategies, making information accessible and actionable for everyone.

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Seongyun Bae Global Jaya School

Title: Reflecting on the Experience During the 22nd Un Youth Training and Connecting Back to My Own Journey as a Young Environmental Enthusiast

“The experience in this program was remarkable, unforgettable,and priceless.

Not only the sophisticated knowledge but the memories and the bonding experience with the other members were better than anything else I have ever experienced. It has changed not only me but my inner self and moved me from a young environmental enthusiast to an experienced and mature one.”

Throughout the 9 nights and 10 days of experience, I have learned valuable lessons and experiences that I would never get anywhere else. The people were the key factors in the experience, and I appreciated every single aspect of the unique experiences that I had throughout this journey. As a sixteen-year-old learner who lives abroad, I have missed the communication between the same ethnicities and the people from actual Korea as those experiences were the things I have mainly lacked living in an unfamiliar place, Indonesia.

Rooting back all the way to the first time when I heard about this camp, I was curious and shocked at the same time. Being able to be exposed to different media is a blessing, and hearing about the Hope to the Future Association was almost like a god given a chance for me, who wanted to expand my interaction to the global stage with new people—being able to see the experts in the field and the staff from the UN? It was almost like finding an oasis after sixteen years of drought. I was determined, passionate, and full of ambition to apply for the program.

Through thick and thin and through an interview with my advisor, Hannah, I was finally on the same board with the other 16 members from Korea. On the 16th of January 2024, it was my Dday. I packed everything in need, all the good memories, and a final warm hug from my parents and began my journey to the States. Unfortunately, my flight, which was from Indonesia to the United States, was way longer than the ones the others had from Korea. It was 26 hours long. It was an extended period of time, but to me, it almost felt like a buildup and a process that I had to endure to meet the new people that lay ahead of me. I remember landing in JFK on the freezing morning of the 17th of January, and I waited for the others to come out. I waited the two hours that felt like twenty, and managed to finally greet the other fellow penguins (penguins because we were wearing a thick, long puffer jacket that had the writing for “Republic of Korea”). It was a real pleasure and a sight for me to be in, and I was already more than happy. As an extrovert, I made friends with ease, being familiar with everyone and already making memories from the first ever hour.

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My first-ever experience started off with the school tour at Columbia University in New York, where my dream was set. It was to Columbia. Their school facility, the location, and the people were enough to make my dream to be set at Columbia, and meeting with the current Korean students in the school has motivated me to be able to attend the school. I took pictures and bought goods, promising myself to be here again at some point in my life. It was now full of promises that I needed to keep, but I was not really burdened with all of them. I was lighter than ever, thinking of the experiences that lay ahead of me.

The next journey was stepping onto the prestigious grounds of Yale University for the MUN 50, which was like entering a realm where intellect and diplomacy united. Attending the Yale MUN 50 was not just about simulations and debates; it was a journey that intertwined my existence with global perspectives. I recall back to those moments when ideas collided, and alliances were formed, becoming the building blocks of an experience that went beyond the conference walls.

The discussions were not just about policies and resolutions; they were about understanding the complexity yet beauty of different cultures, perspectives, and life stories. It was a genuine exchange that left an unerasable mark on my life. The connections I developed exceeded boundaries, creating memorable friendships with individuals from around the world. As the delegate of Chile, I engaged in meaningful conversations with fellow delegates, which was more than just a diplomatic simulation; it was a source of inspiration. The intellectual sparks from different people ignited in those dialogues were like stars brightening my path in the night, even as I found myself physically back in Indonesia. The energy, the diverse viewpoints, and the collective wisdom of the global community at Yale MUN are still motivations for my personal growth and prospects. Physically, back in Indonesia, I carry with me the echoes of those discussions, the laughter we shared, and the interaction we had. I seldom daydream about it, thinking, would it ever come back? Not only them but the people i saw every day, my Hope to the Future Association members, their faces still appear in my eyes all the time. Yale MUN 50 was not just an event; it was a transformative journey that left me with two things. The motivations for my future success are hoping and dreaming of a future where I would belong in such an active and energetic society. And the tears that fall from my eyes as I recall the memories, the people, the laughter, and the joy we shared.

My final stop on this incredible journey was the UN youth training at the heart of it all – the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Those moments within those iconic walls became the culmination of not just learning but of forging connections that would stay with me forever. The lectures were more than just informative; they were like guided tours through the intricate corridors of the UN. Learning from field experts gave me insights that textbooks could 145

never capture. It was a deep dive into the workings of the UN, unraveling its systems and mechanisms layer by layer. What made it truly unforgettable, though, was the people. The faces of the same association that shared those intense 10 days with me became etched in my memory.

It was a realization that these connections were not just fleeting moments but threads woven into the fabric of my life. I knew that, in quiet moments, I'd reflect on these bonds and feel a twinge of nostalgia. What stood out to me wasn't just the sophisticated knowledge imparted by the experts but the exchange of ideas and thoughts among us. The late-night conversations in the hotel and the collaborative effort on the SDG presentation – were the gems of the program.

They weren't just tasks; they were memories being crafted, creating a tapestry of shared experiences. In those moments, I discovered something profound about myself. I realized that I am someone who cherishes human connections. Every interaction, every shared laugh, became a treasure. As the program concluded, I knew I would carry these memories with me always. The UN youth training wasn't just about learning; it was about embracing the beauty of shared moments, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Experiences taught me the vastness of the world and my small place in it. Loving people, this opportunity has been the best in my life. Learning, connecting, and embracing the richness of shared moments, I have discovered who I truly am.

To the dearest people, I will never forget, I want to express my deep gratitude to each one of you.

The memories we have created are engraved in my heart, and I am genuinely thankful for the opportunity to have met such incredible individuals. Special appreciation to Advisor Hannah, Danielle, and the Head Advisor, who took care of my inexperienced spirit throughout the 10 days in the United States.

Thank you once again, sincerely. I look forward to recreating these memories in the future.

You will always be remembered as the one who was on the happiest day of my life.

From, Seongyun.

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Seokwon Jung Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies

The moment I stepped into JFK, I just felt relieved for some reason. Since my freshman year, I’ve been always chasing HYPS, but without aspiration, It was like an engine throttling without oil.

Visiting New Haven, being told all the names of the statues, ‘omni’s, admiring the architect, speaking with fellow MUNers and talking with seniors who are currently attending Yale really motivated me to broaden my perspective of college.

First night at the hotel, I was talking with the members of the Brazilian delegation till 3AM. I realized how blinded I was, considering my classmates as competitors when someone on the other side of the world is fluent in 9 languages just because they like communicating with others. No matter how formidable and fluent the Korean society regarded me as, I was a minority in every aspect possible on US soil. It was an intuition I haven’t felt in nearly half a decade; I was very humble to drop all my ego, my pride, my achievements to actually realize how mere my application’s presence will be if this status. Back in my room, I told myself not to be overwhelmed, but I couldn’t help myself thinking that my essay is competing against those who have spoken the very language ever since they were babbling. College and competition aside, I paid (or my parents paid) every dollar for me to be here, so I was going to make sure every penny counted.

Except, my chair didn’t exactly know the rule of procedures to a point where he had to ask us. Amendments did not exist in this conference apparently, and we all forgot that there was a topic 2 in the first place. The seats were pretty uncomfortable, there were no tables for us to place our laptops AND our papers simultaneously, and the organization was pretty rough to call it ‘50 years of excellence’ at Yale.

Delegates didn’t know what formality meant, sometimes. It was just kindergarteners with suits on, and my two whole all nighters to prepare for an amazing overturn in resolutions and amendments went down the drain. At this point I realized that this so-called reflection just looks like an insecure teenager rambling about how awful the experience was, but that’s not true – at least the ‘awful’ part wasn’t. Working with groupmates, reviewing position papers and opening speeches, revising each other’s resolution prep papers were part of the fun I had in MUN. Getting to lead a bloc, whipping votes to pass the resolution, fortifying my delegate’s stance, I finally shared the joy Francis Underwood loved in House of Cards. A proper french toast to greet the morning, steak and pasta to feast, and some New Haven pizza to top it all off was delightful, and oh god is that 10 times to dose of my daily salt intake;

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I couldn’t figure out if the food was the seasoning or the salt was. I even had the chance to sneak out a little, and to be fair, sparing 30 minutes without supervision to teenagers was their mistake. I was in grocery stores eating American treats you can’t even findin Korea, and trust me, munching on them was sheer excitement like when Columbus first found the ‘New World’. There were lots of ups and downs, can’t define which was more, but regardless, It was all experience. Good or bad, It was all divergent and refreshing for my mind to work with, and a very big caution banner for me to acknowledge before I get back to my senior year of highschool. Remember, freedom is as dangerous as it’s exciting, and as exciting as it’s dangerous.

