Position Paper to the United Nations

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It must be so FORMAL

and I will provide some samples how it will look like all I need is ONE PAGE - Three paragraphs

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My delegation Country is Lebanon, and my Committee is Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in I. Achieving the Arab Development Outlook. The position paper is three parts but i will be dealing with the (I. Achieving the Arab Development Outlook) ONLY.

I Will add some links here and in the documents I will attach to get the informations from those places.



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Delegation from Lebanon Represented by My name I. Achieving the Arab Development Outlook Lebanon supports the sustainable development goals that have been made on the international agreement on the post-2015 to achieve the vision of 2030 agenda goals by working with the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Vision 2030 have been breaking down its development focuses on five key areas which they are; Peace and security, Governance, Transformational Growth, Human Development and Social Justice, and Regional Integration. -------------------------------------------------------Email from the Professor Explains: As you prepare to write your position papers for the final exam, the background information in the link below will come in handy. The guide itself is specific to your committee, and while you may find different parts useful, the key section on which you should focus your time is the specific 8-12 pages about your assigned topic. *(Which are those pages of my assigned topic are 13-21)* The guide is very useful at helping you understand the context of the topic, but will do little to help you with Lebanese or Zambian positions; you’re on your own for that. While they are not due until Finals Week, I encourage you to have a draft ready for class on 6 December, as the Head Delegates and I will be available to review them and give you feedback prior to your final draft being written. You can find your guide at http://www.nmun.org/assets/documents/conferences/ny/ny18-bgg-escwa.pdf Other sources: http://www.arabstates.undp.org/content/dam/rbas/doc/CPD/CPD%20Lebanon%202017-2020.pdf Searching in the UN library for the documents if needed: http://unbisnet.un.org:8080/ipac20/ipac.jsp?&profile=bib&menu=search or Here Permanent Mission of Lebanon to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development http://lebanonun.com/post-2015-development-agenda/ Position Papers in the Martin Institute | International Studies Position papers are normally written in advance of a meeting in order to communicate a national, organizational, or personal position on a particular issue or set of issues. They emphasize both thoroughness and succinctness in equal measure, given that as many entities as will attend a particular meeting generate position papers. They differ from policy papers and white papers in that they do not seek to justify why a particular position is being advocated, but rather to communicate a country’s position/policy. Another use for position papers is for agencies, politicians, and/or government departments to share their policy with constituents. Again, the emphasis is on succinctness and thoroughness. At its core, each issue dealt with in a position paper has three main components, each one paragraph in length; these are complemented by an overview paragraph. Each seeks to emphasize the country’s engagement in and leadership related to the issue and essentially “justify” why other countries should heed a particular national position. The main three: 1) History and Definition of the Issue, including the key international agreements the country supported, leadership roles the country may have played, and important ongoing efforts in the international arena regarding the issue that are supported by the country. 2) Current Efforts, whether international, regional, or national that demonstrate a country’s engagement with the topic. 3) Position and Future Direction, featuring specific statements about what a country would like to see adopted regarding the issue. Some format/style notes: Position papers are written in Times New Roman, 10 pt. font, with one inch margins on all four sides. The text should be fully justified with the exception of the header and section/issue titles and subtitles, which must be placed appropriately as per the example. There are also particular protocols regarding which portions are bolded, which are italicized, and which are both bolded and italicized. Delegation from The Kingdom of Belgium Represented by University of Idaho Position Paper for the General Assembly First Committee The issues presented before the First General Assembly are as follows: Cyber Security and Protecting against Cyber Warfare; The Threat of Transnational Organized Crime on International Security; and Efforts to Control Weapons of Mass Destruction. The Kingdom of Belgium is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Union, the Australia Group, and the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe. Belgium remains committed to combatting threats to security through economic development and politico-military dimensions. I. Cyber Security and Protecting Against Cyber Warfare The Kingdom of Belgium is making efforts in the international community to develop cyber security. Belgium has contributed to the development of Resolution 53/70 in 1999, focusing on developments in information and telecommunications in the context of international security on information technology [A/RES/53/70]. In 2003, Belgium contributed to the development