HS Afro-Arab Summit - TJHSST Activities

TechMUN 2015
Afro-Arab Summit
HS Afro-Arab Summit
Thomas Jefferson High School Model United Nations Conference
TechMUN 2015
High School Regional
Chair: Brandon Liu
Chair: Dennis Kim
TechMUN at Stuart
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and JEB Stuart High School
Fairfax, VA | April 10-11, 2015
TechMUN 2015
Afro-Arab Summit
Letter from the chairs:
Dear Delegates,
My name is Brandon Liu and I will be one of your
Chairs for the Fourth Afro-Arab Summit at this year’s
TECHMUN along with Dennis Kim. I am in the TJ Class of
2015 and I hope to study Computer Science at UVA next year
along with an MBA in the future. In my spare time I love to
swim and play basketball, listen to music (everything except
for metal), and I am currently in the middle of rewatching
Family Guy.
My name is Dennis Kim and I will be one of your
chairs for the Fourth Afro-Arab Summit at this year’s
TECHMUN along with Brandon Liu. I am a senior and I plan to
study Economics and CS at the University of Chicago next
year. I enjoy lifting, playing sports, cooking and listening to
music in my spare time.
In committee, we expect that we will only be able to get
through one topic. We are looking for substantive debate and unless
there is a lot of agreement, delegates should expect the topic chosen
on the first day to last throughout the conference. The topics should
both be pretty straightforward, and WIkipedia should be enough for
any background information you might need that isn’t in this guide.
However in order to be a successful delegate, you will need to know
more than what is here. We recommend reputable sources like WHO
and UNAIDS for more specific information and data. Knowing and
being familiar with the background guide is the minimum. Delegates
can distinguish themselves by bringing up unique topics and by
proposing unique solutions. Talking about education for an extended
amount of time won’t demonstrate your expertise in the topic. Please
focus on being creative.
We hope that you enjoy TECHMUN and our committee, we’ll try our best to make debate both
engaging and fun. Feel free to reach us at either [email protected] or [email protected] if you
have any questions about committee procedure, the background guide, or the topics.
Your chairs,
Brandon and Dennis.
TechMUN at Stuart
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and JEB Stuart High School
Fairfax, VA | April 10-11, 2015
TechMUN 2015
Afro-Arab Summit
Introduction to the Body
The Afro-Arab Summit has traditionally been an effort made by the African Union and
Arab League in promoting cooperation and equality between African and Arab countries. So far,
there have only been three summits held by the AU and the AL, however all three have yielded
fruitful results in terms of agreements and resolutions between nations1. Representatives of this
summit include heads of state, high-level public officials, ministers, as well as diplomats, so
certain powers will be available to you as delegates that you would not otherwise have in some
general assemblies and specialized agencies (e.g. modifying existing policy, changing tax laws).
The first Afro-Arab Summit was held in Cairo in March, 1977 by the Organization of
African Unity (OAU), the body that preceded the African Union, following the 6-Day War in 1967,
the Near East conflict, and the Yom Kippur War in 1973. In this historic event, African and Arab
cooperation was formally solidified in areas such as finance, economics, politics, and culture.
The Cairo Declaration also established several multilateral aid institutions like the Arab Bank for
Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) that work to extend technical and financial
assistance to states in need2.
The Second summit occurred almost thirty years later in October 2010 in Sirte, Libya
addressed important issues involving balancing OPEC’s petroleum revolution, dealing with
terrorism, and energy concerns3. The Third occurred shortly after on November 19, 2013 in
Kuwait City, where participants adopted the Kuwait Declaration affirming the need for “peace,
justice, and equality”4 as well as measures to continue post-2015 development programs and
continuing the implementation of the poverty-fighting Millenium Development Goals (MDGs).
Afro-Arab cooperation is now reaching an all-time high. Your role as a representative of
this body will be to continue the legacy of the three summits before you in promoting
cooperation, peace, and regional stability.
1
African Union.
Letter to UN General Assembly on the First Afro-Arab Cooperation Summit, 1977.