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Seohyun Kim Ewha Girls’ Foreign Language High School

Title: Global Insights: Life-Changing Experiences at Yale Model United Nations 50

As I looked around at the exotic buildings and found myself surrounded by fellow delegates from different corners of the globe, it hit me that I was in a country on the other side of the world. Attending the Yale Model United Nations 50 was my first time being part of such an event, and I have to admit, I felt a bit nervous about speaking in front of 1,000 people from all over. But as the sessions unfolded, I realized there was no need to be afraid. Everyone on the committee listened attentively and respected each delegate.

Through this experience, I learned a lot about working together and finding common ground with people from diverse backgrounds. It helped me improve my ability to cooperate and compromise, which are important skills in any setting. Plus, getting to interact with so many different people from around the world opened my eyes to new perspectives and ideas. Overall, it was an enriching experience that taught me a lot about myself and the world we live in.

The committee I participated in was DISEC (Disarmament and International Security) of the General Assembly. The two topics that we covered were ‘Humanitarian effects of nuclear weapons’ and ‘Data collection as a threat to international security’. I was thrilled to be on this committee because I was deeply interested in human rights, specifically the effects war brings to humanity.

Participating as the delegate of Belarus, I learned that opinions on the possession of nuclear weapons are not just divided into pros and cons, but that the complex interests of countries are intertwined, resulting in truly diverse positions for each country.

Watching the other delegates in my committee debate, I was captivated by the great passion and enthusiasm they showed while they delivered speeches and thoughts on the topic.

Overall, representing Belarus at the Yale Model United Nations 50 was a moment of immense gratitude for me. Not only did it expand my understanding of global issues, but it also provided lasting connections and valuable lessons that will continue to shape my journey beyond the conference.

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Sanghyun You Korean Minjok Leadership Academy

As a high school student with a burning passion for environmental activism and a deepseated desire to make a tangible difference in the world, attending a series of lectures on United Nations initiatives was an eye-opening experience for me. With dreams of working in the climate action department of the UN in the future, each lecture brought me closer to understanding the complexities of global challenges and the vital role that the UN plays in addressing them.

The lectures covered a wide range of topics, from poverty eradication to sustainable development goals and climate change. Learning about the multidimensional nature of poverty and the efforts of organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to combat it left me feeling both humbled and inspired. The stark disparities in global wealth distribution highlighted during the lectures underscored the urgency of addressing poverty and inequality on a global scale.

However, it was the discussions on climate change and sustainable energy that truly ignited my passion. Hearing about the UN's commitment to promoting renewable resources and combating climate change through initiatives like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) filled me with hope and determination. Despite the challenges posed by balancing environmental concerns with economic efficiency, I felt more motivated than ever to pursue a career in climate action and contribute to the global fight against climate change.

The lectures also shed light on the importance of diplomacy, peacekeeping operations, and international human rights law in promoting stability and protecting fundamental rights and freedoms. I was impressed by the UN's dedication to peacekeeping efforts and its role in resolving conflicts and upholding human rights on a global scale.

As I reflect on the lessons learned and the challenges ahead, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The lectures have reaffirmed my belief in the power of collective action and the importance of working towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all. With each lecture, I am one step closer to realizing my dream of working for the United Nations and making a meaningful impact on the world.

Throughout the course, I was able to conduct my own individual research that related to the matter that I care about the most, which is SDG 13. My goal is to establish an effective International Carbon Emission Right Trading Market, controlling the total amount of carbon being emitted into the atmosphere. Relating to SDG 8, 13, 17, the following study is about testing the EMH(Efficient Market Hypothesis) through the predictability of the ARIMA(Autoregression Integrated Moving Average) model with a Information-Based Predictor Variable added, giving us a more thorough understanding about the abundant market characteristic which assists the designing of the effective Carbon Emission Trading market.

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ABSTRACT This paper was written to test the EMH(Efficient Market Hypothesis),created by Eugene Fama, on the current stock market. EMH is a famous hypothesis that states the stock price reflects all available information in the market, thus not leaving any room for investors to make money. However, in reality, there are plenty of people that are benefiting off of the stock market unlike the efficient market that Fama has theorized. To test our hypothesis where the current stock market is in the weaker side of the EMH strength wise, supporting the theorized prediction of the strength of the market, we developed a ARIMA(Autoregression Integrated Moving Average) Model with Information-based predictor added to it which its residual was compared to the original ARIMA models residual calculated from the same data. The results shows that the residual of the newly developed model was statistically smaller, meaning that good news and bad news can help traders create profit just like in theory, making the stock market a weaker form market of the Efficient Market Hypothesis.

Keywords: Efficient Market Hypothesis, Strong Form Market, Semi-strong Form Market, Weak Form Market

CONTENTS 1. Introduction 1) Background and Motivation 2) Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) 3) Fama-French Three Factors 4) Problem Statement 5) Objectives 2. Research History 1) The Efficient Market Theory by Eugene Fama 2) The Three-Factor Model by Fama and French 3) Empirical Evidence and Challenges to EMH & Fama-French Three Factor Model 3. Methodology 1) How the strength of the market will be tested 2) Development of the ARIMA-GB Model 3) Dataset Selection and Preprocessing 4) Incorporating an Information-Based Predictor Variable 5) Model Training and Evaluation 4. Results 1) Performance Evaluation Metrics 2) Comparison of Residuals 3) Statistical Analysis of Residuals 4) Visualization of Residuals 5. Improvements and Discussion 6. Conclusion 1) Summary of Findings 2) Concluding Remarks 7. References

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1. Introduction 1) Background and Motivation Paul Tudor Jones, George Soros, Richard Dennis, and Warren Buffet, what do all of these guys have in common? They are all greatest stock traders to exist, and a great stock trader would mean a great ROI(Return On Investment). Then how were these traders able to take hundreds of millions of dollars as profit unlike some people who lose thousands whenever they trade? It is widely know that profit is made through traders access and action accordingly to the information. But, is this true?

There is two studies done in advance that act as the back bone of finance which is 'The Efficient Market Hypothesis' and 'Fama-French Three Factors Model'. These concepts theorize in conclusion that the current stock market is a Semi-strong Form market, meaning that people can generate profit through trading since the information is not fully reflected in the price.

We hypothesize that the current stock market is in the weaker side of the EMH strength wise, supporting the theorized prediction of the strength of the market.

2) Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) Eugene Fama, states that in a theoretical market where all information is perfectly open to all traders, no one will be able to make any profit off of the stock market.

However in a Semi-strong Form Market or Weak Form Market, where there is inequality in information available to the traders, suggests that it is theoretically possible to profit off of information in the stock market. Research has shown that well-developed capital markets such as the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange are semi-strong form efficient. In other words, it should be theoretically possible that information should be the key to profit in the real world market.

3) Fama-French Three Factors Model Eugene Fama once again creates Fama-French Three Factor Model Fama, to list the three factors that explains that average return per stock or the types of information that helps determination of a stock's profitability. The three factors are the following: The size of firms, book-to-market values, and excess return on the market.

4) Problem Statement The main question relating to the theoretical backgrounds briefly listed above is "Can people profit off of information in reality during real world practice?". It started as a pure curiosity at the start which was to question the somewhat not so surprising fact that information is what causes people to short and long stocks which results in profit if correctly done. To narrow down the scope of a such a broad word 'information', we have limited it to the news that we see daily, finance & company news more specifically.

5) Objectives The objective of this paper is to test the fact whether information from the news can enhance a traders profitability from the stock market in real life. Through the objective above being above, we are able to check the authenticity of Eugene Fama's Efficient Market Hypothesis about semi-strong form market.

2. Research History 1) The Efficient Market Hypothesis by Eugene Fama in 1970 The efficient market hypothesis (EMH), alternatively known as the efficient market theory, is a hypothesis that states that share prices reflect all information and consistent 152

alpha Alpha: a term used in investing to describe an investment strategy's ability to beat the market, or its "edge."

An "efficient market" should be traded at efficient fair value, leaving no room for the price of an stock to be underestimated or overestimated.

However, the idea of an "efficient market" is challenged by many counterexamples. One ctex. would be someone like Warren Buffet beating the market through long term investing which should not be possible according to the EMH. Another would be all of the major stock market crashes, like in 1987 when the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) fell by over 20% in a single day, and asset bubbles as evidence that stock prices can seriously deviate from their fair values.

These deviations from the fair price can happen due to the indifferences of information open in the market. A market is one of the following three based on the indifferences of information: - Strong Form Market, Semi-strong Form Market, and Weak Form Market.

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The Strong Form Market: all of information whether it is public or private is reflected in the price perfectly.

The Semi-strong Form Market: all public, but not non-public, information is calculated into a stock's price. Still, there is no method to achieve alpha generation.

The Weak Form Market: all past prices of stock are reflected in today's stock price.

If a market's profitability increases strongly through information when compared with another, it is considered a relatively strong market. If a market's profitability increases weakly through information, it is considered a relatively weak market.

2) The Three-Factor Model by Fama and French in 1993 Fama and French came together in 1993 to determine the factors and create an asset pricing model.

(1) Rit−Rft=αit+β1(RMt−Rft)+β2SMBt+β3HMLt+ϵit The equation noted as (1) is the equation for expected excess return. The symbols' notions are noted at the end of the paper. Through this equation we can find the three factors that determine the expected excess return: The size of firms, book-to-market values, and excess return on the market.