of Resolution 58/32 which focuses on developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security [A/RES/58/32]. Belgium has signed and ratified these agreements defining the reality of cyber-warfare and its threat to international security and submitted them toward the entry force of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime in 2004 [BCC]. In 2005, the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society was created to advance international cooperation on the topic of cyber warfare [WSIS]. In 2011, Belgium became a part of the Commonwealth Cybercrime Initiative, which encourages increased cooperation and information sharing amongst commonwealth states [CCI]. Belgium recognizes that cyber-security, having both civilian and military application, demands a global solution. Recalling the adoption of resolution 68/167 in 2013 [A/RES/68/167] and resolution 69/28 in 2014, Belgium affirms the continuation to view cyber warfare as a perceivable threat to international and domestic security [A/RES/69/28]. Working with NATO and their technical cyber security services, Belgium has reaffirmed their commitment to cyber security and the protecting against cyber warfare at the 2012 Chicago Summit [NATO]. Belgium has installed a Federal Cyber Emergency Team [CERT.be], and a federal public service for information and communication technology [FEDICT]. Belgium demonstrated commitment by attending the 2002 Prague summit, 2006 Riga Summit, and 2010 Lisbon Summit [NATO]. Belgium calls upon the international community to approach cyber security with neither ignorance nor negligence and urges the international community to fight against the financing of terrorism and to improve efficient cooperation and exchange of information between intelligence and security services. As of 2015, the Belgian National Security Council is working to develop general intelligence and security policies, ensuring coordination, and prioritizing intelligence and security services within cybercrime [B-CCENTRE]. Belgium works dynamically on cyber security as a member of the BENELUX memorandum of understanding as well as the OSCE, and recommends that the international community units to address this issue [THB]. II. The Threat of Transnational Organized Crime to International Security The Kingdom of Belgium supports initiatives that combat transnational organized crime. Reaffirming Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, and the threat that transnational organized crime poses to international security, Belgium ratified: the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime in 2000, the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children in 2000, the Protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, supplementing the UN convention against transnational organized crime in 2002, and the Protocol against the smuggling of migrants by land, sea, and air, supplementing the UN convention against transnational organized crime in 2004 [A/RES/55/25]. Belgium recalls the Lisbon Treaty of 2009, designed to install solidarity between member states in order to increase abilities to fight transnational crime and terrorism. Belgium, as a part of the European Union, recognizes human trafficking as the one of most hideous forms of transnational organized crime and is determined to combat it. Belgium views international cooperation as crucial, and the Convention on Transnational Organized Crime and its protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, serve as cornerstones [GA/SHC/3975]. The recently adopted Global Plan of Action against Trafficking in Persons has raised awareness regarding this issue in Belgium, and Belgium hopes that this awareness will disperse throughout the UN, the business sector, civil society, and the media [A/RES/64/293]. Belgium played a significant role in the condemnation of organized crime through their involvement in the first International Criminal Court investigations in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Darfur, as well as through their initiatives to consolidate peace and security since 2011 [ICTY][UNMISS]. Similar efforts have been made with cooperation from the Belgian government in Lebanon [UNIFIL], the Middle East [UNTSO], and Mali [MINUSMA]. Belgium has also participated in UN-mandated coalitions such as [ISAF] in Afghanistan. Belgium emphasizes the threat that transnational criminal organizations has to international security. Recalling the UN summit in 2005, Belgium promotes the strengthening of the rule of law as well as increased training for police and judiciary personnel in regards to transnational organized crime [OSCE]. International conventions and protocols are to be observed, including international humanitarian law, which is outlined in the United Nations Global CounterTerrorism Strategy [UNGCTS]. It addresses the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism preventing and combating terrorism, and strengthening the role of the United Nations system. Belgium strives to be dynamic while addressing transnational organized crime and seeks coordination from partnering entities such as the UN, OSCE, and NATO. Belgium urges the international community to hold transnational criminal organizations accountable for the atrocities committed against human rights [SC/9347]. While doing so, Belgium reiterates the Kosovo conflict during Belgium’s chairmanship for the OSCE, and the willingness to negotiate with the principal parties involved [OSCE]. III. Efforts to Control Weapons of Mass Destruction The Kingdom of Belgium supports nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation by promoting the UN Charter and through international cooperation [GA]. Recognizing