DIPLOMATIC ACADEMY OF VIETNAM

DIPLOMATIC ACADEMY OF VIETNAM MODEL UNITED NATIONS CLUB

DAV MUN 2017

OFFICIAL HANDBOOK

Committee - ECOSOC
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DAVMUN 2017 ............................................................................................................... 3
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3

1.1. What is MUN? .......................................................................................................................... 3

1.2. Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Model United Nations Club ................................................ 3

2. Tentative Agenda .......................................................................................................... 4

3. DAVMUN 2017 Essentials .......................................................................................... 5

3.1 Committee Structure .................................................................................................................. 5

3.2 Decorum and Disciplines ........................................................................................................... 5
3.3 Diplomatic Language ................................................................................................................. 5
3.4 Dress code .................................................................................................................................. 5
3.5 List of Awards at DAVMUN 2017 ............................................................................................ 5

4. Important contact information .................................................................................. 6

***

COMMITTEES RULES OF PROCEDURE ...................................................................... 7

I) POSITION PAPER ................................................................................................ 7
How to writte one? ........................................................................................................................... 7
Sample position paper ...................................................................................................................... 9

II) STANDARD RULES AND PROCEDURES ................................................... 12

1. Standard Rules and Procedure ..................................................................................................... 12
2. Rules of Procedure (RoP) ............................................................................................................ 12

GENERAL RULES ................................................................................................................ 12

2.1. Scope ......................................................................................................................................... 12

2.2. Language ................................................................................................................................... 12
2.3. Representation and Credentials................................................................................................. 12
2.4. Participation of Non-Members.................................................................................................. 13
2.5. General Power of the Committee Staff ..................................................................................... 13
2.6. Quorum ..................................................................................................................................... 13
2.7. Electronic Aids.......................................................................................................................... 14
2.8. Delegate Codes of Conduct....................................................................................................... 14

RULE GOVERNING DEBATE ........................................................................................... 14

2.9. Roll Call .................................................................................................................................... 14

2.10. Points ...................................................................................................................................... 15
2.11. Open Debate and Set the Agenda ........................................................................................... 15
2.12. Formal Debate......................................................................................................................... 15
2.13. Appeal ..................................................................................................................................... 15
2.14. Moderated Caucus .................................................................................................................. 16
2.15. Unmoderated Caucus .............................................................................................................. 16
2.16. Tabling and Resuming a Topic ............................................................................................... 16

1
2.17. Closure of Debate ................................................................................................................... 17
2.18. Adjournment and Suspension of Committee .......................................................................... 17

RULES GOVERNING SPEECHES..................................................................................... 17

2.19. General Speakers List (GSL) ................................................................................................. 17

2.20. Time Limit on Speeches ......................................................................................................... 18
2.21. Yields ...................................................................................................................................... 18
2.22. Right of Reply ......................................................................................................................... 18

RULE GOVERNING THE ADOPTION OF A DRAFT RESOLUTION ........................ 19

2.23. Working Papers ....................................................................................................................... 19

2.24. Draft Resolutions .................................................................................................................... 19
2.25. Amendment ............................................................................................................................. 19

RULES GOVERNING VOTING ......................................................................................... 20

2.26. Procedural Vote ...................................................................................................................... 20

2.27. Substantive Vote ..................................................................................................................... 20

III) DRAFT RESOLUTION........................................................................................ 22

Sample Draft Resolution .................................................................................................................. 25

IV) AMENDMENTS ............................................................................................ 25

V) PLENARY MEETING .................................................................................. 26
VI) NOTE PASSING ............................................................................................ 26
VII) YIELDING ..................................................................................................... 27
VIII) DEBATE ......................................................................................................... 27
IX) VOTING ......................................................................................................... 27
X) MOTIONS ...................................................................................................... 28
XI) POINTS........................................................................................................... 29
XII) RIGHTS .......................................................................................................... 29

***
COMMITTEE & TOPIC INTRODUCTION ................................................................ 30

I. Committee and Topic Introduction. ............................................................. 30

II. Backgrounds of the topic and Definition ..................................................... 30
III. Concerned Parties and Blocs ........................................................................ 32
1. African States ....................................................................................... 32
2. Asian States .......................................................................................... 34
3. Eastern European States ....................................................................... 35
4. Latin America and the Caribbean States .............................................. 37
5. Western European and other States: .................................................... 38
IV. Questions to consider .................................................................................... 40
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 41

2
 DAVMUN 2017

1. Introduction

1.1. What is MUN?

Model United Nations (MUN) is an academic simulation of discussion in the United

Nations, where participants assume the role of country-specific diplomats to debate on
pressing global issues in various United Nations entities. The ultimate goal of a MUN
conference is to produce and adopt a document known as Draft Resolution, which
proposes operative solutions to a global concern by consolidating international efforts. It
is a product of relentless diplomatic negotiations where participants are constantly
exposed to incongruities of national interests and cultural values, and learn to compromise
to eventually reach consensus.

We strongly believe that MUN could raise awareness of international affairs among
the youth, thus cultivating interests in global issues in participants. Through the
conference this year, we endeavour to further promote in MUN in Vietnam and to nurture
a sense of global citizenship in the young generation.

1.2. Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Model United Nations Club

Established in 2013, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Model United Nations Club

(DAVMUN club) is a student organization registered under Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

For over 2 years, DAVMUN has been carrying out weekly training and simulations in
order to develop necessary knowledge and skills for its members. Aspiring to realise quality
conference practice, members of DAVMUN have also been reaching for inspirations
constantly by actively participating in numerous local, national and international MUN
conferences.

This year, DAVMUN proudly organizes 2016 Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Model
United Nations Open Conference as the second MUN conference on open scale for any
universities in Hanoi. With our best efforts, we hope to bring you an enjoyable time and
marvelous experiences during this years conference.

3
2. Tentative Agenda:

Day Time Activity

9:00 10:30 Opening Ceremony
10:30 12:00 Meeting Session
Day 1: 12:00 13:30 Lunch Break
21/1/2017 13:30 15:00 Meeting Session
15:00 15:30 Tea Break
15:30 17:00 Meeting Session
9:00 10:30 Meeting Session
10:30 10:45 Tea Break
10:45 12:00 Meeting Session
Day 2: 12:00 13:30 Lunch Break
22/1/2017 13:30 15:00 Meeting Session
15:00 15:30 Tea Break
15:30 17:00 Meeting Session
18:00 22:00 Prom/Bar/Karaoke Closing Ceremony

4
3. DAVMUN 2017 Essentials

3.1. Committee Structure

One committee consists of all the delegates present in a designated conference
grouping and the Dais members.
Beside, in DAVMUN 2017, there will be slots for Observers and Press Corps.

3.2. Decorum and Disciplines

Interacting with the Committee and the Dais: delegates are reminded to address their
Committee and Dais in accordance with parliamentary procedure. For example, delegates
are recommended to refer to the chairs as honorable chair(s) and other delegates as
distinguished delegates. They should also take note to exercise their diplomatic muscle
and converse with other delegates in a respectful manner at all times.

3.3. Diplomatic Language

The official language in DAVMUN 2017 is English.

Delegates should use the third-person narrative. For example they should refer
themselves as this delegate, but not in the first-person (I or myself).

3.4. Dresscode
Attire for the conference is strictly formal business wear (please consult with
Western Business Attires).
For male delegates, a long-sleeved shirt, business trousers, tie, formal vest and
leather shoes are required.
For female delegates, a long-sleeved shirt, skirt of appropriate length or business
trousers, formal blazer and court shoes are required.

3.5. List of Awards at DAVMUN 2017

Alike fellow Model United Nations, DAVMUN 2017 aims to provide a friendly yet
competitive environment for delegates to work in a variety of international organizations,
to improve soft skills, such as critical thinking and rhetorical negotiation, and to connect
with distinguished students who share the same interest in international relations. As per
such reason, delegates that consistently epitomize the spirit of MUN will receive awards
at the end of the Conference. Throughout the conference, delegates will be evaluated
upon certain criteria. The number of awards for delegates per committee in DAVMUN
2017 is the same among 02 committees. The awards are listed as follows, per committee:
- Best Delegate Title
- Outstanding Delegate Title

5
4. Important contact information

Emergency Contact

1, Mr. Viet-Hung Nguyen-Cao

Mobile: +84-165-206-4829
Email: ncviethung.davmun@gmail.com

2, Mr. Hai-Chau Le
Mobile: +84-125-588-6697
Email: lhchau.davmun@gmail.com

Lost and Found

All delegates are reminded to be responsible for their personal belongings at all times.
However, should any delegate misplace any important personal possessions during the
conference, they are encouraged to report it to the Admin Staff.