3) Empirical Evidence and Challenges to EMH & Fama-French Three Factor Model According to the findings above, the Efficient Market Hypothesis and Fama-French Three Factor Model has been proven to be theoretically flawless; with Eugene Fama recieving 2013 Novel Prize for Economics with the EMH, it has strengthen the hypothesis and methods of testing the market in a theoretical world. In reality, it is very challenging to test a market to check whether

3. Methodology 1) How the strength of the market will be tested The testing will be conducted as the following: 1. Data is extracted from a trusted source 2. Predictions of the future prices are made with the original ARIMA Model 153

3. Predictions of the future prices are made with the new ARIMA-GB Model which incorporates the Information-Based Predictor Variable 4. Compare the residuals of the two models 5. The results can be intreperted as one of the following: 5-a. If the residual of the new ARIMA-GB Model is smaller, then the market is a Semi-strong Form Market since using the news as a predictor enchanced the models predictability 5-b. If the residual of the original ARIMA Model is smaller, then the market is stronger than a Semi-strong Form Market since using the news as a predictor did not enchanced the models predictability 2) Development of the ARIMA-GB Model In order to solve the problem of the traditional ARIMA model in financial time series analysis, this paper takes a method of incorporating ARIMA model with sentiment analysis based on public information and change of stock price in percentage for each date. By adding analyzed sentiment of information, our hypothesis is that it would create a trend line adjusted with information fluctuation. Such an adjusted trend line would be weighed by incorporating percentage change in stock price of each date.

3) Dataset Selection and Preprocessing (a) Subject of Research Data from 4 companies are used, which is Apple, BerkshireHathaway-b, Nvidia, and Tesla. Apple and BerkshireHathaway-b were selected to represent stable companies with robust and positive images, which is predicted to have small impact on information fluctuation. Tesla and Nvidia were selected to represent bigtech companies, which are predicted to have a relatively big impact on information fluctuation. Datatable that contain date, price, and change in % from 1 day before were extracted from Investing.com and went through cross validation with data from Yahoofinance.com. Data in the range of 2019.05.01 to 2023.05.01 were selected. This would be called dataset A (b) Sentiment analysis For sentiment analysis of information, the daily news from Financial Times were selected because it fulfills three essential characteristics for this paper.

Reliability, wide accessibility, and quickness. These characteristics will enhance the reliability of the ARIMA-GB model below since selected information sets have maximized impact on individual investors.

Through python code, data of title and summary for each news article in Financial Times about relevant companies (Apple, BerkshireHathaway-b, Nvidia, Tesla) was detected by scanning the HTML format of the given link. Then by using NLTK (Natural Language ToolKit) Vadar, sentiment of the article was adjusted from -1(max negativity) to 1(max negativity) Finally, the sum of sentiments of news articles on the same date were constructed (total sentiment). In a date with no article, total sentiment was setted as 0 (neutral). This total sentiment data was merged into dataset A and created dataset A-merged.

4) Incorporating Good News and Bad News as Predictor Variables By constructing a program with R, traditional ARIMA model and ARIMA-GB model with dataset A-merged using auto.arima() function which automatically finds the best fitting autoregressive component, differencing, and moving average component.

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5) Model Training and Evaluation Data used in ARIMA and ARIMA-GB have 1008 observations. 70% of data were selected as a training set and the rest of the data were selected as a testing set. Below is the comparison between real value(test), ARIMA, and ARIMA-GB model. Long term data will contain all 202 observations in test data, and short term data will compare the first 45 values of predicted and test data.

Fig. 1. ARIMA & ARIMA-GB Forecast of Apple

Fig. 2. ARIMA & ARIMA-GB Forecast of Apple (for the first 45 values)

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Fig. 3. ARIMA & ARIMA-GB Forecast of BerkshireHathaway

Fig. 4. ARIMA & ARIMA-GB Forecast of BirkshireHathaway (for the first 45 values)

Fig. 5. ARIMA & ARIMA-GB Forecast of Nvidia

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Fig. 6. ARIMA & ARIMA-GB Forecast of Nvidia (for the first 45 values)

Fig. 7. ARIMA & ARIMA-GB Forecast of Tesla

Fig. 8. ARIMA & ARIMA-GB Forecast of Tesla (for the first 45 values)

4. Results 1) Performance Evaluation Metrics Performance of ARIMA and ARIMA-GB models were compared by using RMSE(Root Mean Squared Error) because in the real-world stock market, loss would increase exponentially due to error since leverage exists. Equation of RMSE is as below.

2) Comparison of Residuals

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3) Statistical Analysis of Residuals As stated above, the RMSE of ARIMA-GB seems to be smaller in the long term for Tesla and Nvidia while it is not for Apple and BerkshireHathaway. This supports our statement that companies which are vulnerable to fluctuation of information such as techcompanies, ARIMA-GB model would be able to be used as a better predictor than ARIMA. However, in terms of companies which are less influenced by fluctuation of information, ARIMA-GB seems to create more noise and decrease the efficiency of prediction.

More interestingly, the ARIMA-GB model had less RMSE value than the ARIMA model in the short term of BerkshireHathaway, Tesla, and Nvidia while having nearly equal value in the short term of Apple. This might indicate that in a short term of approximately 1 month, ARIMA-GB model may provide better prediction of trend line of overall stock price compared to ARIMA model no matter the type of company.

5. Improvements and Discussion Despite the promising results, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study and identify potential avenues for future research.

Firstly, our analysis focused on a specific information-based predictor variable, and there may be other variables or factors that could further enhance the predictive power of the model.

Exploring additional predictor variables, such as sentiment analysis of news articles or social media data, could provide valuable insights.

Secondly, the study examined the predictability of the ARIMA model with the information158

based predictor variable, but there are alternative models and techniques that could be explored.

Investigating the performance of other promising models with the information-based predictor could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the market's efficiency.

Furthermore, our analysis was conducted using historical data, and the effectiveness of the model may vary in different market conditions. It would be valuable to test the robustness of the findings across different time periods and market regimes, including periods of high volatility or structural changes.

In conclusion, future research should continue to explore and refine predictive models that incorporate information-based variables, considering different approaches and datasets. This will contribute to a deeper understanding of market efficiency and provide practical insights for investors and market participants.

6. Conclusion 1) Summary of Findings This paper aimed to test the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) on the current stock market by examining the predictability of an ARIMA model with an information-based predictor variable. The EMH posits that stock prices reflect all available information, leaving no room for investors to consistently generate profits. However, our findings suggest that incorporating an information-based predictor variable into the ARIMA model leads to statistically significant improvements in prediction accuracy. This supports our hypothesis that the current stock market exhibits characteristics aligned with the weaker form of the EMH. 2) Concluding Remarks The results of this study have significant implications for both theoretical and practical aspects of finance. Contrary to the efficient market predicted by Fama's EMH, we find evidence that good news and bad news can assist traders in generating profits. This indicates that the stock market may operate as a weaker form of the EMH, where certain investors can exploit information advantages to achieve above-average returns.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study and the need for further research. While our findings challenge the strong form of the EMH, future studies can explore additional predictor variables, alternative models, and different market conditions to enhance our understanding of market efficiency. Additionally, examining the implications of our results for different time periods and market regimes would contribute to a more comprehensive analysis.

In conclusion, our study suggests that the efficient market hypothesis may not hold in its strongest form in the current stock market. The incorporation of information-based predictors in the ARIMA model demonstrates improved predictive power and supports the notion that investors can benefit from market inefficiencies. These findings encourage future research to refine predictive models and deepen our understanding of the factors influencing market efficiency. Ultimately, this knowledge can assist investors in making more informed decisions and potentially capitalize on opportunities in the stock market.

7. References Fama, Eugene F. “Efficient Capital Markets: A Review of Theory and Empirical Work.” The Journal of Finance, vol. 25, no. 2, 1970, pp. 383–417. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2325486. Accessed 2 July 2023.

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https://www.accaglobal.com, ACCA -. “Market Matters.” ACCA Qualification | Students | ACCA Global,www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/student/exam-support-resources/fundamentals-exams-studyresources/f9/technical-articles/market-matters.html. Accessed 3 July 2023.

Fama, Eugene F., and Kenneth R. FrencH. “Multifactor Explanations of Asset Pricing Anomalies.” The Journal of Finance, vol. 51, no. 1, 1996, pp. 55–84. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2329302. Accessed 2 July 2023.

Steven L. Jones and Jeffry M. Netter, et al. “Efficient Capital Markets.” Econlib, 9 Nov. 2021, www.econlib.org/library/Enc/EfficientCapitalMarkets.html.

Bernhardt, Donald, and Marshall Eckblad. “Stock Market Crash of 1987.” Federal Reserve History, 22 Nov. 2013, www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/stock-market-crash-of-1987.

Eugene F. Fama and Kenneth R. French. "Multifactor Explanations of Asset Pricing Anomalies." The Journal of Finance, Volume 51, No. 1, 1996, Pages 55-84.