internal limited influence, Belgium is united with the European Union and NATO. Belgium recognizes the first and Second Hague Convention of 1889 and 1907, regarding harmful gases [ICRC]. Belgium is a party member to the Geneva Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare of 1925, prohibiting chemical and biological weapons in war [Geneva]. Belgium has ratified the 1970 Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which prevents the spreading of nuclear weapons [UNODA] and the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction in 1997 [OPCW], and the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction in 1975 [UNODA]. Belgium, united with the Netherlands and Norway, created a working document that proposed the need for the United State of America and the Russian Federation to continue to reduce their non-strategic arsenals of nuclear weapons. Belgium welcomed President Obama’s proposals in 2013 to further reduce stockpiles [START]. Belgium regularly provides information to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and allows regular inspection at companies and institutions that treat chemicals [OPCW]. In 2011, leading up to the 7th Review Conference of the BWC, Belgium, in cooperation with the Belgian Biosafety Association, organized a seminar to strengthen biological safety through the adapted industry quality standards. Belgium condemns weapons of mass destruction and urges international cooperation [NPT]. A part of the OSCE, Belgium supports UNSC Resolution 1540 and its call comprehensive measures to prevent proliferation by non-state actors of WMD [OSCE]. A part of the Australia Group, Belgium urges the international community to ensure that exports do not contribute to the development or transport of chemical or biological weapons [Australia Group]. Aligned with NATO, Belgium is strengthening defense capabilities to defend against CBRN attacks by conducting exercises to prepare forces for operation in a CBRN environment, and increasing dialogue among allies [NATO]. Belgium is committed to a world without nuclear weapons with increased transparency regarding WMD and calls upon India, Israel, and Pakistan to join the Nuclear Non-proliferation treaty and become non-nuclear weapon states. Belgium and urges the international community to preserve the integrity of the treaty by holding violators accountable. Delegation from The Kingdom of Belgium Represented by University of Idaho Position Paper for the General Assembly Second Committee (GA2) The issues before the General Assembly Second Committee are: promoting access to renewable and sustainable energy for poverty reduction and sustainable development; financing for development; world commodity trends and prospects. Belgium is a member of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), the International Energy Agency (IEA) and is also a member of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Belgium also cooperates with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) to further promote international sustainable development. I. Promoting Access to Renewable and Sustainable Energy for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development Belgium recognizes the importance of renewable and sustainable energy for poverty reduction around the world. As one of the states that participated in the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, Belgium continues to work towards the practical implementation of the decisions made at the World Summit. Belgium has had several policies aimed at promoting the development, installation and usage of renewable energy sources (RES). Installations on the federal level in Belgium included training programs for RES-installers as well as an indirect fiscal mechanism for research, development and demonstration (RD&D) programs [RES-Legal]. Belgium also implemented a number of the commitments made in Johannesburg at the federal public services level and in foreign affairs. Examples include external initiatives in the areas of public health and living environments, biodiversity and forests, energy and climate change, sustainable trade policies and corporate social responsibility [Kingdom of Belgium Foreign Affairs KBFA]. Belgium has provided international development assistance with a view to promote the use of environmentally sound technology in foreign industries. Priority areas include emissions and waste reduction, alternative methods of energy production, state-of-the-art production standards, and efficient resource utilization [Agenda 21]. At the global level, Belgium is an active proponent of enhancing the role played by the United Nations Environment Programme. Belgium is a significant contributor to the UNEP and various specialized UN institutions. In addition, Belgium is also taking part in discussions on the possible creation of a United Nations Environment Organization. Belgium also participates in the Environment and Security Programme put forward by the UNEP, UNDP, NATO and OSCE [Permanent Mission of Belgium to the UN PMBUN]. This initiative seeks to defuse potential environmental conflicts involving, for example, water resources or cross-border environmental pollution at an early stage or to prompt the parties in a dispute to work together for the benefit of the environment, thereby leading to better relations. Belgium is an active champion of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) programme in developing countries, rich in natural resources [KBFA]. It promotes ‘good governance’ in countries by establishing voluntary, tripartite relations between the relevant government, private sector and civil society. Belgium also works on the UN Global Compact (GC), designed