6
 COMMITTEES RULES OF PROCEDURE

I) POSITION PAPER
The position paper (also called a policy statement) is a short piece of writing that
summarizes your country's views, stance, and/or policies regarding an issue discussed in the
committee's agenda. It serves as the basis of your research, and can also become a tool to
refer your fellow delegates to during lobbying sessions.
Delegates and Delegations need to submit their position papers before the conference.
The specific deadline and manners will be announced by the chairs to their respective
committees.

1) HOW TO WRITE ONE?

1. Length: 1 - 1,5 page, maximum 2 pages; including 3 - 4 paragraphs, single-spaced

2. Should be written from the perspective of the government of your country
3. Format:
3.1. Heading (put in left hand corner):

Committee:
Topic:
Country:
Name:
3.2. Topic Background:

Definition of the topic

Boundaries of topic: Place, Time, Involved parties
Consequences and impacts: To whom? In where? How?
Why does this topic important for us to debate?
3.3. Past International Action

Any interesting statements by UN officials on this topic? (try to find a quote)

Some most important UN resolutions/treaties on this topic
Involvement of any NGOs?
3.4. Country Policy

Consequences and impacts of this topic to your country?

7
 Past actions of your country to solve problems
What types of policies would your country want UN to adopt (or not adopt) on
this topic?
3.5. Possible Solutions

What specific plans would your country like the UN to undertake to address this
issue?
What specific plans would your country like member states to undertake in their
own countries?
Give specific plans of your idea(s) to resolve the problems/develop interests.
3.6. Some cliche words to conclude in a diplomatic way.

3.6. Citation: everything you used or cited in your position paper.

8
Sample Position Paper

Committee: Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Committee

Topic: Gender Equality

Country: Japan

Name: _____

What does the future hold for men and women? As of the recent decades,
advancements in gender empowerment have been widely observed; however, gender
inequality remains an universal impediment hindering societal changes. Gender inequality
refers to the [lack of] equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women and men and
girls and boys, with inequality portraying the idea that gender roles have an impact on their
statuses. While mostly associated with women, gender inequality also applies to men and has
a strong impact on both genders in less developed countries (LDCs). Prejudice based on sex
continues to expand across all aspects of life and around the globe, ranging from the low
number of women leaders and uneven economic opportunities to job inequalities and
inadequate education.

In 1979, the UN General Assembly adopted The Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), an international bill with a preamble
and 30 articles defining discrimination against women and calling for women rights. Since
2000, the United Nations has been considering gender equality as a pressing goal that should
be achieved by the end of 2015, as shown through the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs), specifically with MDG 3 on empowerment and MDG5 on maternal health. The
greatest area of improvement is in primary education relating to MDG 3. Five out of nine
developing regions have achieved educational equality. With both MDG 3 and 5, however,
while progress has been made, goals have not been fully reached. The United Nations
continues to actively push for gender equality with the establishment of the post-2015
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has

9
presented the Gender Action Plan 2014 2017 (GAP) with aims to promote gender equality
across all works of UNICEF and at all levels of the United Nations. This document delineates
the steps UNICEF is implementing and stresses the organizations focus on gender equity for
children.

While Japan seems culturally conservative and is often deemed as a nation dominated
by men, throughout history Japan has witnessed ample advancement, progressing beyond the
common ideology of men at work, women at home. More and more Japanese women are
refusing to give births at an early age and wish to join the workforce, and nowadays
education has become more accessible for Japanese girls. Since the early 1990s, the Japanese
government has introduced several family-friendly laws and policies that were divided into
four main categories of work, child care programs, health insurance and financial support. A
specific Japanese law enacted in 1992 concerning men roles in childcare is also noted as one
of the most progressive because it allows Japanese fathers to take leave from work for
childcare, which emphasizes the importance of equal household roles for both genders.
Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe once wrote in an op-ed column for the Wall Street
Journal, womenomics offers a solution with its core tenet that a country that hires and
promotes more women grows economically, and no less important, demographically as well,
suggesting that women empowerment will help buttress the country as a whole. However,
Japan still lags behind many fellow nations, despite being one of the top economic
powerhouses in the world. Nonetheless, with the progress made with gender equality thus far,
Japan hopes to further advance and one day become a world leader in gender equality.

Japan strongly believes that two main players in promoting gender equality,
applicable in every nations, should be the private sector and local governments. Firstly, Japan
proposes implementing shorter working hours for women so that they can go home earlier to
fulfill their mother and wife roles. In addition, private companies should make efforts to
develop technology that allows women to work remotely and even greater efforts dedicated
to training women to ready them for the professional work environment. Simultaneously,
local governments also play a significant role in impact the image of the women regionally
and nationally. Countries are recommended to start small first by recognizing women
leadership in local government so that those local leaders can become the role models for
other women and encourage to be more active in society. If all local governments work to
promote gender equality to suit the needs of their communities, then as a whole the nation
shall sees success. It is also easier to test programs and development at a local level before

10
bringing them to be implemented at the national level. In countries where women believe that
their role is to stay at home and take care of household works, it is difficult for women
themselves to transcend this preconception, if there exists no outside force to fuel women
with the momentum to step outside of their sphere and challenge men to reject social norms
to support the rights of their mothers, wives and daughters.

Source:

http://www.un.org/womenwatch/osagi/conceptsandefinitions.htm

http://hdr.undp.org/en/content/gender-inequality-index-gii

http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/2015_MDG_Report/pdf/MDG%202015%20rev%20(
July%201).pdf

http://www.unfoundation.org/what-we-
do/issues/mdgs.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

http://www.unicef.org/gender/files/UNICEF_Gender_Action_Plan_2014-2017.pdf

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2013/03/03/people/japanese-women-strive-to-empower-
themselves/#.Va7xSypViko

http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/egm/equalsharing/EGM-ESOR-2008-
EP4Masako%20Ishii%20Kuntz.pdf

http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/egm/equalsharing/EGM-ESOR-2008-
EP4Masako%20Ishii%20Kuntz.pdf

11
II) STANDARD RULES AND PROCEDURE

(For ECOSOC, UN-Women and European Council only)

1. Standard Rules and Procedure

This narrative is based on the rules of the General Assembly. Substantial differences
may exist in the different committees. Ask your Secretary-General or Chair any
questions regarding the rules.

2. Rules of Procedure (RoP)

GENERAL RULES

2.1. Scope

Rules in this guide are applicable to all committees of the General Assembly. Each
rule is self-reliant unless modified by the Secretary-General prior to the first
committee session. If anything arises that has not been addressed by the RoP, the
Chair has the authority to decide on the procedure for the committee. For Specialized
Agencies, the rules can be adjusted by the Chair to reflect the actual rules of the
simulated body.

2.2. Language

The official language of DAVMUN 2017 is English. The use of any other language
besides English is not permitted.

2.3. Representation and Credentials

Each member of the Committee is a delegate who is officially registered with the
Conference. Each member will be represented by one or two delegates (depending on
specific committees), and each delegation will have one vote in each committee. If
two delegates together represent one Member State of a Committee, they can present
speeches together without formally yielding, as long as only one delegate speaks at
any given time.

The credentials of all delegations have been accepted upon registration. Any delegate
whose admission raises an objection by another will provisionally be seated with the
same rights as other delegates, pending a decision from the Secretary-General.

12
2.4. Participation of Non-Members

Representatives of Accredited Observers will have the same rights as those of full
members, except the right to sign or vote on substantive matters. A representative of
an organization that is neither a member of the United Nations nor an Accredited
Observer may only address a committee upon the Chairs preliminary approval.