“Financial Times Home.” Financial Times, www.ft.com/. Accessed 4 July 2023.

“Yahoo Finance - Stock Market Live, Quotes, Business & Finance News.” Yahoo! Finance, finance.yahoo.com/?guccounter=1. Accessed 4 July 2023.

“Stock Market Quotes & Financial News.” Investing.Com, www.investing.com/. Accessed 4 July 2023.

SYMBOL Rit : total return of a stock or portfolio i at time t Rft : risk free rate of return at time t RMt : total market portfolio return at time t Rit−Rft : expected excess returnRMt−Rft=excess return on the market portfolio (index) SMBt : size premium (small minus big) HMLt : value premium (high minus low) β1,2,3 : factor coefficients

160

Junhyuk Jang Phileo International Academy

Title: Exploring Columbia, YMUN, and UN

Columbia It was freezing cold when we arrived at the University of Columbia. As I stepped into the main campus, I felt like I became one of those worldly intellectuals in Columbia. We first visited the library of columbia, and saw a statue of the personification of ‘Alma Mater’, meaning school and education, with the look of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Then, we followed the college student who guided us and went to the building of computer science.

Inside the building, I instantly sensed that it was a flexible environment for students to study and chill. After peeking at the classes that were going on through the window, I realized that I wanted to learn and study computer science here, at the University of Columbia. It felt like my dream major of computer science, which I have been planning to do as a major in college, was getting even greater. The quality of lectures looked fascinating, and the atmosphere in the school among the students was pleasant. A trip to Columbia was more than just a physical exploration; it was a voyage into the core of academia and it profoundly impacted my goals.

YMUN My heart of enthusiasm started to beat faster and faster as I joined the opening ceremony of YMUN and listened to the opening speech. Since the time of preparation for this program was tougher than any other experiences I have gone through, my expectations became higher and higher. Right after the opening ceremony, all participants were distributed to their committees in order, and it was when my expectations reached its peak, wondering how fun and memorable it’ll be. Everything about YMUN was my first time, including MUN itself, and I cannot forget when I first entered the room for my committee, Commission on Science and Technology for Development in ECOSOC. It was very quiet, but it was obvious that everyone was excited for this magnificent opportunity. MUN was indeed a fascinating program, as I expected, and I enthusiastically finished 7 sessions compatible with the chair and other delegates. My favorite part was the unmoderated caucus, where all delegates freely discussed their countries’ problems, and worldly solutions that would bring their universal goals, equality, freedom, and justice, which are the goals of the UN. YMUN will be a special memory, not just because it’s my first MUN, but because of its values I felt for 4 days.

UN UN Headquarters was the most gorgeous building itself I have ever seen, with its charismatic aura. We have visited the meeting rooms of the General Assembly and ECOSOC. Both had its grand atmosphere at the enormous rooms that instantly made me to be silent, hugely impressed.

There were also numerous artworks displayed in almost every path and place inside the building. All the artworks shared 3 main themes of the UN; equality, freedom, and justice.

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Among those previous arts, my favorite was a board that was hung on the wall, with the quote of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “The world is over-armed and peace is underfunded”, was the quote, and it emphasized the urgency of the world’s endeavor for world peace. Beneath the quote, the daily military expenditure worldwide was shown in USD, which was around 240 million USD when I looked at it. I was shocked by its tremendous amount, and realized that our world was more violent and cruel than I thought. Because of the endless conflicts and wars from the past to nowadays, it was a memorable time when I pondered about world peace. As I traveled inside this building, I sensed a feeling that I wanted to work here, be part of here, and put efforts for global peace and unity. We also took several precious lectures from UN specialists. All of them were invaluable times, and I tried my best to focus. If there is one thing I learned from the trip to UN Headquarters, it would be that a lot of people are doing their best to achieve world equality, freedom, and justice, and that we all have to try our best to achieve it as well.

162

Jiwoo Hwang Saint Paul Academy Daechi

Title: Having time with perfect people in wonderful places

“Life is either a great adventure or nothing.”

Life without adventure is too boring. At least, I thought. And the sentence from Helen Keller, which is “Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” made my heart beat strongly again. The quote may appear to encourage a dynamic lifestyle. However, it wasn’t. Meeting new people, going somewhere that’s way apart from my hometown wasn’t an easy choice. But the quote led me to a new choice that I have never had. Consequently, this marked a precious turning point in my life, as an extraordinary adventure.

One of the impactful experiences that we had was meeting various people over the world in the Yale Model United Nations, where thousands of delegates have participated. Everybody was a delegate of various countries. They wrote position papers to explain each country's stances, and had times that we could deeply understand each country's stances. The period I have spent writing the position paper changed me to gain my perspective toward world problems. Some solutions toward a problem can have two different effects, which are positive effects, and not positive effects that can cause other worse consequences. My committee in YMUN conference was Arab league, which aim to derive solutions about Sudan civil war and protecting minor religions in Arab countries. The committee had 20 different nations among 22 nations in the Arab League. The nation that me and my co-delegate represented was the Republic of Djibouti. Djibouti was a small but powerful country. It had good harbor locations to support other nations’ humanitarian aid and other aids which can support various nations.

Also, Djibouti didn’t regulate minor religions compared to other Arab nations. Also, even though it wasn’t my first MUN conference, I had pressure and nervousness since it was a big conference. Extreme anxiety made me freeze instead of speaking up in front of 40 delegates.

However, with my co-delegate, I could overcome my pressures, leaving behind all my mistakes that I have made. I slowly raised my participation chances as the time went by, and with my partner, we gained more clauses in the working paper which represented our delegation’s stances. Then this became the period that made me consider problems using diverse perspectives and stances in order to reduce bias. Furthermore, I learned how to mandate those conflicts and differences to regulate armed conflicts.

The lecture we had in the UN was the turning point of my attitude toward my life. The first lecture was about poverty, which is the SDG Goal1, to end poverty in all its forms everywhere.

Reducing at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty was their main goal. It is a well-known fact that poverty is one of the major problems and suffering of people all over the world. However, assuming problems and learning problems with direct research were different. The country that I represented in YMUN, Djibouti, wasn't an exception to poverty, which made me think deeply again about what our peers can do for these severe aspects. One of the solutions to reduce poverty was raising awareness. There is an International Poverty Day. The UN marks the international day for the eradication of poverty 163

on 17 October. Also, more peers need to care about people, poverty, and our environment.

Moreover, we need to reduce food consumption. Lastly, donation was strongly encouraged, and also volunteering our time and talents for the purpose of reducing poverty. Poverty isn't a problem for certain people’s problem. It’s our problem. It’s everybody’s responsibility. That’s what I strongly realized after this lecture.

This program has significantly impacted me. It taught me how to communicate with others who have different perspectives, how to finish a public speech successfully, and attract people in a short time during the speech. Furthermore, it has also increased awareness of global issues that the UN is actively addressing. It was truly an honor to have a good time with good people.

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Jeongyeon Lim Michuhol Foreign Language High School

Title: YMUN 50, an Honorable Experience

Participating as a Double Delegate representing Djibouti in the Arab League at the Yale Model United Nations 50 marked a significant experience, particularly given my prior involvement in Model United Nations activities. The assignment was initially perplexing, given the dual focus on Djibouti and the Arab League, posing a notable challenge due to the distinct nature of the topics.

Commencing on January 17, 2024, our team, comprising various members, journeyed to New York City, USA, before settling in New Haven, Connecticut. The immediate onset of activities required an expeditious organization of materials, position papers, and arguments in collaboration with my partner, a final preparation for the imminent Model United Nations session.

The inauguration of the Model United Nations unfolded on the subsequent day, marked by an opening ceremony at a designated hall, signifying the commencement of Yale Model UN 50.

The first session, hosted at the Omni Hotel, induced a heightened sense of nervousness, exacerbated by the magnitude of the event and the added pressure of communicating in English, a non-native language. Notably, the chairs facilitated a calming atmosphere through engaging icebreakers. Working in tandem with my partner, we utilized prepared materials to structure arguments,present our perspectives, and formulate a resolution.

The following day included a visit to Yale University as part of Yale Day, offering invaluable insights from actual professors. Upon reconvening, the second session saw collective efforts to finalize resolutions and orchestrate presentation strategies.Post-resolution presentations, teams delved into the formulation of amendments, refining arguments for solidity, a process extending into the third session.

The third day, marked by an intensive schedule, involved consecutive sessions. The fourth session entailed the presentation and voting on amendments, seamlessly transitioning to the next topic without respite. My increased confidence during the second presentation, albeit delivered at an accelerated pace due to time constraints, prompted active note-taking.

Collaborative efforts ensued through the disseminationof notes to countries with analogous arguments, fostering cooperation and information exchange. Notably, the voting outcome on both topics culminated in a tie.

The magnitude of Yale Model UN 50, attracting nearly 2000 high school students, fueled my initial excitement upon selection as a delegate. Participating in its 50th anniversary added to the honor, motivating a heightened commitment and a sense of privilege. This rare opportunity, also representing my final chance, intensified my dedication, resulting in a gratifying and esteemed experience.