to encourage companies to embrace a more socially responsible and sustainable form of management. [PMBUN]. Belgium acknowledges the importance of collaboration it has in promoting access to renewable and sustainable energy for poverty reduction and sustainable development by working with organizations to aid developing countries in reaching their sustainable growth goals. Belgium’s recent projects under their UN Agenda 21 include collaboration with these diverse groups: women, indigenous groups, NGO’s, trade unions, farmers, the scientific community, and business and industry that creates a platform for policy proposals, carrying out studies and small research projects to integrate results from multi-disciplinary approaches, and an all-inclusive database pertaining to sustainable development. Belgium has expressed its continuous commitment to sustainable development by being involved in the UN committees and initiatives through international treaties that have an invested interest in economic collaboration for sustainable development. II. Financing for Development As a member of Global Partnership (GP) established in Busan, Korea in 2011, Belgium adopted the core principles of effective development cooperation including better monitoring results of all development systems and foster new partnerships and working relationships [GP]. Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation Alexander De Croo emphasized the potential of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). In 2015, he called for more official aid to use this potential and create opportunities for LDCs during the UN’s and the Economic and Social Council’s (ECOSOC) Workshop for National Focal Points of LDCs. This workshop discussed the need of finances to stimulate economic growth, eradicate forms of poverty and to accelerate human development specifically in Africa [De Croo]. This workshop concluded with the acceptance of the need to implement Agenda 2063 which ensures good governance, rule of law, functioning institutions, accountability and skillful management of diversity in order to reduce the amount of illicit financial flows (IFFs) and to make better use of the funding currently being provided. Belgium oversees the Programme of Action and directs 50% of its official development aid to LDCs [Belgian Development Cooperation]. Belgium works with various channels of aid like financing subsidies by indirect cooperation (NGA), governmental cooperation with partner countries, multilateral participation, European and regional cooperation and humanitarian aid. The Belgian development aid focuses on its 14 partner countries, and more specifically in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Belgian aid funds more than 300 projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America [UN Agenda 21 Belgium and Africa]. Belgium strongly contributes to European development aid and to international political organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Union. Belgium also supports NGOs, NGAs and Belgian universities which are active in more than sixty developing countries [KBFA]. Belgium continues to pursue humanitarian aid strategy and encourages other donors to increase official aid to LDCs through study and training grants, development education and the funding of NGOs [Globenet]. Belgium itself is taking concrete and specific steps to allocate half of its Official Development Aid to LDCs. Their service supports international and civil partner organizations and attempts to systematically strengthen the collective international avenues for humanitarian intervention for development. Belgium not only provides aid for development but encourages countries that want to develop themselves to broaden their tax base and increase revenue collection from local sources in a fair and equitable manner. III. World Commodity Trends and Prospects Belgium recognizes that the role of commodities within the global economic and financial structure is vital to everything from sustainable development, food security, job creation and more. Belgium has been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 1995 and the former General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) since 1948. Belgium’s trade is helped by its central location in the European continent and by its well-developed transportation network, and diversified commercial and industrial base. In 2010 Belgium established the Belgian Fund for Food Security (BFFS) to provide assistance in world commodity trends and prospects by first alleviating poverty in underdeveloped regions of the world. Historically Belgium’s top exports have been oil, pharmaceuticals and vehicles, but it has relied heavily on imports of raw material to flourish [Economywatch]. Belgium's economic recovery is beginning to gain momentum. Growth in 2016 is stronger than the previous year. The UN Conference on Trade and Development’s ‘World Investment Report 2011’ rated Belgium world No 2, in terms of policies favorable to foreign direct investments (FDI) as well as the quantity-quality ratio of these investments [UNCTAD]. Belgium has always embraced the principles of sustainability and has also shown interest in securing greater transparency in the commodities sector, primarily by implementing a traceability system and establishing good governance in the mining and forestry industries in Central Africa. Belgium is home to the headquarters of the EU and over 100 international organizations; it has a unique perspective on world trade and global markets. It also has significant influence on trade. Since it joined the EU, Belgium has supported free trade and advocated for measures that lower tariffs and reduce other