2.5. General Power of the Committee Staff

The Committee Dais Staff consists of 3 chairs. The Chair has complete control of the
proceedings at any meeting: The presiding Chair will direct the flow of debate, grant
the right to speak and ask questions, announce decisions, rule on points of order, and
enforce committee adherence to these rules. If necessary and given no objection, the
Chair will choose to suspend the rules in order to clarify a certain substantive or
procedural matter; Chair also has the right to interrupt the flow of debate in order to
show a presentation or to bring in a guest speaker/expert witness. The Chair can
choose to temporarily transfer his/her duties to another member of the Committee
Dais staff. Committee Dais staff members may also advise delegations on the possible
course of debate. Furthermore, no handouts may be circulated to the committee body
without the knowledge and explicit approval of the Chair.

2.6. Quorum

Quorum is the minimum number of delegates required to commence a committee

session. For double delegation committees, at least one delegate from each delegation
must be present during substantive voting. If quorum has not been reached after Roll
Call, there will be time to wait for more delegates.

In the General Assembly, a quorum consists of one-third of the delegates to

commence debate, and a simple majority to pass a resolution. In the Security Council,
no quorum exists for debate to commence, but 9 delegates must be present to pass a
resolution.

13
 2.7. Electronic Aids

Delegates are not allowed to use any type of electronic devices, including laptops and
phones, when debate is in session. Laptop use is allowed only during unmoderated
caucuses or during any breaks specified by the Chair.

2.8. Delegate Codes of Conduct

Every delegate is expected to be courteous and respectful to all Committee Staff and
other delegates. DAVMUN 2017 has no tolerance for slandering, disparaging, or
acting in any inflammatory way. Speeches and debates containing remarks of this
nature, both in and out of committee, are considered inappropriate. Any delegate
experiencing mistreatment is encouraged to inform the Chair of his/her situation, who
will then take appropriate actions.

RULE GOVERNING DEBATE

2.9. Roll Call

At the beginning of each session, the Chair will conduct Roll Call.

When the Chair calls a country name, the delegate representing that country should
answer Present or Present and Voting.

o Responding Present means that the delegate has the right to vote FOR,
AGAINST or ABSTAIN (only allowed on substantive matters).
o Responding Present and Voting means that the delegates must vote FOR or
AGAINST on substantive matters (no ABSTENTION).
At the end of Roll Call, the Chair will inform delegates of the Simple Majority and
Two-third Majority for the Committee.

o Simple Majority is 50% + 1 vote of the number of delegates in a committee.

This is the amount needed to pass procedural matters.
o Two-thirds Majority requires at least two-thirds of the total of number of votes
to be FOR. This is the amount needed to pass substantive matters.
If a delegate is not present during Roll Call, he/she is considered absent until the Dais
is notified. A delegate who is recognized but is not present when called upon yields
his/her time to the Chair, and debate shall continue unabated. In order to receive
awards, delegates are required to attend all sessions.

14
2.10. Points

Delegates may make 4 points:

- Point of Inquiry, if delegates have questions for the Chair;

- Point of Information, if delegates have questions for a delegate after his/her speech;

- Point of Personal Privilege, if delegates feel personal discomfort;

- Point of Order, if delegates believe that the Chair has made a procedural mistake.

2.11. Open Debate and Set the Agenda

To open debate means to officially commence the discussion of topics chosen for the
committee and set the Agenda for the rest of the conference. A vote of simple
majority is required to pass the motion to open debate, followed by a Motion to Set
the Agenda which can pass with a simple majority. If this motion fails, the remaining
topic will automatically be placed first on the agenda.

Delegates may only propose those topics listed in the background guides. A
committee with only one topic will be considered to have automatically adopted that
topic without debate. To set the Agenda, there must be 2 speakers speaking for and
2 against the aforementioned motion, to speak in favor and against placing Topic
[Number] first on the agenda, respectively. In the event of a simulated crisis, the
Secretary-General, Secretariat members, or Committee Staff may call upon the
delegate to table debate on the current topic relating to the crisis in order to attend the
more immediate issue.

2.12. Formal Debate

After the Agenda has been set, the committee will open a General Speakers List
(GSL) to begin Formal Debate. Delegates are encouraged to raise their placards to be
added to the GSL, and the order of speakers will be decided by the Chair. If delegates
wish to be added, removed or re-added to the GSL, they must send a note to the Dais.

2.13. Appeal

An appeal can only be made to procedural matters. A delegate may appeal any
procedural decision by the Chair, unless it is one that cannot be appealed as stated by
the rules of procedure, and can only appeal a ruling immediately after it has been

15
 pronounced. The delegate will be given 30 seconds to explain the reasoning behind
the appeal. The Chair may speak briefly in defense of the ruling. The appeal will then
be put to a vote, and the decision of the Chair will stand unless overruled by a two-
thirds vote.

The Chair's decision not to sign a draft resolution or amendment is never appealable.
A "Yes" vote indicates support of the Chair's ruling; a "No" vote indicates opposition.

2.14. Moderated Caucus

The purpose of a Moderated Caucus is to facilitate substantive debate at critical

junctures in the discussions. In a Moderated Caucus, the Committee will temporarily
depart from GSL.

A motion for a moderated caucus is in order at any time when the floor is open. The
delegate making this motion must briefly explain its purpose and specify a time limit
for the caucus (usually not to exceed 20 minutes) and the individual speeches (usually
not to exceed 1 minute and 30 seconds per speech). This motion will be voted on with
a simple majority of members required for passage.

No motions are in order between speeches during a Moderated Caucus. If no delegate

wishes to speak during a Moderated Caucus, the Caucus shall immediately end. The
Chair will absorb all remaining time after each speech concludes.

2.15. Unmoderated Caucus

The purpose of an Unmoderated Caucus is to allow delegates to move around the

committee room and informally discuss with other delegates on the topic at hand.

A delegate may raise a motion for an unmoderated caucus when the floor is open.
That delegate shall specify a time limit for the caucus, usually not exceeding 20
minutes. The motion will immediately be voted on and will pass given a simple
majority. The Chair may rule the motion dilatory, and his/her decision is not subject
to appeal.

2.16. Tabling and Resuming a Topic

Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may motion to immediately end debate on a
topic currently on the floor and move on the next item on the agenda. The motion,
often referred to as table the topic, will require a two-thirds majority to pass and 2

16
 speakers for and 2 against. If a topic is tabled, no debate on the tabled topic will be
allowed to take place.

A motion to resume debate on a topic previously tabled will require a simple majority
to pass and will need 2 speakers for and 2 against.

2.17. Closure of Debate

When the floor is open, a delegate may raise a motion to close debate on the
substantive or procedural matter under discussion. Delegates may move to close
debate on the Agenda, the Topic, or an amendment. The Chair may, subject to appeal,
rule such motion dilatory. When moving to closure of debate, the Chair may
recognize up to 2 speakers against this motion and no speaker for. Closure of
debate requires a two-thirds majority to pass.

2.18. Adjournment and Suspension of Committee

To Adjourn from a Committee session is to postpone all committee functions for the
duration of the Conference.

To Suspend a Committee session is to postpone all committee functions until the next
meeting.

Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move for a motion to the adjourn or
suspend the meeting. The Chair may rule such motions dilatory and not in order if
they are raised in prior to the lapse of three-quarters of the time allotted for the
meeting; these decisions shall not be subject to appeal. Such motion is not debatable
but will be immediately voted upon (barring any motions taking precedence) and
requires a simple majority to pass.

In the case of an emergency declared by the Secretary-General, Secretariat members

or the Committee Staff, debate will automatically be suspended.

RULES GOVERNING SPEECHES

2.19. General Speakers List (GSL)

The General Speakers List is the default activity of the committee. Delegates who
wish to speak on the GSL must raise their placards to be called upon by the Chair.
Delegates who wish to be added to the GSL must submit requests to the Dais via

17
 notes, provided they are not already on the GSL. Delegates may also remove
themselves from the GSL via notes. In the case that the GSL is exhausted, the
committee automatically moves into voting procedure.

2.20. Time Limit on Speeches

For the GSL, the Chair will entertain motions to set the speaking time, and a simple
majority is needed to pass such motion. When a delegate exceeds his/her allotted time,
the Chair may call the speaker to order without delay. However, in order to account
for the varying English fluency of conference attendees, the Chair has the discretion
to be flexible (within reason) about the time limit to allow a delegate to finish his/her
thought.

2.21. Yields

A delegate granted the right to speak on a substantive issue must declare one of three
yields at the conclusion of his/her GSL speech.