3
GIGA Focus - Aftermath of the Sirte Summit, 2010
4
allAfrica: Third African Arab Summit Wraps Up Works
2
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Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and JEB Stuart High School
Fairfax, VA | April 10-11, 2015
TechMUN 2015
Afro-Arab Summit
Topic One: HIV/AIDS
Statement of the Issue
HIV/AIDS severely and disproportionately affects populations in Sub-Saharan Africa
(SSA). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 80 million people have been
infected and 40 million have died of HIV since the beginning of the epidemic. Currently it is
estimated that the virus burdens around 38 million people around the world. The effect of
HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan African countries is immense. In 2013, UNAIDS conducted a study
that showed more than 25 million people including around 2 million children in SSA were
infected. Today this number is rapidly approaching 70% of the global total5.
Figure 1: Global Health Observatory (GHO) data
On the other hand, Northern Africa and the countries of the Middle East have an
estimated 300,000 people infected, an overall HIV prevalence of 0.1%, one of the lowest rates
among all world regions.6 The disparity between HIV/AIDS prevalence in SSA compared to
Northern Africa is staggering.
Besides millions of fatalities, the families of those infected must also shoulder the
economic burdens and work through productivity-related implications due to the virus. Solving
the HIV/AIDS epidemic in SSA will be a time consuming task. Change in public awareness of
preventative measures as well as social reform in the elimination of stigma is a process that will
5
World Health Organization (WHO): HIV/AIDS
Hamidreza Setayesh, PRB: HIV in the MIddle East, Low Prevalence but Not Low Risk.
6
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Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and JEB Stuart High School
Fairfax, VA | April 10-11, 2015
TechMUN 2015
Afro-Arab Summit
take years. Your job as a delegate will be to facilitate change in the course of defeating the
epidemic through cooperation between Arab and African nations.
History of the Issue
Historically, governments in SSA have denied the issue of HIV/AIDS. Although it is
undoubtedly one of the most important global health issues of our time, cultural stigma,
political/social implications, medical suspicion, and religious factors all contribute to the fact that
many people choose not to get tested and treated for the virus7. One of the most obvious
challenges to HIV/AIDS is the enormous amount of funds needed to train medical personnel
and create the necessary infrastructure to deal with the issue.
However, global awareness and action in the face of the HIV/AIDS epidemic has
improved greatly in the past years. More than ever, governments and NGOs have been
stepping up to make sure people are educated about the causes of HIV and ways to prevent
transmission. In the pharmaceutical industry, many companies have shifted their attention to
developing more cost-efficient antiretroviral drugs that can tremendously decrease the number
of deaths due to AIDS by slowing the progression of the HIV virus. According to the Joint United
Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the amount of patients receiving treatment rose
nearly 10-fold in the past decade.8
Organizations such as The Global Fund to FIght AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the
President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) have received massive funding
increases in light of recent events in order to address HIV-related health concerns. Notably, the
ABC (Abstain, Be faithful, and Correct and Consistent use of Condoms) program, started in the
early 2000s by the Bush Administration, has proven to be an extremely effective initiative,
however the fact that it is a Western program has generated much controversy from the
international community.
Possible Solutions
The purpose of the Fourth Afro-Arab Summit must be to fight the AIDS epidemic in a
way that favors both African countries as well as the Arab nations that will provide the aid. Many
SSA countries can learn something from their North African and Arab counterparts. Education
and awareness have been the focus of the past, however it is also time to shift our attention
onto other topics like the development of medical infrastructure. New and innovative solutions
will include ways of dealing with these issues efficiently.
7
8
MEDWISER: AIDS in Africa
UNAIDS, How Africa Turned AIDS Around, 2013.
TechMUN at Stuart
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and JEB Stuart High School
Fairfax, VA | April 10-11, 2015
TechMUN 2015
Afro-Arab Summit
Questions to consider
●
●
●
●
●
●
Is your country in a position to give aid or receive it?
What is preventing people in your country from receiving aid?
Should aid be primarily be in the form of funding? What other ways can aid be given?
How can we alleviate the short-term economic burdens of HIV/AIDS?