barriers to the free movement of goods and services, labor, and capital within Europe. Belgium has the authority to grant financial incentives to attract foreign goods and services. Among the tactics used are loans or interest rebates, financing by the regional government, and tax breaks for foreign companies. Belgium’s import value is ranked 11th in the world [Economy Watch]. Belgium will continue to be a major trade gateway to the European Union’s Member States, but in particular to the three countries with which it shares borders– Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Belgium encourages the formation of partnerships and bilateral agreements to ensure the mutual benefit from world commodities. Belgium has an open and highly competitive market with opportunities in most sectors. Belgium calls upon other states to increase trade agreements that would lower tariffs to ensure that people around the world have access to modern commodities [KBFA]. Delegation from The Kingdom of Belgium Represented by University of Idaho Position Paper for the General Assembly Fourth Committee The topics presented before the General Assembly Fourth Committee are as follows: Review of the special political missions and the future of the UN peacekeeping and peace operations, Intensifying cooperation in outer space to preserve peace and security, and Improving the situation of the Non-Self-Governing Territories. Belgium is also a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), and the United Nation Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). As an entity of the GA4, the country focuses on human rights, the preservation of peace and security in outer space and the future of non-self-governing territories. I. Review of Special Political Missions and the Future of UN Peacekeeping and Peace Operations The Kingdom of Belgium is in conformity with the General Assembly Fourth Committee mission on applying peacekeeping, ensuring the authorities have full control over their states, and promoting human rights for all through political missions. Belgium works with NATO in peace operations to show support for states in need of assistance. Belgium devoted its effort in 2009 in Afghanistan to increase its contingent at the Kunduz airport to ensure a secure and stable environment [ISAF]. Between March and October 2011, Belgium initiated three military missions in Libya to enforce an arms embargo in the sea and install a no-fly zone, and to protect the civilian population from military attacks [Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation]. In June 2010, it began supplying as many as 185 personnel to four different UN peacekeeping operations: UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), UN Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS), and UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) [RULAC]. Belgium was elected as the chair of the mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) by the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) in 2008. Belgium is currently in a military partnership with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to support the Congolese government in order to restore security in the country and combat the invasion of the rebel army against the Congolese military, police and institutions [MONUSCO]. With the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), Belgium is practicing a multidimensional peacekeeping operation to protect civilian’s mandate and to investigate and report on human rights violations. In coordination with the EU, Belgium supports peace operations and is currently working with the EU training mission. Belgium decided to maintain military in Mali until the end of May 2016 in order to maintain peace and protection [EUTM MALI]. In order to address peacekeeping challenges, Belgium is striving to rightly protect civilians in areas of crisis. It has developed a framework that sets out three levels of protection in its peacekeeping operations: inclusive political processes, protection from physical violence and the promotion of a protective governance and rule of law environment through capacity building. [UNRIC]. Belgium calls upon the international community for action to enforce peace and maintain peacekeeping operations. Belgium believes that the role of the United Nations in the settlement of conflicts is essential when maintaining peace and safety. Belgium continues its contribution to the UN Peace Building Fund by donating more than €5 million to the organization since 2006. II. Intensifying Cooperation in Outer Space to Preserve Peace and Security The Kingdom of Belgium signed and ratified the Outer Space Treaty in 1967 in order to respect the Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. Belgium fortifies the use of outer space in a peaceful and secure manner. Belgium made it its mission to find a place for space research and education 30 years ago, which lead to its contribution to the formation of the European Space Agency (ESA), whose goal is to increase the utilization of space resources in benefit to Europe and the rest of the world. Belgium confirmed its commitment to peace and security in outer space by voting yes to the resolution regarding the transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space activities in 2008 [A/RES/63/251]. In regards to Belgium’s participation in space exploration, the creation the first ESA’s satellite (PROBA) was launched in 2001. Belgium established the Belgian Space Law in 2005. It prohibits unauthorized activities under the Belgian Jurisdiction and sets up the national register for space objects, as well as procedures for retrieval and return of space objects debris [BELSPO]. Belgium