- Statement of significance:
- The UN is the apostle of diplomacy, a means to peace and a measure of global harmony. In 1945 it was supposed to be that perfect organization that would bring the world out of two world wars and into a new age of brotherhood, universal progress and healthy relationships. Yet the UN today is plagued by its own problems and the world’s problems - rising nuclear demons in Iran and North Korea, a hemorrhaging wound in Darfur, unending violence in the Middle East, looming environmental disaster, escalating international terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the spread of HIV/AIDS. Yet none of these problems can be solved unless the UN changes itself.
- The topic is interesting, provocative and challenging because:
- The UN through its six principal organs as well as through its subsidiary organizations such as the UNESCO, UNICEF etc. performs important political, economic, social and humanitarian work around the world. Over the years, especially during the Iraq war, it was seen how UN resolutions were flouted by member nations primarily due to a lack of consensus within the UN. The world has changed but the UN has not and that’s most important.
- The topic is educational because:
- It is not as if attempts to reform the UN are not on going. However, most of these attempts are crafted in a way that would appeal to the permanent five, for any amendment to the charter requires their consent. Using fiat in debate, we will be able to debate and learn what truly will be the best solution for the organizational crisis that the UN face – and not necessarily what is most appealing to the P5.
- SOURCES:
- UN Website: www.un.org/reform
- Reform of UN: www.globalpolicy.org/reform/index.htm
- UN-Reform: www.un-reform.org
- US Institute of Peace: www.usip.org/un/report/index.html
- Center for UN reform: www.centerforunreform.org
- POSSIBLE ARGUMENTS:
- Cases:
- India, Japan, Germany, Brazil to the SC.
- Financial management.
- Ban membership for over due payments.
- Abolish Veto.
- Make GA resolutions binding.
- Africa to SC.
- Negative Arguments
- UN SC stagnation.
- Decrease in US Hegemony.
- Middle East nuclear conflict due to lack of consensus in SC
- RESOLUTIONS:
- Resolved: The UN should substantially alter membership to the Security Council.
- Resolved: The UN should substantially reform its structure, organization and/or management.
- Resolved: The UN should reform the operation, deployment and organization of it’s military forces.
- Resolved: The UN should significantly increase developmental assistance to developing nations.
Links to 2008-2009 Topic Papers