How can we create a long-lasting framework for change and treatment?
How will countries receiving aid work to repay it?
Topic Two: Investment in Africa from the MIddle
East
Statement of the Issue
The developing relationship between the Middle East and Africa is a phenomenon that
deserves much attention. Most analysts speculate that the trade between the Middle East and
Africa has augmented fivefold during the last ten years, and the UK-based Standard Chartered
bank estimates the annual trade between these two regions at roughly 49 billion US dollars. The
growing partnership between Middle East-particularly the Gulf- and African regions, however,
has been largely ignored due to media focus on the bilateral trade between China and Africa.
China has been generously pledging loans for African infrastructure development and has been
Africa's largest trading partner for the past five years.9 The successful expansion of Middle
Eastern Investors' African portfolios would require a complex view of the continent given the
diversity of markets, business environments, legal systems, social groups and political systems.
There exist three fundamental reasons behind increased trade and investment between
the Middle East and Africa: Africa's widespread political stability, recent economic boom and
peace. Africa has been enjoying widespread political stability and economic booms. Take, these
two startling statistic, for an example. There were only two peace transitions of power in SubSaharan Africa, whereas there were 33 that took place in the last twenty years.10 Nations like
Nigeria is completely devoid of war and political violence, and the overall region is safer now
than it has ever been in the last half-century. Following such peace and stability, the continent's
economy has been enjoying a significant growth rate of between 5 to 8 percent over the last
decade despite the global economic downturn.11
9
Africa's Middle East Moment.
10
11
Africa Attracts Arab Investors
Africa's Middle East Moment.
TechMUN at Stuart
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and JEB Stuart High School
Fairfax, VA | April 10-11, 2015
TechMUN 2015
Afro-Arab Summit
History of the Issue
Recent efforts include the two-day 2013 Summit in Kuwait to review steps that would
promote economic ties between the Middle East and African states. Preceding the 2013
summit, another summit occurred in 2010 at Libya, and provided leaders the opportunities to
discuss Arab uprisings and called for the creation of joint "Africa-Arab Financial Mechanism".
Thirty four heads of state, seven vice presidents and three heads of government attended the
summit.12 The summit urged economic ties and cooperation effort against terrorist attacks. In
particular, Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah pledged 1 billion dollars to African
states with the cooperation of World Bank.13
The Middle East's involvement in Africa is not without controversy. The majority of
investments to the African continent are in the million dollar mark, a range that is too small for
Gulf investors who see better opportunities for returns in billions in Europe.14 Further, many
offshore companies complain that it is extremely difficult for any offshore companies to deal with
South African laws and black empowerment legislation. Also, a number of investments in North
Africa are being delayed due to a range of economic and political issues.15
Case Studies
Egypt
According to the institution of International Finance in its recent report, “In Egypt, the
transition has progressed in fits and starts and the outlook remains uncertain.” Following the
Egyptian army's of the Muslim Brotherhood in the summer, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE
pledged funds to boost Egypt's economy.16 The support adds up to 12 billion dollars and would
stabilize Egypt's macro outlook by supporting a 1.5 percent of GDP's fiscal stimulus.
Libya
The continued presence of militias and conflicts arising from tribal differences are
complicating investments as well as transitions. However, the country's infrastructure needs
surpass those of more developed African nations. In other words, Libya provides a whole host
of opportunities for regional construction companies such as Arabtec, Drake & Scull
International, along with major developers such as Emaar, Nakheel and Aldar Properties to get
involved.17
12
Africa-Arab Summit Urges Economic
SouthAfrica.info.
14
Arab-Africa Summit Aims to Promote Ties
15
Africa-Arab Summit Urges Economic
16
Arab-Africa Summit Aims to Promote Ties
17
Recap: How Are the Gulf's Investments Doing
13
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Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and JEB Stuart High School
Fairfax, VA | April 10-11, 2015
TechMUN 2015
Afro-Arab Summit
Questions to consider
With regards to these difficulties, all delegations should consider the following questions:
● Given the diversity of markets, business environments, legal systems, social groups and
political systems of Africa, how can the Afro Arab summit support the growth of
sustainable investments between the Middle East and Africa?