is a member of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to promote international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. Under the partnership with UNOOSA, Belgium is involved with the United Nation Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) to increase the exploration and the usage of space in a sustainable way. Belgium is also engaged with the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG), United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) to ensure the security of space exploration. The Belgium Space Law continues to be in effect by regulating the security and privacy of satellite data, the protection of critical infrastructure and the national jurisdiction on and onboard space objects. Belgium renewed its engagement by voting in favor of the 2015 Review Conference of the parties to the treaty [A/RES/66/53]. Belgium contains over 40 different companies that are currently active in the space travel industry. In extension of Belgium’s concern with the peace and security of outer space, Belgium will continue its 46th year of partnership with UNODA to initiate the prevention of propagation of nuclear weapons in space with the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. In the future, Belgium will continue its funding to space projects with its annual space budget of more than €200 million through different organizations. To further corporation with the Outer Space projects, Belgium is continuing to work with UNOOSA for a sustainable development space education. III. Improving the Situation of Non-Self-Governing Territories The Kingdom of Belgium encourages the improvement of the situation of Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs). UN Agencies, national governments, and UN Member States are united through the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) to promote the realization towards self-determination by the Member States who are administering Powers over NSGTs. As a member of the United Nations General Assembly since 1945, Belgium approved “the administrating Powers of the Non-Self-Governing Territories have the primary obligation to promote the well-being of the inhabitants of these territories” [Article 73, UN Charter]. Belgium respects the resolution from the General Assembly Fourth Committee of the rights of the peoples to self-determination, which was adopted without a vote in 2006 [A/RES/61/150]. Belgium voted in favor of the resolution on economic and other activities which affects the interests of the peoples of the NSGTs which requests the administering powers concerned to transmit information to the Secretary-General under Article 73 [A/RES/68/88]. In view of the situation of NSGTs and other island-based entities, Belgium continues to emphasize a relief to climate change strategies which protects the fragile ecosystem. Considering that the majority of the remaining NSGTs consist of small islands, and due to their small size and vulnerability, these islands are more likely to suffer from global climate and environmental disasters. Belgium is also susceptible to climate change. Since 2009, Belgium is in collaboration with the European Commission, which focuses on their adaptation plans and actions in their National Communication (NC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) [ECAP]. After approval of the Kyoto Protocol, Belgium agreed to reduce CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases [UNFCC]. Since the establishment of the Green Climate Fund to assist developing countries in adaption and mitigation in Cancun in 2010, Belgium has demonstrated its commitment to improving climate change. Belgium proved its participation by donating €51.7 million to the fund in 2014 [UN and Climate Change]. Under the COP21 agreement, Belgium agreed to 1) communicate and maintain successful nationally-determined contributions every five years (NDCs), 2) to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change enhance understanding, action and support, including through the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts (WIM) 3) to provide financial resources to assist developing country parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation [Climate Change Policy and Practice]. Since the COP21 agreement in 2015, Belgium is transitioning to a low carbon society and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80-95% by 2050, compared to 1990 [Climate Change be]. By doing so, Belgium is moving towards the support of self-determination of NSGTs by condemning climate change. Delegation from The Kingdom of Belgium Represented by University of Idaho Position Paper for the Committee on Economic, Social, Cultural Rights The primary issues before the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR) are: addressing workers’ rights for sustainable economic growth, preserving cultural rights of ethnic minorities, protecting economic, social, and cultural rights for refugees. Belgium, as a committed member of Benelux, UNESCO, UNCTAD is devoted to discussing and collectively addressing the following issues: I. Addressing Workers’ Rights for Sustainable Economic Growth Adopted May 28, 1985 the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR) was established to monitor the application of International Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Belgium was ratified into the ICESCR April 21, 1983 [UN Treaty Collection]. As a member of Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE), Belgium strives to assert their efforts upon addressing workers’ rights for sustainable economic growth. By agreeing to protect its citizens against unequal pay and working hours and against psychosocial