- Yield to another delegate allows the second delegate to use the remaining time and
elaborate on points previously mentioned by the first. The second delegate may not
yield time back to the original one. In a double delegation, turning the floor over to a
co-delegate of the same delegation is not a yield.

- Yield to questions allows delegates to ask the delegate who just finished a speech
questions. The Chair will call upon delegates who have questions. Follow-up
questions will be allowed only at the discretion of the Chair. The Chair can call to
order any delegate whose question is rhetorical and misleading. Only the speakers
answers to questions will count toward the remaining speaking time.

- Yield to the chair means that the Chair will absorb all of the remaining time.

Only 1 yield is allowed per speech. There are no yields allowed if a delegate is
speaking on a procedural matter. Delegates cannot yield if they run out of time.

2.22. Right of Reply

A delegate whose personal or national integrity has been impugned by another

delegates statement may raise a Right of Reply. The Chair will grant the Right of
Reply at his/her discretion; this decision is not appealable. A Right of Reply to a
Right of Reply is out of order.

18
RULE GOVERNING THE ADOPTION OF A DRAFT RESOLUTION

2.23. Working Papers

Working Papers are intended to aid the committee in its discussion and formulation of
Draft Resolutions and need not to be in draft resolution format. Working Papers are
not official documents but do require the approval of the Chair to be copied and
distributed. Once distributed, delegates may consider that working paper introduced
and begin to refer to that working paper by its designated number. Working Papers do
not require signatories or vote of approval.

2.24. Draft Resolutions

A Draft Resolution is a long sentence divided into clauses, which include

Preambulatory Clauses and Operative Clauses. A Draft Resolution may be introduced
when it receives the approval of the chair. The number of required signatories for a
draft resolution is 20% of committee members. Draft Resolutions must be typed and
handed in on time.

Signing as a signatory of a draft resolution does not indicate the support of delegates
for that draft resolution and means that delegates want to see the draft
debated. Signing as a sponsor of a draft resolution indicates the total support of
delegates for the draft resolution and notes delegates direct contribution to the
creation of the draft.

Once a Draft Resolution has been approved, copied and distributed, delegates may
move to introduce the Draft Resolution by raising a Motion to introduce a Draft
Resolution. A procedural vote is taken to determine whether the resolution will be
introduced, and is required a simple majority to pass.

More than one Draft Resolution may be on the floor at one time. A Draft Resolution
will remain on the floor until debate on that specific draft resolution is postponed. A
committee can pass multiple Draft Resolutions for each Topic, through two-thirds
majority. Delegates may choose to move to a Moderated Caucus to discuss the Draft
Resolutions that have been formally introduced.

2.25. Amendment

An Amendment is a revision or addition of materials to a Draft Resolution.

19
 An amendment Must be approved by the Chair and must contain a certain number of
signatures, decided by the Chair. Amendments to amendments are out of order;
however, an amended part of a draft resolution may be further amended.

Friendly Amendments indicate the support of all the Draft Resolutions Sponsors and
thus will automatically be added to the original Draft without needing a house vote.
Unfriendly Amendments do not indicate the support of all the Draft Resolutions
Sponsors and will require a substantial vote with a two-thirds majority to be
introduced. For Unfriendly Amendments, General Debate will be suspended, and the
Chair will call on up to 2 speakers for and 2 against the Unfriendly Amendment,
followed by a substantive two-thirds majority vote for the Amendment to be added to
the original Draft Resolution.

A Motion to introduce an approved Amendment may be put forth when the floor is
open and be voted upon using with simple majority. Non-governmental organizations
(NGOs), Observer Nations, and Third Party Actors will not be permitted to vote on
amendments.

RULES GOVERNING VOTING

All matters will be voted upon by a show of placards, unless a motion for a Roll Call vote
is accepted. Abstentions are not counted in the total number of votes cast.

2.26. Procedural Vote

Voting on any matter other than the content of the conference such as draft resolutions
and amendments. Each and every member of the committee, including Observer
Nations, NGOs and Third Party Actors, must vote on procedural matters, where no
abstentions will be allowed. If there is no required number of speakers for or
against a motion, the motion will automatically pass or fail.

2.27. Substantive Vote

A substantive vote is voting on draft resolutions and amendments. Once the

committee closes debate on a Topic, it will move into a substantive voting procedure.
At this time, the chambers are sealed, and no interruptions will be allowed. Each
delegation will have 1 vote, either For, Against or Abstain. The only motions and
points that will be in order are as followed:

20
 Motion Purpose

Motion to Reordering Can be raised immediately before any voting procedure begins if a
Draft Resolutions delegate wishes to change the voting order of draft resolutions currently
on the floor.

1 speaker speak for the reordering, 1 speaker against. Simple majority

vote to pass.

Motion for a Roll Call Can be raised before voting procedure begins and automatically
Vote adopted at the discretion of the Chair. This means that each delegate
will be called on individually to cast his/her vote. No debate necessary.

Motion to Divide the Can be raised when delegates wish to vote on certain parts of a draft
Question resolution or amendment separately. If all of the operatives of the draft
are rejected, the draft resolution is considered to fail as a whole.
Operatives that pass will be combine into a draft resolution, and the
committee will vote for the draft as a whole.

2 speakers for, 2 speakers against the motion.

2 speakers for the removal of certain parts, 2 speaker against.

Motion to Divide the Can be raised by a delegate in the case of a narrow majority that
House prevents conclusive ruling, and its approval is at the discretion of the
Chair. Upon approval of the motion, the Committee will be asked to re-
vote, and no abstentions will be allowed. Delegates can only vote for or
against . A delegate who voted "Pass" during the 1st sequence of the
voting procedure must vote during the 2nd sequence.

Point of Personal
Raised when delegates feel personal discomfort
Privilege

21
Point of Inquiry Raised when delegates have questions for the Chair
(Point of Information
to the Chair)

Point of Order Raised when delegates believe that the Chair has made a procedural
mistake

III) DRAFT RESOLUTION

A resolution consists of THREE main parts:

- Heading
- Pre-ambulatory clauses
- Operative clauses
Heading

Heading consists of FOUR main pieces of information

- Name of the respective committee/council.

- Names of sponsors
- Name of signatories
Detailed illustration can be found below with a sample resolution

Pre-Ambulatory Clauses

Pre-ambulatory clauses outline the background of the topic that the respective
resolution addresses. This could be anything ranging from facts/data to UN previous
resolutions, conventions These clauses seek attention of the council, that is, why it
should be debated.

You must use commas to separate pre-ambulatory clauses

22
 .Sample Pre-ambulatory Phrases1

Affirming Expecting Having examined

Alarmed by Emphasizing Having received
Approving Expecting Keeping in min
Bearing in mind Expressing its appreciation Noting with deep concern
Believing Fulfilling Nothing with satisfaction
Confident Fully aware Noting further
Contemplating Emphasizing Observing
Convinced Expecting Reaffirming
Declaring Expressing its appreciation Realizing
Deeply concerned Fulfilling Recalling
Deeply conscious Fully aware Recognizing
Deeply convinced Further deploring Referring
Deeply Disturbed Further recalling Seeking
Deeply Regretting Guided by Taking into consideration
Desiring Having adopted Taking note
Emphasizing Having considered Viewing with appreciation
Welcoming

* Detailed illustration can be found below with a sample resolution

Operative Clauses

While pre-ambulatory clauses aspire to exhibit how compelling the topic is, the
operative clauses outline suggested and proposed policies/solutions.

You may propose, welcome or deplore new situations.

You may congratulate, support or refuse new proposals.

