Ok, so in history class, we are split up into groups to research about one of three problems that Africa faces today.(Famine, Genocide, and HIV/AIDS). My group was assigned famine. Here's the situation: The United Nations securitycouncil (which is going to be represented by the school's model UN) is ready to hear about these problems. They have secured an amount of $5 billion dollars to be given out to help one of the following issues plaguing Africa: HIV?AIDS, GENOCIDE, OR FAMINE. They are all important problems to solve, or raise awareness of, but the money will only be rewarded to one of the issues at hand. Our job is to persuade the UN security council that FAMINE is the most important problem to focus on and solve in Africa today. How will you do this? Follow the guidelines below: 1.) You will need to find specific facts, statistics/charts, and be able to summarize the problem you are assigned. 2.) Be sure to discuss major issues-how does this affect the people? The land? The WORLD? 3.) Be sure to have background knnowledge about the other two issues, so that you are prepared to counter-argue why your issue is the most important one that deserves the money being allotted. 4.) Prepare for a "mock conference" debate. 5.) Your group needs to have at least three posters that raise awareness/propaganda to promote your cause. One other thing we need to do is explain how we will use the 5 billion smackaroonies. This is where I need your help. So far, this is what we got down for how we will use it: 1.) Create our own aid organization called FAME (Fight Africa's malnutrition epidemic. ) 2.) Instead of giving the AID to the government, we will deliver it straight to the people. -Fertilizers and seed will be distributed directly to the people of said inflicted countries -Water pipes and roads will be built by aid workers. -fuel will be distributed directly to the people - storage buildings and homes will be erected -more water sources will be built as to shorten the distance to get to water (the newly built water pipes will connect to them) -Small easy to use filters will be handed out to help keep the water cleaner Now I have a feeling that most of this is very unrealistic, and I think we need a little bit more, but I am completely stumped on what else we could do. I thought since you guys are usually good with this stuff, you could help me out. Thanks in advance.
Having participated in MUN, I have a few questions. Since when does the UNSC concern itself with famine and disease? They are the SECURITY COUNCIL. Leave the disease and stuff to UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, etc. You have a myraid of other things that you could easily do. Syria, Mali, etc. and you were handed famine?! Genocide makes sense though. Also, since when does the UNSC, the most powerful committee in the entirety of the UN and arguably the sole purpose that the UN exists, have a budget problem? I'll get back to you on the actual answers to the OP.
I'm not in Model UN. This is for history class. The model UN is going to act as the UN. I was in model UN in 7th grade, but they cancelled it the next year in my middle school. Im thinking about joining it next year though.
Budgeting five billion dollars to solve any of those three problems across Africa is like baking someone a pie because their house burnt down.
ALl we really need to do is have a better plan than the other two groups. That in itself shouldnt be very hard, because we have the most competent people. What?
How are you gonna protect the Hummanitarian aid given to the people from local warlords/rebals? or is that delving to much into it for the project?
Your argument is supposed to be that preventing famine is the most important out of 1. preventing famine, 2. stopping genocide, 3. stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS, right? The genocide one arguably has the best. Its a 'well, you can't eat if someone has stuck a sword in your gut' argument and as cheesy as it sounds, its pretty **** effective. The HIV/AIDS isn't as formitable, but their primary point is probably that disease claims as many or more lives and ruins furtures more than temporary things like war and a strong food supply is good, but inevitably doesn't help to fix the contraction of the diseases. Your position is probably best argued to be 'preparing for the future' and securing a stable supply of food so that people don't starve in the long run. Your primary defensive problem is probably going to be the arguement that your solutions are mostly in the long run and won't have the most immediate effect. You also have to contend with the problem that your position suffers from the fact that you are shooting for an uncertain and unstable solution. That is to say, you need to feed people every day and there is no reasonable guarentee that the already depleted soils in the region will be able to support the population. Your strongest offensive point will probably be that the other two are on a much higher and more complicated level than is probably feasible at this time and under the budget constraints. Of course, there are other considerations, but I can't think of them right now. Ask if you have any other questions.
Yes, too deep. Yes, That is a good idea. Im not worried about that, because I doubt they will figure that out. (the other tw groups) Ok. Do you have any ideas of what else we could do?
Just some general stuff. Definately visit UN sites dedicated to famine solutions in Africa. Research cost-effective food programs. Remember that some programs like nutty mixtures have a limited application by age group. Look for data on places where large amounts of food can be grown. Remember to look into the Red Cross and other groups that will help distribute at lesser cost to the UN. And don't entirely discount government agencies. Research them and see if they are willing to help. Don't be afriad to think simple. Some villagers in Africa reportedly use reflectors (like foil) to focus light onto clear bottles to kill bacteria and purify water. And consider the message this guy has. Consider TED talks in general. I know that you probably just got a random number that the teacher pulled out of his/her *** and you probably won't actually be calculating cost, but it will be important to have some solid numbers. No matter how costly it is, as long as it is within budget, the score givers will probably be more persuaded by your though-out plan than suggestions without.
Ok. There is just one more question I have, and then I think I am set. Why should the world care about making Africa better?
Oh, that is the most complicated to explain, yet the easiest to certify. Just cite the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UN is dedicated to it. Its basically like an expanded version of the Bill of Rights with other stuff. Specifically expand on Article 25.
Well that seems simple enough. Now I should be set. I just have to hope the rest of my group gets the information they need for their part.