165

Eungyu Lee Asia Pacific International School

Title: Reflecting upon the 10-day Trip

Looking back at our trip to the YMUN and UN Headquarters, I learned and experienced a lot of things on the trip. I met a lot of new people, some of whom I became close friends.

However, the trip gave me more than just friends, it gave me a bigger view of the world. I would like to recollect some memories from the amazing trip and reflect on how this helped me change my views and ideals.

Columbia University Before heading to Yale University, we first headed to Columbia. I was very excited, as I have never been to Columbia University. When we arrived, we met a student from Columbia, and we headed to one of the classrooms to talk with him. It was very interesting to hear an actual student from Columbia tell us about his experiences and how he got in. Even though I did not get to ask questions, other students did, and hearing the interaction between them was inspiring.

Yale Model United Nations The experience at Yale was a mindblower to me. First of all, Yale was huge. Their campus was so big that it took fifteen to twenty minutes to go across the campus. However, the walk was not too agonizing. Just by walking past the campus, we could see how beautiful it was. The elegant buildings, the park at the center, and the snow added a final touch to its beauty. The conference itself was pretty amazing as well. The opening ceremony was held in Woolsey Hall, and it was enormous. It could fit all the delegations from the different countries and have room to spare. Also, it featured former Secretary-General Ban Kimoon as a special speaker, which I felt pretty proud about as a Korean. After the opening ceremony, we headed off to the committee session. We met our Chairs, who seemed nice enough. The sessions were so much fun, even though it was a little bit more competitive than I thought. The competition to get sponsorship was so intense that anybody could feel it. I received sponsorship, but I was fired because I did not “speak a lot in favor of the resolution.”

I thought it was not enough reason, but the person who fired me was the founder of the bloc, so there was not much I could do about it. During the next topic, I made a small bloc, only made of six people including me. There were two other big blocs, similar in size to one another.

What I was looking for was making ourselves the “casting vote” of the resolutions proposed by either side. We went back and forth between the two sides, making them compete to win 166

our bloc over for merging. Whoever that gave us the better deal would win our bloc and votes.

This competition led our “price” to skyrocket, and at last, we chose one of the blocs, who promised to incorporate many of our ideas into the resolution and give us a spot in sponsorship.

I wanted the sponsorship, but I gave it to one of the other bloc members because my ideas were entirely incorporated into the resolution.

Yale Day Yale Day was a great experience, hearing from the best professors in the world. I heard lectures about the plant calendar and confirmation bias. We also went on the Yale campus tour, where we got to see places that Yale students live and study in. Our tour guide was awesome, he told us funny stories and made us laugh a lot. I think Yale Day was a great idea because it gave us a break from the intense competition and let us relax on the beautiful campus of Yale.

After lunch, we watched the Yale Showcase, a presentation of skills by Yale students. There were so many talented students, it was a joy to watch them perform on stage.

UN Headquarters Training The training program at UN Headquarters was also very educational. First, the briefings inside the UN building were an extraordinary experience. The speakers were professional, giving us useful information about their areas of expertise. I liked the briefing from a former worker in UN peacekeeping operations. Her lecture was interesting to listen to, and she was very funny. She would tell us these stories from her experience which made me feel like I was in the scene. I was so intrigued that I asked many questions, which she answered fully and with professionalism. The UN tour was a special part of the training program. We got to get a tour of the UN building including the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council conference room. We took many pictures and had a great experience. Lastly, we were divided into teams and given the task of creating a presentation about the Sustainable Development Goals. Our team decided to create a presentation on SDG 4: Quality Education.

I was the youngest of the group, and we worked hard to meet the deadline, which was frankly very short. We finished just before the beginning of the presentation time. When we went to the podium to present, I was very nervous, but I think we did well.

Final Words During this trip, I felt the need to work harder. I always tended to stay where I was, to be easily satisfied by my work. I think this hindered me “Stay Hungry, from getting somewhere higher and achieving something greater. But from this experience, I learned that I was not good at everything, nor am Stay Foolish.”

I going to excel in everything without putting in some effort. I needed to - Steve Jobs look higher, get out of my comfort zone, and look for challenges. Only through continuously challenging myself, I can grow and develop. I need to keep looking at my work critically and find places for improvement. I am the only one that can make myself do things. Nobody can force me to do anything unless I make myself do it. I think this trip taught me that much at the least.

167

Dahyun Pyeon Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies

Title: Absence of SDG 13

SDG 13, a sustainable development goal that is honorably pledged for having a climate action, is playing an essential role among the 17 sustainable development goals. Since the discovery made by Sevante Arranius in 1896 of slight climate change due to changes of carbon dioxide amount in the atmosphere of Earth, the prediction has become valid and also has been proven as true by subsequent years. Following that discovery, the official declaration of global warming was made by Wallace Smith Broeker in 1975, an American geologist who got a Phd in geology from Columbia University and became popularized by journals with similar topics. As a consequence, it had succeeded in grasping public attention, and therefore, one of the NASA climate scientists, James Hansen, used such topics in 1988 US testimony in the US senate.

Regardless of the commencement of public awareness that has been arising with an exponential rate, there was a simultaneous, exponential rate of growth of climate change along with the public awareness. Since the late 19th century to 21st century, it is evident that the average temperature of Earth has risen by 1.5 celsius within 0.06 celsius per decade, sacrificing millions of species of organisms and retrieving their habitat. Every increase of celsius destroys their habitats and lives, and in 2050, the temperature will be rising up to 1.5 celsius from present if there is without restrictions on carbon emission usage. Every nation has officially declared that they have raised their alertness to climate change by proving their actions on the 2015 Paris Agreement, registering to the zero-emission policy. Nevertheless, of these known public awareness, the world was not able to be fully engaged with climate actions.

Numerous environmental actions, speeches, and protests are done consistently through governments and non-profit organizations, especially one of known speeches from Gretha Thumberg in 2019, and despite the violence, there has been a recent protest that has been done in Reuver Museum in front of Monalisa. These types of actions were mostly done by developed countries and well-known non profit organizations that can be well representative to shed light on climate change. However, the genuine problem is the way of delivery of speech, in which the message of the speech consists of their political insights rather than using facts. As an example that has been introduced in the first beginning of this paragraph, at the 2024 Mona Lisa protest, two environmental activists were throwing soup at a Mona Lisa portrait as a mere purpose to introduce the audience the tyranny of carbon emission produced by created soups by factories. This resulted in only serious damage to the national artifact that is historically significant to all nations and created hostility to the public who are unengaged with climate actions. It is undeniable that raising awareness of environmental problems is necessary, and hardship exists in convincing the public with different opinions and political insights.

Nonetheless , riots with radical actions only give hostility and worsens the reputation of actions towards climate change.

Secondly, the commitment for climate change from global effort is inadequate compared to the requirements from the 2015 Paris agreement. To reemphasize, the Paris agreement highlights the carbon emission to 48 percent from the carbon emission peak at 2025, but the 168

current status is below expectation. According to 2021 statista data collected by global recycling rate by each nation, the highest recycling rate of all nations in the world is 58.2 percent from Slovenia, while other nations have only succeeded in completing less than 50 percent of recycling rate. It did not only form conflict between the two groups, but the disability of recycling had given birth to trash island. One of known trash islands that are created by abandoned trash are Great-Pacific Island, known to be its area 7.7 million square miles, seven times larger than the Korean Peninsula, was formed amid the pacific ocean. It committed 800 tons of pollution to the pacific ocean and threatened millions of species’ life. In other words, the protest had only formulated chaos between groups who are associated with the protest and not associated with the protest and caused even greater problems.

To solve these problems, there are two solutions that could be done. The first priority is to use factual information for environmental protest as an usage for convincing. For instance, Greta Thumberg travelled by boat instead of using planes in order to spotlight climate actions, but she failed to avoid condemnation towards her climate action. Since planes are fueled by kerosene, and boats are fueled by middle or heavy oils, the vehicle that is more detrimental to the environment is the boat. By actively using facts and statistics, it will be able to prevent condemnation towards climate actions and facilitate convincing the public. Secondly, there should be global restrictions by international law for using reusable or disposable products.

One of the examples is the carbon neutral point system, which is the system that was most successfully done by South Korea and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom was successful by giving more prestige to people who have been using electric vehicles by requiring less maintenance fees. As a result, the United Kingdom succeeded in reducing carbon emission by 50 percent from 1990. This is a great improvement that occurred by 30 years for a nation with mournful smug precedents in the past. Korea has been successful in making a carbon neutral point system done by collaboration of Korean private incorporations and governmental environmental corporations. This resulted in compliance of big firms as a representation, which also resulted in additional 60 companies to be involved with. The quote —“When you think it is late the most to change, it is the earliest moment you can change.”---- done by famous celebrity name Myeongsu Park, this quote fits the status quo of Earth. Since there is time from 2050, there is a possibility to change.

Works Cited “The countries polluting the oceans the most with plastic waste — Plastic Ethics.” Plastic Ethics, 17 March 2019, https://www.plasticethics.com/home/2019/3/17/the-countries-polluting-the-oceans-the-most-with-plasticwaste. Accessed 5 February 2024.

