A Look Back on MUN

I've recently spent time cleaning out my google drive. In that process, I came across a Model UN position paper I wrote in Junior Year. I feel it fitting to memorialize the work on my blog.

I was representing Cameroon in a Science and Technology conference. I am posting this specific paper because I think the issues are still remarkably relevant and timely - while other topics were specific to the year or even the month the delegation met, but the technology I mentioned would be an interesting addition today.

I also think that my ideas were incredibly unique - I wonder, after since going through various forms of global education, if I would come up with the same solutions.

Topic 1: Access to Technology in Developing Countries

Honorable chair and distinguished delegates, the delegation of Cameroon thanks you all for dedicating the time to gather here today. Access to technology in developing countries proves a pressing issue.  Without proper technology, education, work, and other essential activities appear tough. Even without information, which today is spread through technology, will put citizens at a disadvantage in As a lower-middle-income country, Cameroon holds the essential pieces to be successful in technology. However, many countries do not have the same accessible resources, and that is why we propose the following plan. Cameroon proposes an increase in radio coverage around the globe. By increasing radio coverage, the UN will strategically move towards a technologically advanced world. Not only is our solution cost-effective, but radios are a universal commodity, and everyone, rich or poor, can benefit from listening to broadcasts. Thank you, I yield my time to the chair. 

To highlight radio’s role in technology for information: Using radios as a way to increase the access to information is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to spread information. Not only would citizens be informed, but the economies would boom.  labor would be needed to implement such systems while access to information would help get jobs and increase GDP of areas and households. There aren’t downsides to implementing radios, and the economy would only benefit. This is a dual-benefit plan. 

Along the lines of what Finland and iran have addressing. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We need to start small, and begin with the small technologies, or the “gateway technologies”, and grow from there. We need to focus on implementing the essential technologies, such as radios, cell service, and streaming programs. Citizens, therefore, will be better informed, and we can go from there. Let’s start small, let’s spread information while watching economies grow, and then focus on data breeches or 

For a seamless transition: We must start with a small piece, one brick of the building. We need to start with radios, satellites, and other streaming programs. Small steps will allow for a seamless transition into the economies of countries, and will provide a gateway for other, more complex, technologies, to be introduced.  To Latvia’s excellent point: we commend an investment incentive. Cameroon would like to reiterate the cost-effective solution of implementing radios and satellites. They would be an easy commodity for businesses to provide with a large impact. 

Topic 2: Sustainable Improvement for Urban Living Conditions

Honorable chair and distinguished delegates, the delegation of Cameroon thanks you all for dedicating the time to gather here for the second day and continue our conversation. The way people live in Urban areas and the populations impact on the world proves, now more than ever, a horrid issue that we must confront. When our cities are polluting the earth and harming those who live in densely populated areas, we must come up with a solution that is not only tangible but also something in which people will follow along. Therefore, we propose a no exceptions tax break on all electric or hybrid vehicles. The framework of the tax break will include, but is not limited to, sales tax and routine collections. Cameroon acknowledges that similar programs are available, but none meet the standards the are propose. Under our plan, no electric vehicle owner will have to pay taxes on their vehicle, ever. Since billions of people own cars, this plan would provide an incentive for new car buyers to go green, all while benefiting the urban areas and reducing pollution. If every United Nation country signed on to a plan like this, the effect would be unquantifiable. Thank you, I yield my time to the chair. 

Topic 3: Rural Electrification

Honorable chair and distinguished delegates, the delegation of Cameroon thanks you all for dedicating the time to gather here today and discuss the issue of Rural Electrification. Electrification increases labor supply, benefits those in school, and increases the household income. On a larger scale, adequate electrification is associated with wealth, and as the wealth gap gets bigger, we have an obligation to help close the divide. Electrifying rural areas would not only provide opportunities to inhabitants, but also help close the gap between wealthy and poor. That is why Cameroon proposes the following plan. We should agree to not tax electricity companies within rural boundaries. Each country  would outline the rural areas of their country, particularly those without electricity currently, and the countries would then agree to not put a tax on electrification companies in those areas. Then, this would provide incentive for companies to build headquarters, manufacture, and flourish in these areas without taxation. US companies might move to rural areas of Brazil, British companies might move to Bangladesh, and in doing so those companies would provide jobs and electricity to those areas. The benefits of these companies moving to the impoverished areas would be immense. We would not only cover the electricity problem, but also provide an industry in areas that need it the most. Thank you, and I yield my time to the chair.