- You must number each operative clause, underline ALL operative phrases and label
your sub-operative clauses by the Latin alphabet.
- You must use semicolons ; to separate each operative clause.
You must begin operative clauses with verbs in the third person singular of the
Present Tense. The table below can give you a reference:

1
http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/how-to-participate/model-un-
preparation/resolutions/preambulatory-and-operative-clauses

23
 Sample Operative Phrases2

Accepts Encourages Further recommends

Affirms Endorses Further requests
Approves Expresses its appreciation Further resolves
Authorizes Expresses its hope Has resolved
Calls Further invites Notes
Calls upon Deplores Proclaims
Condemns Designates Reaffirms
Confirms Draws the attention Recommends
Congratulates Emphasizes Regrets
Considers Encourages Reminds
Declares accordingly Endorses Requests
Deplores Expresses its appreciation Solemnly affirms
Designates Expresses its hope Strongly condemns
Draws the attention Further invites Supports
Emphasizes Further proclaims Takes note of
Further reminds Transmits
Trusts

* Detailed illustration can be found below with a sample resolution

2
http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/how-to-participate/model-un-
preparation/resolutions/preambulatory-and-operative-clauses

24
 Sample Resolution3

IV) AMENDMENTS

Amendment is a change or addition to the resolution;

Amendments should be legibly written on amendment sheets and included a clear

identification to which part of the resolution they refer;

3
http://bestdelegate.com/model-un-made-easy-how-to-write-a-resolution/

25
 In an amendment, the delegate must specify the name of their nation and those of the
signatories for the amendment. If the amendment is submitted by the main-submitter of the
draft resolution, it is therefore considered to be a friendly amendment, which passes without
the votes of the house. Otherwise, it shall be regarded as an unfriendly amendment, which
requires voting;

No abstentions are allowed while voting on the amendments;

Amendments to any degree are allowed at the Conference;

If the adoption of one amendment necessarily implies the rejection of another amendment,
the latter amendment shall not be put to the vote, whilst implying that the adoption of the
further degree amendment shall imply the rejection of all the former degree amendments;

If amendments are adopted, the amended resolution shall then be voted upon;

An amendment must be an attempt to improve the resolution and must not seek to change its
general intent.

V) PLENARY MEETING

The resolution drafts selected by the Approval Panel are to be debated;

Private communication between delegates is prohibited;

Informal greetings are in order after Conference closing.

VI) NOTE PASSING

Only official notes and those to the chairs checked by Admin Staff will be in order at all the
sessions;
Admin staff will not send notes that are not professional or relevant;
Personal messages are strictly forbidden;
Delegates may receive a warning if the contents of notes are not appropriate;
The Chair may suspend note passing if it becomes a distraction in the committee;
Notes may be used to:
Ask the Chair a question about procedure or about the debate,
Ask a fellow delegate to yield on a certain topic,
Clarify their delegations views to another delegate,

26
 Ask the Chair why they have or have not been recognized to speak recently,
Build diplomatic ties with another delegate,
Ask the Chair to have the delegates on the GSL;

Unless note passing has been temporarily suspended, notes can be sent at any time, except
during voting;
Names of who receives and sends the note must be written clearly. The delegate shall hold
the note up in the air for Admin Staff to take and deliver it.
VII) YIELDING

Delegates can only yield once consecutively. One delegate cannot take the floor, speak, and
yield to another and have them yield to a third delegate, as it restricts the house from hearing a
varied range of delegates, who might not share the same views on that resolution and topic.
Therefore, it will be allowed to yield, however, chairs can call it out of order after which,
delegates must then yield the floor back to the chair.

VIII) DEBATE

Only the Chair, a member of the house recognized by the Chair for a point, or the speaker
holding the floor has any right to speak;
The Chair shall call upon speakers in an order determined by the Chair;
The Chair shall call a speaker to order if his remarks are not relevant to the subject under
discussion;
A speech may not be interrupted by any point except a Point of Personal Privilege referring
to audibility;
The decisions of the Chair are final;
All speakers, including those rising to points, must stand when speaking and address the
Chair first;
The Chair may extend or reduce debate times or speaking times, as well as limit the number
of points of information.
After their speech, the delegates may then be asked by the Dais whether the delegates want to
open themselves to any points of information from the delegates, if not, whether the
delegates would like to yield the floor to the Chairs or to another delegate.

IX) VOTING

Each delegation shall have one vote;

There are two types of voting: The procedural voting procedure, in which no delegates may
abstain from voting, and the resolution voting procedure, in which the delegates are allowed
to abstain if they have stated "present" during the roll call;

27
 Voting on the motions would depend firstly on the destructive level, if not, then the length of
time, and then the order the motions have been raised;
If one motion amongst a number of motions raised has been passed, the other motions are
implied to fail;
Decisions of the committee shall be made by a majority of the members present and voting;
After the Chair has announced the beginning of voting, no delegate shall interrupt the voting
except on a Point Of Parliamentary Procedure in connection with the actual conduct of the
voting;
The Chair shall permit members to explain their votes after the voting, but limit the time to
be allowed for such explanations;
The committee shall normally vote by show of placards, but any delegate may request a Roll
Call. The Roll Call shall be taken in the English alphabetical order of the names of the
countries. When the country name is called, delegates shall reply "yes", "no", "abstention",
yes with rights or no with rights.
X) MOTIONS

Motion to adjourn the debate is used to put on hold all of the work that the committee has
completed on a particular topic and return to this topic later. The Chair may limit the
adjournment time to be allowed under this rule;
Motion to move into voting procedure is used when any delegate feels like further debate on
the current clause or amendment would not provide any significant information, and the
house should enter voting procedure on the current clause/amendment;
Motion to divide the question is used when it is necessary to vote on certain parts of a
resolution or amendment separately. If this motion is carried, each part of the resolution shall
then be put to the vote. If all operative parts of the resolution or amendment have been
rejected, the resolution or amendment shall be considered to have been rejected as a whole;
Motion to divide the house is used to help pass a resolution when there is a marginal
difference between the number of votes in favor and against a resolution, whilst there are
certain delegates who have abstained during the voting procedure. If such motion passes, the
delegate having abstained from voting will then be asked to vote either for or against the
draft resolution.
Motion to extend debate/lobbying time is used when any delegate wants to debate more on
the resolution after the time set has elapsed. The Chair may also suggest this motion;
Motion to explain the vote is used when any delegate wishes to explain their vote after voting
procedures has finished. When voting, if a Roll Call is requested, the delegate shall reply
yes with rights or no with rights;
Motion to move into a Moderated Caucus: To go to a moderated caucus, a delegate makes a
motion to suspend debate and the committee votes. The delegate raising this motion is

28
 required to state the length of the moderated caucus, the speaking time for each delegate and
the general topic of the caucus. A moderated caucus is a mixture of both formal and informal
debate. Anyone may speak if they raise their placard and are called on by the Chair;
Motion to move into an Un-moderated Caucus: In an un-moderated caucus, delegates meet
informally with one another and the committee staff to discuss and negotiate draft resolutions,
amendments and other issues.

XI) POINTS
A Point of Personal Privilege must refer to the comfort and well-being of the delegate. It may
not refer to the content of any speech and may only interrupt a speaker if the speech is
inaudible;
A Point of Information shall be directed only to the Chair or the speaker who has the floor if
he/she has indicated that he/she is willing to yield to Points of Information. When being
asked to open POI by the Chair, delegates may reply the number of questions they prefer to
answer, or any and all if they are willing to answer any questions asked;
A Point of Parliamentary Procedure is directed only to the Chair concerning the rules and
procedures.
XII) RIGHTS

A Right of Reply may be used if a delegate has been addressed or offended directly by the
speaker, and wishes to defend him/herself without posing a question. If the delegate has been
seriously insulted, he/she may demand an official apology from the speaker.

29
 COMMITTEE AND TOPIC INTRODUCTION

I. Committee and Topic Introduction.

As one of the six main organs of the UN, the Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC)s mission is to advance three dimensions of sustainable development economic,
social and environmental. Founded in 1945 under the UN Charter, ECOSOC has been the
central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways
forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also
responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits.

ECOSOCs leading role has been strengthened over the last decade, alongside the
acceleration of innovation and solutions to solve emerging global issues. Building on its
coordination role within the UN system, ECOSOC is a gateway for UN partnership and
participation by the rest of the world.

This year at DAV Model United Nations Conference 2017, delegates participating in
ECOSOC committee will be dealing with one of the worlds most pressing issues:
Urbanisation and Public Safety.

The worldwide urbanization has a profound impact on the life style of human beings;
however, some problems prone to occur during urbanization are also shown in the process,
which are mainly disasters and urban safety problems. It is shown from the major events
concerning the safety of mega-cities in developed countries and major developing countries
in recent years that urban safety is essential for the healthy development. Delegates must
work closely with each other to achieve a resolution, a framework to solve the issues
proposed by urbanisation while maintaining the interests of countries that they represent

II. Backgrounds of the topic and Definition:

From the beginning of the modern age, Urbanization and Public Safety have been one
of the worlds major concerns. Creative and workable cities are at the core of encouraging
flourished and prosperous societies. However, it is very challenging for the promotion of
Urbanization and Public Safety to travel together.