Alves,

Bruna.

“Global

MSW

recycling

rates

by

country.”

Statista,

29

August

2023,

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1052439/rate-of-msw-recycling-worldwide-by-key-country/. Accessed 5 February 2024.

“Great

Pacific

Garbage

Patch.”

National

Geographic

Society,

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/great-pacific-garbage-patch/. Accessed 5 February 2024. https://drive.google.com/file/d/10_2xn4C03VW1_xh-lbz-AIIc0tXhRbBi/view. Accessed 5 February 2024.

“Pathway for zero emission vehicle transition by 2035 becomes law.” GOV.UK, 3 January 2024, https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pathway-for-zero-emission-vehicle-transition-by-2035-becomes-law.

Accessed 11 February 2024.

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“Teen activist Greta Thunberg arrives in New York by boat, putting 'climate crisis' in spotlight | United Nations.” the United Nations, https://www.un.org/uk/desa/teen-activist-greta-thunberg-arrives-new-york-boat-putting-%E2%80%98climatecrisis%E2%80%99. Accessed 11 February 2024. “'스벅도 가능' 탄소도 줄이고 돈도 버는 이 '제도.'” 뉴스펭귄, 4 November 2023, https://www.newspenguin.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=15410. Accessed 11 February 2024.

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Byeongjun Park Saint Paul Academy Daechi

Title: SDG 16- The Government Corruption

Introduction The Sustainable Development Goals(SDG) embody 17 world development goals set by the United Nations in 2016 aiming for peace and prosperity for people on the planet and the future.

These objectives specifically target pursuing health, justice, and prosperity and impede inequality and poverty. In this essay, I centered my point on weighty misconduct perpetrated by the government and explored United Nations Efforts to combat government corruption.

SDG Goal 16 Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Agenda chiefly targets on fostering peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice, and building accountable and effective institutions. Furthermore, it recognizes the importance of peace, justice, and strong institutions as essential drivers of sustainable development. SDG 16 covers a wide range of important issues, including reducing violence, ending abuse and exploitation, addressing illicit financial and arms flows, promoting inclusive decision-making, and ensuring public access to information.

Government Corruption Denial of basic services to citizens, Erosion of public trust, and Social insecurity are the dire consequences of a defective government. A sheer number of Data and organizations assert that most of the countries out of 195 are categorically flawed at least in 1 substantive aspect or topic.

The Corruptions Perceptions Index provides that the average score of government transparency in 180 countries is 43 out of 100 in 2023. This staggering data signals to the society that the

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evolving society is receding to a bygone era where corruption was rampant. Executives often corrupt and gain benefits by using multitudinous methods which include bribery, embezzlement, and nepotism.

Government officials may intentionally divert the economic funds and resources meant for public welfare for personal gain. Furthermore, the executives may abuse one’s position for their benefit, infringe on the rights of the citizens, and subdue societal rage by using military authorities accompanied by violence resulting in civilian casualties. This shows that the government and Ngos efforts tackling corruption through legal reforms, institutional strengthening and promoting the culture of government accountability and transparency is imperative.

Consequences of Disregarding SDG 16 and case studies As stated in the previous paragraph disregarding the SDG 16 leads to insecurity, injustice, and denial of basic services to citizens. The insecurity may occur by citizens' spirals of anger with dissatisfaction and distrust of the government. Also government's corruption diverts funds intended for vital support to citizens such as water, education, health care etc. This may also lead to humanitarian crises. If the government does not fund citizens welfare, citizens cannot gain access to clean water. This may also lead to medical shortages which may cause civilian deaths.

1) Watergate Scandal(US) The WaterGate Scandal is a series of events that occurred in the US in 1972 to 1974. The primary factors were that the democratic party had opposed the vietnam war which, Nixions administrations intended to stop them by committing multitudinous tort such as illegal intrusions and wiretapping. This caused many Americans to lose faith in the government, activating them to pursue governments with great transparency.

President Nixion had resigned because of this case.

2) Yanukovych Regime(Ukraine) The Yanukovych Regime occurred in Ukraine 2010 to 2014 where the President of Ukraine and its allies were accused of bribery,embezzlement etc by abusing its position by amassing wealth at the expense of country resources. The corruption practices led by government officials had wide spreaded by public procurement which drained Ukraines economy. This led citizens to fuel outrage, causing a massive protest called the Euromaidan protest.

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United Nations Efforts to Combat Corruptions The United Nations has dedicated itself to combat corruptions in various ways. One of them was to create a Convention against corruption where it targets returning assets to their rightful owners, including countries from which they had been taken illicitly. The convention covers preventive measures, criminalization and law enforcement, international cooperation, asset recovery, and technical assistance and information exchange.

Citations https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/treaties/CAC/index.html https://kyivindependent.com/viktor-yanukovych-ukraines-scandal-ridden-ex-president https://www.britannica.com/biography/Viktor-Yanukovych /https://www.britannica.com/event/Watergate-Scandal https://www.history.com/topics/1970s/watergate https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/sustainable-development-goals/sdg16_-peace-and-justice.html https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2023?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAiP2tBhBXEiwACslfnnscZzrJP0CP G7C3IplC7xobTj82k5pjC90oKpoGqg2nRRuKMy9QihoC4aMQAvD_BwE

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Bomi Kang Sookmyung Girls' High School

Title: Peace Makers; United Nations Command and Overview of United Nations Peacekeeping

TABLE OF CONTENTS I.

Introduction

II. United Nations Command (UNC) A. Historical Background B. Mission and Operations III. United Nations Peacekeeping A. Definition and Evolution B. Contemporary Functions IV. Comparative Analysis A. Mandate and Focus B. Structure and Composition V. Conclusion VI. Relevance to my career path and areas of interest VII. Works Cited

I.

Introduction

Having undergone training at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), I have gained valuable insights into UN Peacekeeping, sparking a profound interest in the historical context and evolution of international efforts to maintain peace and security. The United Nations Command (UNC) and United Nations Peacekeeping (UNPK) are distinct entities with different purposes within the framework of the United Nations (UN). This report is an outcome of my exploration into two significant components: the United Nations Command (UNC) established in the aftermath of World War II, particularly during the Korean War, and the contemporary United Nations Peacekeeping forces. The objective is to compare and contrast these two initiatives, shedding light on their roles, structures, and impacts on global peace.

II. United Nations Command (UNC) A. Historical Background The United Nations Command (UNC) has its roots in the aftermath of World War II, specifically during the early stages of the Korean War. The historical background of the UNC is closely tied to the circumstances surrounding the conflict on the Korean 174

Peninsula.

The Korean War erupted on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces, supported by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea. The conflict was a result of longstanding tensions and ideological divisions between the communist North and the democratic South. The invasion prompted international concern, particularly from the United States and its allies.

The United Nations responded swiftly to the North Korean aggression. As the United Nations was founded to overcome the pain of World War II, it sought to prevent civilians from suffering due to conflict of ideologies. The UN Security Council passed a series of resolutions condemning the invasion and calling for the withdrawal of North Korean forces. The United States took a lead role in organizing a multinational coalition to assist South Korea.

On July 7, 1950, the United Nations Security Council Resolution 84 was adopted, recommending that member states provide military assistance to repel the North Korean invasion. Subsequently, the United Nations Command was established on July 24, 1950, to oversee the multinational forces deployed to defend South Korea. General Douglas MacArthur, an American military leader, was appointed as the Supreme Commander of the UNC. The command operated with contributions from 16 UN member nations, with the majority coming from the United States. The forces under the UNC included troops from diverse nationalities, reflecting the international nature of the coalition.

The Korean War saw significant battles and shifts in control of territory. After years of intense fighting, negotiations led to the signing of an armistice agreement on July 27, 1953, which brought a ceasefire and established the demilitarized zone (DMZ) along the 38th parallel. The UNC played a crucial role in negotiating and implementing the armistice. While the Korean War ended with an armistice, a peace treaty was never signed. The United Nations Command continues to operate on the Korean Peninsula to this day, overseeing the maintenance of peace and stability, monitoring the armistice agreement, and deterring potential aggression.

The historical background of the United Nations Command reflects its origin as a response to a specific geopolitical crisis, emphasizing the international community's commitment to collective security and the maintenance of peace in the aftermath of World War II. The UNC's ongoing presence on the Korean Peninsula underscores its enduring role in regional stability and security.

B. Mission and Operations The United Nations Command (UNC) has a specific mission and operational focus related to the maintenance of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The mission and operations of the UNC are outlined in the context of its historical background and the circumstances surrounding the Korean War.

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First, about the mission: It’s all about maintaining “peace and stability”. The primary mission of the UNC is to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. This mission is rooted in the aftermath of the Korean War and is focused on preventing the resumption of hostilities between North and South Korea.

Second, about the operations: It can be explained through six topics.

1) Armistice Implementation The UNC played a crucial role in negotiating and implementing the armistice agreement that ended the active fighting in the Korean War. This agreement, signed on July 27, 1953, established the demilitarized zone (DMZ) along the 38th parallel, serving as a buffer zone between North and South Korea.