● How can the Afro Arab summit encourage transparent investments that would ensure
benefits to both parties?
● How can different nations cooperate to make Africa more viable and attractive market for
foreign investors?
● What problems may arise in the future as investments expand?
● How can the summit address issues such as economic diversification, climate change,
governance reform and greater transparency, youth development and employment and
labor conditions?
● What should be the nature of the relationship between the Gulf regions and Africa?
TechMUN at Stuart
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and JEB Stuart High School
Fairfax, VA | April 10-11, 2015
TechMUN 2015
Afro-Arab Summit
Works Cited
"AIDS Africa: UNAIDS." A/32/61 of 17 March 1977. Web. 21 Feb. 2015.
<http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/97F79F017B276FB085256FDB006E4C08>.
"AIDS in Africa - Statistics and Facts about HIV in Africa | Medwiser." Medwiser. Web. 17 Feb.
2015. <http://www.medwiser.org/hiv-aids/around-the-world/aids-in-africa/>.
"Africa Attracts Arab Investors." Africa Attracts Arab Investors. Web. 21 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.africa-business.com/features/arab_africa_trade.html>.
"Africa HIV & AIDS Statistics." Africa HIV & AIDS Statistics. Web. 19 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.avert.org/africa-hiv-aids-statistics.htm>.
"Africa's Middle East Moment." The Majalla Magazine Africas Middle East Moment Comments.
Web. 21 Feb. 2015. <http://www.majalla.com/eng/2014/05/article55249951>.
"Africa-Arab Summit Urges Economic Ties and Counter-terrorism Cooperation | Africa | DW.DE
| 20.11.2013." DW.DE. Web. 21 Feb. 2015. <http://www.dw.de/africa-arab-summit-urgeseconomic-ties-and-counter-terrorism-cooperation/a-17242159>.
"Africa: Third African Arab Summit Wraps Up Works." AllAfrica.com. 21 Nov. 2013. Web. 21
Feb. 2015. <http://allafrica.com/stories/201311210696.html>.
"Afro-Arab Cooperation." Afro-Arab Cooperation. Web. 21 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.badea.org/Afro-Arab-Cooperation.htm>.
"Afro-Arab Partnership | African Union." Afro-Arab Partnership | African Union. Web. 21 Feb.
2015. <http://pages.au.int/afroarab>.
"Arab-Africa Summit Aims to Promote Ties." - Al Jazeera English. Web. 21 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/11/arab-africa-summit-aims-promoteties-2013111961914751979.html>.
"HIV and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa." HIV and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. Web. 19 Feb.
2015. <http://www.avert.org/hiv-aids-sub-saharan-africa.htm>.
TechMUN at Stuart
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and JEB Stuart High School
Fairfax, VA | April 10-11, 2015
TechMUN 2015
Afro-Arab Summit
"HIV in the Middle East: Low Prevalence but Not Low Risk." HIV in the Middle East: Low
Prevalence but Not Low Risk. Web. 21 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.prb.org/Publications/Articles/2013/hiv-aids-in-middle-east.aspx>.
"HIV/AIDS." WHO. Web. 11 Feb. 2015. <http://www.who.int/gho/hiv/en/>.
"Kuwait Declaration | African Union." Kuwait Declaration | African Union. Web. 21 Feb. 2015.
<http://pages.au.int/afroarab/documents/kuwait-declaration>.
"Recap: How Are the Gulf's Investments Doing in North Africa's Arab Spring Economies?" Al
Bawaba. 19 Jan. 2014. Web. 21 Feb. 2015. <http://www.albawaba.com/business/gccegypt-tunisia-aid-fdi-548374>.
"SouthAfrica.info." Middle East 'looking to Invest in Africa' Web. 21 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.southafrica.info/africa/middle-east-020513.htm#.VOkkCfnF9SE>.
TechMUN at Stuart
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and JEB Stuart High School
Fairfax, VA | April 10-11, 2015