Urbanization is a gradual increase in the proportion of people moving from rural to

urban areas. In the last decades, the world is undergoing the largest wave of urban growth in
history. In 2015, there was 35 megacities which is usually defined as a metropolitan area with
a total population in excess of 10.000.000 people. Whilst back in 1950 about two thirds of the
worlds population live in rural settlements and one third in urban ones, by 2050 we will
observe roughly the reverse distribution, with more than 6 billion people living in the messy
and seriously polluted atmosphere of urbanized areas.

Various factors can be listed as the cause of the issues. Throughout the history of
human civilization, urbanization patterns are strongest near large bodies of water. Thus this
was just to meet the water and food supply for large population. However, since the industrial
revolution, the trend of urbanization along waterways has continued as large bodies of water

30
are needed to sustain industry. As industrialization creates economic growth, the demand for
the improved education and public works agencies that are characteristic of urban areas
increases. Furthermore, the health of city dwellers increasingly benefited from better access
to education and healthcare, better living conditions, and targeted public-health interventions.
For many people, cities represent a world of new opportunities, including jobs. Hence, this
drive people from suburbs to cities to look for a better chance in obtaining a wide variety of
privileged social benefit.

It is unable to deny that the tremendous shift in population from rural to urban areas
owns the great power of promoting economic developments and creates a flourished society.
On the other hand, the truth is that urbanization also brings up various challenges.

The first challenge that governments have to encounter is housing problems. The UN
Habitat shows that 30% of the worlds urban population resides in slums, deplorable
conditions in which people suffer from one or more of the following basic deficiencies in
their housing: lack of access to clean water; lack of access to improved sewage facilities;
living in overcrowded conditions; living in buildings that are structurally unsafe or with no
security of tenure. Generally, more than 2 Billion people are in desperate need of better
housing. Moreover, in order to meet the requirements for the dense city population and
complicated population structure, many high ultra-rise buildings have been constructed, many
unscientifically built. Provided the difficulties involved in evacuating people during fire
hazards of high rise building, the degree of direct losses, causalities and accident
consequences will be continuously increasing.

The second challenge is high unemployment rate, the condition in which willing
workers lack jobs or gainful employment. According to International Labour Organization, in
2015, total global unemployment stood at 197.1 million 27 million higher than the pre-
crisis level of 2007 and in 2016 is forecasted to rise by about 2.3 million to reach 199.4
million. It is estimated that with this rate of increase, more than 50% of unemployed youths
around the globe will live in metropolitan cities. The problems of joblessness led to
individuals failure to meet financial obligations, acquire proper living standard while
increasing the crime rates and social instability.

The third challenge is poor access to public healthcare in congested urban communities.
Around a billion people are not able to afford any health services, and paying for healthcare
pushes about 100 million people a year into poverty, said the World Health Organization.
This subsequently leads to peoples susceptibility to communicable diseases and health
problems including allergies infertility, cancer, asthma, etc.

In solving this potentially explosive international issue, The Economic and Social
Council (ECOSOC) has placed a premium on the sustainable urbanization. In ECOSOC
resolution 2012/27 on human settlements, the need to compound the growth of slums in
developing nations and stimulate the cooperation among UN Human Settlements Programme
(UN- Habitat) with private and civil society with a view to tackling challenges affecting
urban populations is greatly emphasized.

31
 In September 2013, resolution 68/1 adopted by GA indicated that ECOSOC needed to
play as a fundamental instrument in operating and monitoring activities within the UN
System. ECOSOC also focused on the 2014 integration segment and other dialogues in
which a wide variety of development themes for each segments yearly cycle were developed.
Based on the theme of ECOSOCs 2014 Annual Ministerial Review Addressing ongoing and
emerging challenges to meet the MDGs in 2015 and for sustaining development gains in the
future, ECOSOC held its first Integration Segment, encouraging to adopt a policy framework,
the influx of regional, national and local experiences with a view to accomplishing the MDGs
and the post 2015 development agenda. In detail, three principals were proposed: developing
national perspective on the significance of urban centers, adopting urban planning in public
policy, and guaranteeing planned city expansions. The outcome of this integration segment
was officially contributed to Habitat III, the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable
Urban development in October 2016 by ECOSOC.

III. Concerned Parties and Blocs:

Based on the tradition of the UN, Parties are organized into five regional groups
(although they do not usually present the substantive interests of the Parties): African States,
Asian States, Eastern European States, Latin American and the Caribbean States, and the
Western European and Other States (other States include Australia, Canada, Iceland, New
Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and the US, with the exception of Japan, which is in the Asian
Group).

1. African States

Africa is currently in the midst of a demographic transition that will shape its societies,
economies and territories in the coming years. United Nations data show that Africa is
experiencing unprecedented population growth as the total African population is
projected to nearly double from around one billion in 2010 to almost two billion by
2040, and may well reach 3 billion by 2070. Africa is also marked by a growing youth
bulge that calls for increased attention to the plight young people face and the need to
take advantage of the potential demographic dividend they bring.

Africas urban transition is also taking place at the same time, with the accumulated
relative growth rate of African cities now among the highest in the world. All African
countries acknowledge the rapid pace of urbanization1 . About one century ago, the
urban population in Africa was less than 8 per cent of the total population. At the end of
the 20th Century, Africa was 35 per cent urban, 40 per cent in 2009, and 41 per cent in
2012. Currently, while Africa is the least urbanized continent in the world, it is
experiencing the highest urban growth and the most rapid rate of urbanization. Between
1950 and 2005 the urban inhabitants in Africa grew by an average annual rate of 4.3%
from about 33 million to 353 million persons. Even tough the annual growth rate has
declined to 3.36 per cent per year from 2005 to 2010 African urban areas grew 1.7
times faster than the urban growth rate of the world in the same years. The high growth
rate means that some cities will double their population in 15 years, and some others

32
even in a shorter period. The United Nations projections suggest that Africa will enter
its urban age by 2035 when 50 percent of the population will live in urban areas.
African cities with less than 500,000 inhabitants are now absorbing about 2/3 of all
urban population growth. But, Africa larger cities continue to grow fast as well. In 2005,
Africa had 43 cities with more than one million inhabitants, up from 28 a decade earlier.

Most African cities suffer from a colonial hangover whereby the old colonial urban
plans and practices (often replicated even in new master plans) continue to prioritize
the exclusion of the poor majorities and withhold investments for infrastructure and
services for that population. Additional challenges facing urban development in Africa
include low rates of economic growth and increasing urban poverty, inadequate
infrastructure, the absence of clear urban land policies and land management systems,
degradation of the environment and increased risks to public health, climate change, etc.

In most African countries, exceptionally rapid urban population growth has outpaced
economic growth over the past 30 years contributing to the urbanization of poverty in
the region. UN-Habitats data show that 63 per cent of Africas urban population (SSA)
still lives in slum conditions defined by the four dimensions of overcrowding,
inadequate housing, insecure tenure and lack of access to water and sanitation.

The phenomena of urban slum proliferation is perhaps both the greatest existing
challenge and the most pressing future challenge for those secondary towns and cities
that are just now developing. In the mainstream urban policy approach there is
seemingly little appreciation for the cumulative consequences of poverty and ill health
if slum living conditions are allowed to remain as high as they are. Addressing urban
poverty and slum conditions will require engaging urban poor majorities at an
unprecedented level in defining the policy solutions needed and in better integrating
social economies, informal economies and formal economic systems.

Informal and unregulated urban settlements and haphazard disposal of waste and
industrial products contribute to the degradation of the environment in African cities.
However, the most immediate and pressing challenge is to improve the environmental
conditions of the urban poor. The urban poor live in life threatening conditions with
limited access to clean water, adequate drainage and sanitation. They are also affected
by high levels of pollution due to toxic material, traffic and industrial emissions,
residential congestion and absence of green spaces. The result is environmental
degradation, increased natural and manmade disasters, scarcity of drinking water and
increased risks to public health. In addition, the adverse impact of climate change can
only accelerate rural-to-urban migrate on environmental refugees, while at the same
time putting urban infrastructure at greater risk due to extreme weather events. It is
important to note that urban areas account for about 60% of the continents population
that live in low elevation coastal zones that could be severely affected by rising sea
levels, as well as, frequent floods. Climate change could lead to excessive strain on
traditional infrastructure; increased shortages and hazards; increased epidemics;
breakdown in security due to increased conflict over resources. Rapid urbanization

33
 implies rapid increased demand for energy, land and natural resources. Traffic
congestion, due to a growing dependence on motor vehicles and intensive use of
expensive fossil fuels is a new feature of most African cities.