2) Monitoring and Enforcement The UNC is responsible for monitoring the armistice agreement to ensure compliance by both North and South Korea. This involves overseeing the military demarcation line, inspecting military installations, and addressing any violations or provocations that may threaten the stability of the region.

3) Deterrence The UNC maintains a deterrence posture to discourage potential aggression and prevent the outbreak of hostilities. This involves a visible and credible military presence along the DMZ and strategic coordination with South Korean and international forces.

4) International Coalition The UNC operates as a multinational coalition, with member nations contributing military forces and resources to fulfill its mission. While the United States plays a significant role due to its historical involvement and the stationing of U.S. forces in South Korea, other nations also contribute to the UNC's operations.

5) Coordination with South Korea The UNC collaborates closely with the Republic of Korea (ROK) or South Korea in matters related to defense, security, and regional stability. The partnership aims to ensure a coordinated and effective response to potential threats.

6) Humanitarian Initiatives In addition to its military focus, the UNC may be involved in certain humanitarian initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of the Korean people and fostering cooperation between North and South Korea.

It is important to note that the mission and operations of the UNC are specific to the Korean Peninsula and differ from the broader peacekeeping efforts conducted by the United Nations in other regions. The UNC's mandate is centered on the unique historical and geopolitical context of the Korean War and its aftermath.

III. United Nations Peacekeeping A. Definition and Evolution The concept of UN Peacekeeping emerged as a response to the changing nature of conflicts in the post-World War II era. The devastating impact of the two World Wars prompted the international community to seek new approaches to prevent and manage conflicts. The key characteristics of UN Peacekeeping, as outlined in the statement,

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represent a significant shift from traditional military intervention to diplomatic solutions and conflict prevention.

After World War II, there was a growing recognition that the nature of conflicts was evolving. Many conflicts were no longer characterized by traditional interstate warfare but involved internal strife, civil wars, and other complex dynamics. The evolution of this conflict led to the creation of the United Nations (UN). The UN was established in 1945 with the primary goal of preventing future conflicts and promoting international cooperation. The UN Charter emphasized the principles of sovereignty, selfdetermination, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of member states.

The UN established a foundational document known as the United Nations Charter.

Chapter VI of the UN Charter focuses on the peaceful settlement of disputes. It outlines diplomatic and non-coercive measures that the UN Security Council can take to address threats to international peace and security. The concept of UN Peacekeeping evolved as a practical application of Chapter VI principles. Instead of traditional military intervention, UN Peacekeeping operations aimed to deploy multinational forces to maintain or restore peace in situations where conflicts had already erupted.

UN Peacekeeping forces are distinct from traditional armies, possessing unique and specific characteristics that define their operational framework: First, they need consent. The parties involved in a conflict must consent to the presence of UN Peacekeeping forces. Second, impartiality. Peacekeepers are required to remain impartial, not taking sides in the conflict, and facilitating the implementation of peace agreements. Third, non-use of force (except in self-defense). UN Peacekeepers are generally not authorized to use force except in self-defense or the defense of their mandate. Fourth, conflict prevention and resolution. UN Peacekeeping operations focus on preventing conflicts from escalating and facilitating diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes. Fifth, multifaceted approach. Peacekeeping involves the deployment of military, police, and civilian personnel to address various aspects of conflict, including political, security, humanitarian, and human rights dimensions.

Let us delve into the early phases of United Nations Peacekeeping operations: The first UN Peacekeeping mission was the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) deployed in 1956 to address the Suez Crisis. Subsequent missions were established in different regions, including the Congo, Cyprus, and the Middle East, reflecting the diverse challenges faced by the international community.

Over the years, UN Peacekeeping has adapted to changing global dynamics, including the rise of intrastate conflicts, complex political situations, and the need for comprehensive peacebuilding efforts. The evolution of UN Peacekeeping signifies a broader shift in international relations towards preventive diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the promotion of sustainable peace. The concept continues to be refined and adapted

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to address contemporary challenges in the pursuit of global stability and security.

B. Contemporary Functions Contemporary UN Peacekeeping operations encompass a diverse array of functions, reflecting the evolving nature of conflicts and the imperative for comprehensive approaches to build and sustain peace. These functions include proactive engagement in conflict prevention, the deployment of peacekeepers for peacekeeping and peacemaking, and the protection of civilians through measures such as safe zones and humanitarian corridors.

In addition to these, UN Peacekeeping operations are actively involved in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) efforts, aiming to stabilize situations and contribute to long-term stability. They provide political and electoral support, assist in rule of law and judicial reform, and coordinate humanitarian assistance, addressing the immediate needs of affected populations.

Security sector reform (SSR) is another critical function, involving the restructuring and reforming of security institutions to enhance their effectiveness, professionalism, and respect for human rights. Mine action, including mine clearance activities, contributes to the safety of civilians and post-conflict reconstruction. UN Peacekeeping operations integrate gender perspectives and promote Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) principles, recognizing the specific needs and contributions of women, while addressing gender-based violence.

Environmental protection considerations are embedded in peacekeeping operations, minimizing ecological impacts and promoting responsible environmental practices.

Capacity-building support is provided to local institutions, facilitating self-sufficiency and enabling countries to manage their own security and development. Strategies to counter radicalization and extremism contribute to conflict prevention, while collaboration with regional organizations and partners enhances the effectiveness of peacekeeping efforts through shared responsibilities and regional ownership.

In summary, contemporary UN Peacekeeping operations are characterized by their comprehensive, adaptable nature, addressing the root causes of conflicts and contributing to long-term stability and sustainable peace.

IV. Comparative Analysis A. Mandate and Focus The United Nations Command (UNC) primarily focuses on maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Its mandate originates from the historical context of the Korean War and the 1953 armistice agreement. The UNC's operational scope is specifically targeted at the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing its commitment to regional 178

peace and security. A key aspect of the mandate involves overseeing the implementation of the armistice agreement to prevent the resumption of hostilities between North and South Korea.

The UNC plays a crucial role in overseeing and ensuring compliance with the armistice agreement, which established the demilitarized zone (DMZ) and delineated the border between North and South Korea. This includes monitoring military activities, conducting inspections, and addressing any violations promptly.

Beyond its immediate peacekeeping role, the UNC serves as a deterrent force, deterring potential aggression and contributing to the overall stability of the Korean Peninsula. The multinational nature of the UNC underscores the collaborative effort to maintain peace in the region.

United Nations Peacekeeping operations, in contrast, have a broader mandate that extends beyond specific regional contexts. While the primary focus remains addressing conflicts worldwide, the mandate encompasses a diverse range of functions, including peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and the protection of civilians.

UN Peacekeeping missions adopt a multifaceted approach, addressing not only the immediate need for conflict resolution but also engaging in peacebuilding activities.

These include supporting political processes, promoting human rights, and facilitating post-conflict reconstruction to build sustainable peace. UN Peacekeeping missions are deployed globally based on the need for conflict resolution. The flexibility of the mandate allows the United Nations to respond to conflicts in different regions, emphasizing a global commitment to international peace and security.

The mandate of UN Peacekeeping reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the complexities of conflicts. In addition to military components, peacekeeping operations may involve civilian and police personnel, humanitarian efforts, and collaboration with local and international partners.

In summary, the UNC's mandate is tailored to the unique circumstances of the Korean Peninsula, rooted in the aftermath of the Korean War. On the other hand, UN Peacekeeping operations have a more extensive and global mandate, highlighting a multifaceted approach to building and maintaining peace in diverse conflict scenarios.

The specific roles of both entities contribute to the broader framework of international peace and security.

B. Structure and Composition The United Nations Command operates as a multinational coalition with a specific focus on the Korean Peninsula. Member nations actively contribute military forces to fulfill its mission, creating a collaborative and unified approach to regional peace and stability. The UNC's unified command structure, led by a Supreme Commander typically appointed from one of the contributing nations, ensures effective coordination and decisive leadership in addressing the unique challenges of the Korean Peninsula.

Member nations' active participation fosters a sense of shared responsibility, reflecting a commitment to collective security and the prevention of hostilities on the Korean Peninsula.

United Nations Peacekeeping operations leverage a more diverse and integrated 179

structure, drawing upon military, police, and civilian components from contributing nations worldwide. This inclusive approach allows for a comprehensive response to conflicts globally.

UN Peacekeeping missions encompass military contingents, police forces, and civilian personnel, promoting an integrated and multifaceted approach to conflict resolution. Military contingents contribute to security and peace enforcement, while police forces focus on law enforcement and civilian protection. Civilian personnel bring expertise in areas such as governance, human rights, and humanitarian affairs, contributing to the comprehensive nature of peacekeeping efforts.

And the structure of UN Peacekeeping reflects its global mandate, deploying missions to diverse regions based on the need for conflict resolution. The inclusive composition allows for flexibility and adaptability in addressing various conflict scenarios. UN Peacekeeping operations rely on collaborative coordination among military, police, and civilian components, emphasizing cooperation and synergy in addressing the multifaceted challenges of conflict resolution.

