UNDP
Topic A: Addressing the Commodity Trap in Developing Countries
Topic B: Cultivating Capacities for Regenerative Agriculture
The United Nations Development Programme has become a crucial agency within the UN for assisting countries to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. It does so by following the path of sustainable development, democratic governance, peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. It is the largest UN development agency with 170 countries and territories and its Executive Board is made up of 36 countries serving on a rotating basis. This committee will address the following two issues:
Addressing the Commodity Trap in Developing Countries,
Cultivating Capacities for Regenerative Agriculture.
Topic A will address the “commodity trap” faced by developing countries; the commodity trap, or commodity dependence, is a condition in which more than 60 percent of a country’s merchandise exports are commodities. This phenomenon prevents developing countries from industrializing and closing the gap with developed nations. Delegates will have the vital task of finding solutions to this. To do so, they must take into account the already weakened economic and political structures of these countries, which could also be a source of conflict polarizing the debate delegates will hold.
Topic B will force delegates to make the most of their creativity to come up with ideas that boost regenerative agriculture in every society around the globe. This approach seeks to sustain the health of the soil, water, and ecosystems as a path towards sustainable farming while keeping high productivity and profitability. Delegates will help shape the next crucial steps concerning practical changes in the agricultural sector.
Chair Letter
Esteemed delegates,
It is an enormous pleasure to welcome you to LAMUN XVIII and the United Nations Development Programme. My name is Jorge Gil Ojeda and I am a third-year exchange student from Spain majoring in Economics and International Studies. I am absolutely thrilled and honored to serve as your Chair in this crucial committee within the United Nations.
I first took part in a MUN conference when I got into college two years ago and, since then, I have gone through almost every possible position within a conference. This has allowed me to understand the vital contribution and value each of these positions add to these events and that the absence of any of the links in the chain could lead the ‘machine’ to fail. Furthermore, I strongly believe that committees are not abstract debates without any impact in our real world but, rather, all of the solutions we include in our resolutions are a contribution towards change. Outside of MUN, you can often find me playing chess, reading about politics, or debating passionately about current political and economic events.
Regarding UNDP, under the topics of “Addressing the Commodity Trap in Developing Countries” and “Cultivating Capacities for Regenerative Agriculture”, we will immerse ourselves in a deep and fascinating debate that will bring out some of the most important issues that are currently in the hands of this committee. Throughout this guide, you will be able to understand the prior knowledge to reach a resolution with outstanding academic quality and that resembles reality as much as possible. The post-pandemic world gives us the opportunity to rebuild in a fairer and more sustainable way without leaving no one behind. From the above-mentioned lies the importance that you, delegates, using your diplomatic, speaking, and leadership skills, fulfill this vital task in a realistic way. As it is often said, those who debate today, lead tomorrow. Be part of this change! I cannot wait to meet you all!
Sincerely,
Jorge Gil Ojeda
Chair
UNDP | LAMUN XVIII