2. Asian States

Urbanization is clearly of concern of many countries, especially in the AsiaPacific

region. As reported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the number of people
living in Asias city in 2050 will increase almost twice as much as in 2010 (3 billion
and 1.6 billion, respectively). It implicates that each year 44 million more people will
move to urban areas.4 Urbanization has a profound effect on living conditions in cities.
People living in cities have to face with many issues such as lack of jobs for the young,
high living costs and lack of access to services and housing. Besides, environmental
problems are associated with growing population in those areas.5 Notably, China is the
country which has the fastest urbanization growth rate in the region. In 1950, of all
Asia-Pacific nations, China has the smallest percentage of the population in urban
areas; however, it experienced a dramatic growth. 6 . India also struggle with issues
relating to urbanization. According to the Agglomeration Index, 13.7 per cent of the
city dwellers in India are below the national poverty line in 2011. 7 As stated by the
Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific (ESCAP), dealing with urbanization issues requires strong leadership and
political commitment to learn from successful stories of urban transformation, utilize
advanced technologies and cooperate with private sector.8

4
Lean Alfred Santos, Busting the myths of urbanization and sustainability in Asia-Pacific,
https://www.devex.com/news/busting-the-myths-of-urbanization-and-sustainability-in-asia-pacific-
88049
5
UN News Centre, UN report calls for urgent response to Asia-Pacifics rapid urbanisation,
http://www.eco-business.com/news/un-report-calls-for-urgent-response-to-asia-pacifics-rapid-
urbanisation/
6
International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2014), Urban Migration Trends, Challenges,
Responses and Policy in the AsiaPacific, https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/WMR-2015-
Background-Paper-GHugo.pdf
7
The World Bank, Leveraging Urbanization in India,
http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/india/brief/leveraging-urbanization-india
8
UN News Centre, UN report calls for urgent response to Asia-Pacifics rapid urbanisation,
http://www.eco-business.com/news/un-report-calls-for-urgent-response-to-asia-pacifics-rapid-
urbanisation/

34
Although each city faces its own particular situation and challenges, an attempt is made
below to present some of the key common challenges:

Rising disparities in income and high levels of poverty among urban population, seen in
the emergence of sometimes large informal settlements in and around major cities.
Although the target 7d of the MDG on slum dwellers has been met, the number of
people living in slum conditions continues to increase, estimated at 863 million in 2012,
compared to 760 million in 2000 and 650 million in 1990.

Urban infrastructure continues to be inadequate, including water, transportation and

waste management. In particular, poor transportation infrastructure impedes labour
mobility and efficiency in logistics, as well as access to social services, including
education and medical services.

Existing infrastructure development and growth patterns may lock cities into
unsustainable consumption and production models for years to come. The main
environmental issues are related to the poor quality of air, clean water supply and
management of waste and sanitation. For instance, the World Health Organization
ranks outdoor air pollution as the 13th greatest contributor to disease and death
worldwide, causing an estimated 519,000 premature deaths every year, especially in
urban areas. At the same time, Asian and Pacific cities are among the most vulnerable
to natural disasters, with many informal settlements located in fragile environmental
areas on shorelines and major river basins. For instance, Dhaka, one of the largest
megacities in the world (13 million inhabitants), has an elevation ranging from 2 and 13
meters, with most of the urbanized areas between 6 and 8 meters above sea level, which
means that even a slight rise in sea level is likely to engulf large parts of the city. In
Bangladesh as a whole, it is estimated that a rise of the sea level by 1.5 meters would
mean a total number of 17 million people affected (17 per cent of the population) and a
total land area affected of 22,000 square kilometers (16 per cent of the total area).

3. Eastern European States:

According to UN Population Division, Eastern European has 68.3 % of population in

urban. This level of urbanization has essentially remained unchanged over the last
decade and is somewhat lower than in Western Europe. (UNFPA "Emerging Population
Issues in Eastern Europe and Central Asia - Research Gaps on Demographic Trends,
Human Capital and Climate Change, pg 22)

The regional population is falling, followed by the decrease of urban population.

According to the UN data, the rate urban population has decreased by 4 per cent
similarly to that of rural and total populations since 1995. Population of Eastern Europe
(2016 and historical)

35
 Yearly Yearly Migrant Media Fertility Density Urban Urban
Year Population Change Change s (net) n Age Rate (P/Km) Pop % Population

2016 292,471,073 -0.16 % -471,705 110,586 39.8 1.56 16 69.3 % 202,722,961

2015 292,942,778 -0.11 % -329,677 184,800 40 1.55 16 69.3 % 202,949,714

2010 294,591,164 -0.2 % -578,164 362,500 39 1.42 16 69.3 % 204,112,022

2005 297,481,982 -0.42 % -1,261,305 226,200 38 1.26 17 68.7 % 204,275,207

2000 303,788,505 -0.38 % -1,156,169 179,600 37 1.29 17 68.4 % 207,719,646

1995 309,569,352 -0.03 % -91,501 278,800 35 1.63 17 68.3 % 211,380,390

1990 310,026,859 0.41 % 1,265,542 -31,300 34 2.08 17 68.1 % 211,281,358

1985 303,699,147 0.58 % 1,731,447 164,500 32 2.09 17 66.2 % 201,187,922

Source: Worldometers (www.Worldometers.info)

Elaboration of data by United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs,

Population Division. World Population Prospects: The 2015 Revision. (Medium-
fertility variant).

Reasoning for the decrease in urban population, emigration is one of the main causes
behind the annual decline of Eastern Europeans, enchanted by the welfare system and
better job opportunities in Western region. Some of the hot spots for emigration are
included UK, Ireland, Finland, Italy, Spain and more recently Norway. The joining to
the EU by Romania and Bulgaria invite even more outflow of population from their
home country. Return policies have met with limited success. Romanian job fairs did
not stop the emigrants. Polandss insufficient planning, negative economic conditions
and the unfavorable requirements discouraged the returnees.

Falling fertility also contributes to Eastern Europes de-urbanization. In the late 80s,
Eastern European women had an average of 2.1 children. After a decade this number
had dropped to 1.6. The later-EU-member Hungary has a birth rate of 1.23 children per
women, the lowest in the EU. In Lithuania its 1.76, in Latvia 1.34. Although some
Western Europe countries, for example Germany, there was a similar drop in fertility,
the effect is much bigger in countries which endures emigration. One of which is that
deaths outnumbered births. Measures have been taken, however, little outcome has
been made. Poland provided cash to families who had two or more children. In 2013,
the Hungarian authorities sponsored a series of dance party to encourage its population
to find the one.

36
 However, Eastern European economies are rapidly developing. The GDP per capita of
the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Slovakia is now about eighty per cent or over that of
the EU9. Improving conditions are expected to stop the trend of emigration and increase
fertility rates, eventually stop the decline in urban population.

4. Latin America and the Caribbean States:

Latin America and the Caribbean is a region characterized by high levels of

urbanization and persistent urban growth. According to the UN Population Division,
Latin America and the Caribbean is the developing region with the highest percentage
of urban population 80%, and on a global level it sits just behind Northern America
(83%). Furthermore, as urbanization rates in the region are expected to remain
relatively high, this figure is projected to grow to 85% by 2030. The higher the level of
urbanization, the greater the impact of urban policies, Therefore, urban development
will in great part determine sustainable development in Latin America and the
Caribbean.