In summary, the UNC's structure is tailored to the regional focus of the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing collaboration among member nations. In contrast, UN Peacekeeping operations leverage a globally inclusive approach, utilizing diverse military, police, and civilian components to address conflicts across different regions with a comprehensive and adaptable strategy. The distinctive structures of both entities contribute to the broader framework of international peace and security.

V. Conclusion In conclusion, the UNC and UN Peacekeeping are distinct yet interconnected entities with their unique historical contexts, mandates, and operational structures. While the UNC focuses on maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula, UN Peacekeeping endeavors to address conflicts globally through diplomatic, military, and civilian interventions. This comparative analysis underscores the evolving nature of international efforts to ensure peace and security, shaped by the lessons learned from historical conflicts and the changing dynamics of the postWorld War II era.

VI. Relevance to my career path and areas of interest This study comparing the United Nations Command (UNC) and UN Peacekeeping is super relevant to what I want to do in the future, especially in international politics and journalism.

In international politics, it helps me understand how different countries work together to keep peace. Learning about the UNC's focus on the Korean Peninsula gives me insights into how countries deal with conflicts and make peace. This knowledge is super important for anyone who wants to be part of diplomatic efforts, help keep regions stable, and solve problems between countries.

For journalism, this analysis gives me the tools to write stories about what's happening globally. Knowing the differences between the UNC and UN Peacekeeping lets me report accurately and in a way that makes sense to people. As a journalist, being able to explain complex issues helps everyone understand what's going on in the world. This understanding is key to talking about global issues in a way that's clear and easy for everyone to get.

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The idea that international efforts are always changing and adapting to new challenges also fits perfectly with what I want to do. It aligns with my goal to be part of conversations between countries, help solve problems, and share important stories with people everywhere.

In a nutshell, what I've learned here is like a super helpful toolkit for my future in international politics and journalism. It gives me the smarts to understand how countries work together, solve issues, and share those stories with the world.

VII. Works Cited Authority, Command and Control in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, 25 October 2019, https://police.un.org/sites/default/files/2019.23_policy_on_authority_command_and_control_25_octobe r_2019.pdf. Accessed 3 February 2024.

UNMCK:

Korea

War

&

UN-Historic

Background,

2020,

https://www.unmck.or.kr/eng/03_war/?mcode=0503010100. Accessed 3 February 2024.

UNMCK: Korea War & UN-UN Involvement, 2020, https://www.unmck.or.kr/eng/03_war/?mcode=0503010200.

Accessed 3 February 2024.

UNMCK:

Korea

War

&

UN-Ceasefire

and

Armistice

Agreement,

2020,

https://www.unmck.or.kr/eng/03_war/?mcode=0503010600. Accessed 3 February 2024.

Peacekeeping Operations, 22 January 2024, https://psdata.un.org/dataset/DPPADPOSS-PKO. Accessed 3 February 2024.

United

Nations

Peacekeeping

Operations

Principles

and

Guidelines,

2008,

https://peacekeeping.un.org/sites/default/files/capstone_eng_0.pdf. Accessed 3 February 2024.

HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF UN PEACEKEEPING, 30 May 2018, https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/historicaltimeline-of-un-peacekeeping. Accessed 3 February 2024.

Meetings Coverage and Press Releases, 14 February 2022, https://press.un.org/en/special-committeepeacekeeping-operations. Accessed 3 February 2024.

United States Forces Korea, 22 December 2023, https://www.usfk.mil/About/#AboutUNC. Accessed 3 February 2024.

United Nations General Assembly Resolution 711 (Adopting the Armistice Agreement), 28 August 1953, https://www.unc.mil/Portals/46/Documents/Historic%20Documents/A_RES_711(VII)_E.pdf?ver=202003-01-195336-663. Accessed 3 February 2024.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea: [UN General] UN Charter (English and Korean), 31 January

2011,

https://www.mofa.go.kr/www/brd/m_3874/view.do?seq=273324&srchFr=&srchTo=&srchWord=&mult i_itm_seq=0&itm_seq_1=0&itm_seq_2=0&company_cd=&company_nm=&page=20.

Accessed

3

February 2024.

Peacekeeping

Operations,

1

February

2024,

https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/repertoire/peacekeeping-missions. Accessed 3 February 2024.

How did UN peacekeeping help in a year marked by war?, 6 December 2023, https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/how-did-un-peacekeeping-help-year-marked-war. Accessed 3 February 2024.

UN PEACEKEEPING: A YEAR IN REVIEW, 2017,

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https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/un-peacekeeping-year-review-0. Accessed 3 February 2024.

Renewing U.S. Commitment to U.N. Peacekeeping in AfricaRenewing U.S. Commitment to U.N. Peacekeeping in Africa,

15

April

2021,

https://www.csis.org/analysis/renewing-us-commitment-un-peacekeeping-

africarenewing-us-commitment-un-peacekeeping-africa. Accessed 3 February 2024.

Korean War in 1950 - UNSC - Basic - Model Diplomacy, 21 June 2022, https://modeldiplomacy.cfr.org/preview/136/notes-issue. Accessed 3 February 2024.

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Hope to the Future Association Status

NGO Representative at the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC)

Program

Youth Education Programs and Sponsor Programs supporting the United Nations and its works, Global Citizenship Education Development, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) in both domestic and international level

Website

www.hopetofuture.org

Email

webmaster@hopetofuture.org

Contact

+82-2-6952-1616

www.hopetofuture.org

Hope to the Future Association (HFA) is a non-profit organization registered under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. Since 2014, HFA has been associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC) as a Civil Society Organization, and in 2018, it registered as an official member of United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Korea, expanding its scope as an educational institution.

HFA's mission is to foster global competence and raise awareness about the importance of global citizenship education and international development among domestic and international youth. HFA provides guidance and academic inspiration with a global focus, empowering young people to become active global citizens who can positively impact their communities and the world.

To achieve its mission, HFA offers International Understanding Education Programs and Sustainable Sponsorship Programs. These programs provide a platform for youth to discuss and explore international issues, including the United Nations and its agenda regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). HFA believes that advocating for the United Nations and its agenda as a common goal is essential for creating a sustainable and peaceful world.

Overall, HFA strives to inspire and empower the global youth to become leaders and advocates for positive change through global citizenship education and a focus on international development.

Main Programs (1) UN Headquarters Training Program in New York and Geneva  Youth UN Training held at the UN Headquarters in Geneva and New York  Attending Lectures by UN High Officials and International Organization Experts such as the Secretary-General of UNEP and the President of General Assembly  Build Professional Knowledge on the SDGs and Global Issues that the UN mainly deals with  Discussion with the UN Ambassador of the Republic of Korea

(2) International Model United Nations - ’Yale MUN & Yale MUN Korea’

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 On February 2018, Hope to the Future Association and the Yale MUN Secretariat signed an official MoU and agreed to a collaborative partnership on organizing YMUN Korea  Participating in International MUN Competitions as Korean Delegation  Attending MUN Training by UN Ambassadors and experts from International Organizations

(3) Global Youth Forum on the United Nations – ‘Academic Forum on the United Nations’  The forum is a pedagogical four-day program that aims to improve the degree of understanding and professional knowledge on the UN and the role of International Organizations.  The theme of the forum is ‘Sustainable Development Goals and Peace’

(4) Donation Campaign for Children in Africa - ‘Container of Hope’

 Sending 40ft long container to African developing countries filled with translated English books, shoes, school supplies gathered from donation campaigns raised by students

Cooperation Organization Group Programmes Unit, Visitors Services, United Nations Department of Global Communications Hope to the Future Association has acquired the status of an ‘Associated NGO with the United Nations Department of Global Communication’.

With kind cooperation and support of the DGC Group Programmes Unit, HFA is able to organize a diversified and a high-quality UN Training curriculum the Korean Youth every year. The Visitor Centre provides UN Expert briefings and guided tours to the visitors from around the world.

Sponsor Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Under the principles of 'Freedom, Peace and Humanity,' 'International Mutual Understanding,' and the 'Future Shape of the Asia Pacific Region,' APU was established on April 1, 2000 with the aid of Oita Prefectur, Beppu City and more.

APU's philosophy is to create a university campus that produces graduates with the skills they need to contribute to international society based on the fundamental principles of the campus. With almost half of the faculty and student body comprised of foreign nationals from all over the world, the University has achieved a truly international campus environment of cultural coexistence.

APU has been one of the biggest sponsors of Hope to the Future Association since 2013.

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All photographs and textual content, including essays, featured in this report are the property of Hope to the Future Association, unless specified otherwise. Certain images and statistical data incorporated within student essays are credited to their respective sources, as noted within the document. While some materials may lack explicit references, their use is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial exploitation of any content from this report without express permission from Hope to the Future Association is strictly prohibited.

Publish Date

16 February 2024

Publisher

Hope to the Future Association

Address

4F Dana Bldg, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 06125

Telephone

+82-2-6952-1616

Fax

+82-2-538-5928

Website

www.hopetofuture.org

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