Segregation of people by socio-economic status has become more pronounced in LAC

cities in recent years. A certain amount of segregation by socio-economic class has
always existed in LAC cities, but the situation was exacerbated during the period of
rapid urbanization when the new immigrants from rural areas tended to locate in
informal settlements at the outer edges of cities. City governments did not anticipate
these massive inflows and were not prepared to integrate these new settlements into the
city proper or to provide them with municipal services. Many state housing initiatives
implemented since then have also fostered the establishment of low income
communities on the city outskirts, because land there was cheaper. Large numbers of
poor households continue to live in outlying areas, many of which have turned into
slums, where sub-standard housing is common, what infrastructure exists is
deteriorating and municipal services are still in short supply. Two new trends began to
have an impact in the 1990s: (1) the movement of higher income groups into exclusive
residential neighborhoods, where they can isolate themselves from many of the
problems in the rest of the city and reduce their interaction with other social groups;
and (2) the concentration of economically disadvantaged populations in the deteriorated
areas of the center cities and the inner suburbs. These trends, taken together, have led to
a weakening of the traditional integration mechanisms public education, public health
systems, and central areas for recreation and culture that used to exist in LAC cities.

The relationship between cities and their environment works in two directions. As LAC
policymakers and citizens alike have begun to understand better in recent years, cities
can be environmental culprits, but they are also subject to environmental risks. Like
elsewhere in the world, air and water pollution are two big problems in LAC cities,
driven by a number of factors including industrial growth, increased congestion, and

9
Thompson Reuters Datastream GDP Per Capita PPS EU 28=100

37
poor sanitation and solid waste management. Various actors have documented the
problems of air pollution; for example, an ECLAC (Economic Commission for Latin
America and the Caribbean) publication estimated that air pollution represented an on-
going health hazard for over 80 million of the regions city dwellers at the beginning of
the 21st century and accounted for an estimated 65 million working days lost.

5. Western European and other States:

With the long history of industrial development, Western Europe has one of the highest
population living in cities. Many Europeans have adopted urban life style with the
access to cultural, educational and health services in metropolitans. Hence, the cities
have become the main engine of the regions economy and wealth creators. However,
Western Europe continues to face challenges of urbanisation and public safety from the
high demand for necessary resources such as water and energy and high population
density. Thus, it is important to promote a sustainable development to improve peoples
living standard in the region.

Urbanisation is the increase in the proportion of people living in towns and cities.
Western Europe has one of the highest proportion of population living in cites, around
75%. Keep this in mind, pollution has been a heavy issue in major cities like London
and Paris due to the high level of consumption. Fiercely, the winter of 2016 in Paris has
been recorded as the worst winter pollution in a decade, causing a ban on the half
number of private cars emerging in the city centre. Moreover, working condition in
urban area is getting worse off because of the flexibility of businesses. Since the
concentrations of people in cities are very crowded, the supply of workers in labour
market is usually high, helping companies get more power to bargain wages. With the
practice of zero-hour contract in companies like Uber, which is employees are only
offered to work when the demand appears, many people are facing unstable income and
be underemployed. This causes an increase in the level of inequality and a decrease in
the standard of living in urban areas. Furthermore, if urbanisation keeps flourishing in
Western Europe, the imbalance in population between cities and rural areas may appear.
This can be a problem as the economies in villages will be destroyed from having fewer
people working. Yet the problem may not be the case as long as the European Union
(EU) maintains Common Agriculture Policies (CAP), a scheme protecting farmers.

The downsides of urbanisation also have negative impacts on public safety in the region.
The term refers to the welfare and protection of the general public. The statistics shows
40% of the population across Europe suffering mental illness such as depression or
anxiety according to Reuters. Additionally, the distribution is highly concentrated in the
western part. This is because of the fast-paced work in big cities with fierce competition
in the labour market and the integration of multicultural life style. The victims are,
normally, workers facing unstable income and children raised by lone parent, who do
not get as much as benefits than the ones with two parents. This problem can lead to a
huge economic and social break down as the productivity might go down and people
get a lower quality of life. Moreover, the issue concerned recently in western Europe is

38
terrorism. After Pariss and Brussels attacks, many people are worried about the
security in the region and it is even worse when the terrorist group, ISIS, keeps
threatening to hold another in one of the major cities. Not only does this affect the
social wellbeing but also reduce the economic performance as businesses can become
reluctant to invest with those threats. Therefore, a scheme that can solve these problems
must be implied.

The general approach to ease these issues is a sustainable urban development. This is
development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland report of 1987). With the idea,
there are several policies which can be proposed to tackle environmental problems and
protect social welfare. Firstly, western Europe is popular for leading to promote eco-
friendly. There are some policies implied such as maintaining green belt around
metropolitans and congestion charge in rush hour in major cities like London. However,
the authority can still improve the current situation by introducing technology which
can limit the amount of Carbon emission for each car. In order to do so, a better
interaction between the regulators and businesses is a matter to be concerned. Secondly,
the EU has tried to create a better social mobility and security for the people by creating
European Social Fund (ESF). The fund is to combat against inequality, work insecurity
and generating opportunity for youngsters. Nonetheless, since the organisation is one of
the biggest bureaucracies, the scheme is still not done efficiently and have to be
improved at delivering the right thing for people who are in need. Finally, the
government in the region have also reacted quickly to fight terrorism by strengthening
the arm forces and policies that generate power for them like Digital Investigation Bill
in the United Kingdom. Yet it is questionable if we should let the government to
become more power so that they can ensure our security.

Overall, despite of the long economic development, European, especially the western
part keeps facing obstacles of its own. Urbanisation in the region can be considered as a
double-edged sword. It can be the key factor to drive the economy, to create more
wealth. Yet without any sustainability, it can be problematic by creating uncertainty in
society. And the problems of urbanisation also cause a concern about the public safety
with the quality of life being decreased. To tackle these, it depends on a great social
contract between the authority and the people to make the plans done.

39
IV. Questions to consider:

a) For developing countries:

1. How to address problems of urban sprawl and preservation of inner-city heritage
buildings arising from the growing demand for housing and facilities by an
emerging wealthy class and from international investors?
2. How to address the specific needs of the increasing ageing population?
3. How to address the need for retrofitting of buildings, based on clean energy and
efficient use of energy and water?
4. How to address severe environmental pollution from the socialist era industries
and, more recently, from the rapid growth of private vehicle ownership?
5. How to strengthen local authorities, to whom many responsibilities have been
transferred but without the necessary financial resources?

b) For developed countries:

1. How to address the effects of the recent mortgage and housing markets crisis?
2. How to address increasing socio-spatial inequalities and urban fragmentation
resulting from globalization and competitive city investment policies?
3. How to address the changing structure of labour markets, which have left many
urban residents unemployed, underemployed and impoverished?
4. How to reduce the large ecological footprints of cities caused by car-dependence,
huge waste production and urban sprawl how to mitigate the effects of and adapt
to climate change?
5. How to address the specific needs of the increasing ageing population?
6. How to deal with the massive inflow of refugees?

40
REFERENCES

UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR LATIN Contribution to the

2014 United Nations Economic and Social Council ( ECOSOC ) Integration Segment.

Hildebr, M., Foundation, M. G., Planning, R., & International, E. (n.d.). ii Sustainable
and Inclusive Urbanization in Asia Pacific.

Paper, C. R. (2014). ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL 2014 INTEGRATION

SEGMENT: SUSTAINABLE URBANIZATION SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS:
Demographic Transitions, (May), 116.

Note, B. (2014). ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL 2014 INTEGRATION

SEGMENT: SUSTAINABLE URBANIZATION, (May), 111.

Paper, C. R. (2014). ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL 2014 INTEGRATION

SEGMENT: SUSTAINABLE URBANIZATION SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS:
Demographic Transitions, (May), 116.

UNITED NATIONS Contribution to the 2014 United Nations Economic and Social
Council ( ECOSOC ) Integration Segment. (2014).

UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA ( ECA ) Contribution

to the 2015 United Nations Economic and Social Council ( ECOSOC ) Integration
Segment. (2015), 15.

UNITED NATIONS Contribution to the 2014 United Nations Economic and Social
Council ( ECOSOC ) Integration Segment. (2014).

Council, S. (2015). Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
( ECLAC ) Contribution to the 2015 United Nations Economic and Social Council
( ECOSOC ).

Bank, T. H. E. W. (n.d.). The Urban Poor in LA.

Cohen, B. (2014). Urbanization in Developing Countries: Current Trends , Future

Projections , and Key Challenges for Sustainability Urbanization in developing
countries: Current trends , future projections , and key challenges for sustainability,
(July). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2005.10.005

41