risks, Belgium ensures a secure and safe working environment [Belgian Employee Rights]. CESCR works to promote workers’ rights such as freedom of forced labor, rights to decide freely to accept or choose work, to fair wages and equal pay for equal work, and the ability to strike [Human Rights]. Citizens of Belgium are entitled to a discrimination free atmosphere under the General Anti-Discriminatory Act, the Anti-Racism Act, and Gender Act [ICLG]. In 2002, the Federal Public Service Employment, Labor and Social Dialogue was created to establish and manage labor and to promote the occupation of well-beings in the workforce [ILO]. In hopes of minimizing the negative economic effects of bribery in the economy, Belgium revised their anti-bribery regulations in 1999. Fact Sheet No. 16 of a CESCR report states, “the international community must treat human rights with a fair and equal manner, on the same footing, and with the same emphasis” [Fact Sheet No. 16]. Belgium’s most recent report to the CESCR disclosed they are working internationally to ensure the dignity of economic, social, and cultural rights. Working through past millennium goals, Belgium recognizes the importance of a discrimination free atmosphere [E/C.12/BEL/4]. Belgium has worked towards improving working conditions through the support for agricultural cooperatives which are funded by Belgian entities [E.C.12/BEL/4]. After Belgium’s economic decline, they have revised employers’ policies, such as making it hard to lay-off employees after a temporary economic hardship. In 2004, it was established that all enterprises who reconstructed their business must allow their employees a 6 month employment plan if they are laid-off [US Department of State]. As of January 1, 2015, Belgium has launched a program to eliminate the distinction between white-collared workers and blue-collared workers to even the working field. This program is expected to last 10 years, with an estimated end date of January 2025 [Jones Day]. Through the Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (NO. 156) and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (NO. 159), both of which will be in force in 2016, Belgium is looking into the future to sustain its economy for growth [ILO]. Trajectories show that Belgium’s economy is on a slow incline with unemployment rates declining [OECD]. As the Belgian economy is on the rise, Belgium is installing equal and fair rights to workers through the revision of legislation and the promotion of rights that employers must follow. II. Preserving Cultural Rights of Ethnic Minorities The Kingdom of Belgium is a proponent of initiatives and policies that preserve cultural rights of ethnic minorities through the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR). In 1966, Belgium signed the ICESCR, which laid the framework for future policies on cultural rights [OHCHR]. Additionally, in 2009, Belgium signed the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR [OHCHR]. Throughout the history of the relationship between Belgium and the CESCR, Belgium has earnestly reviewed the recommendations set forth by the Committee, and Belgium has actively created legislation to meet those recommendations [OHCHR]. In 2003, Belgium signed the Council of Europe’s Additional Protocol to the Convention on Cybercrime that addressed the criminalization of racist or xenophobic acts carried out through computer systems [COE]. Belgium also made language-based cultural rights a priority after the 2008 CESCR review of Belgium [CESCR]. Since then, public institutions and operations have been modified in order to increase participation of ethnic minorities. Regarding cultural rights, Belgium encourages the free exercise of the cultural practices of all citizens so long as doing so does not perpetuate marginalization of groups of people [Independent] or decrease the potential safety of other citizens [BBC]. In 2012, Belgium adopted its Second Federal Anti-Poverty Plan, which contained immense focus on the frequency and severity at which ethnic minorities experience poverty [CESCR]. Furthermore, since 2014, Belgium has acquired a leadership role by contributing a representative to the CESCR panel [OHCHR]. Belgium advocates for greater participation and adherence of other states to the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR, which recognizes the competence of the CESCR to monitor and review complaints of individuals or groups in member-states of the ICESCR. Belgium will continue to contribute to all matters that fall under the CESCR and display commitment through applying recommendations by the CESCR in their 2013 review of Belgium, which placed a heavy emphasis on addressing the rights of ethnic minorities in Belgium [CESCR]. III. Protecting Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for Refugees The Kingdom of Belgium signed the Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees in 1951 and ratified the convention just two years later [UN Treaty Collection]. Since then, Belgium has had numerous occasions in which groups of people were granted asylum due to, “well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion” according to the convention [UNHCR]. This includes 6,000 Hungarians during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, 1,100 Chileans fleeing Pinochet’s regime, and 1,200 Kosovars during the war in Kosovo in 1999 [Resettlement in Belgium]. In 1988, Belgium established the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGRS), an independent federal agency that is the central authority on asylum seekers and refugees, in order to best handle incoming asylum seekers and determine their qualifications for refugee status [CGRA]. Recent efforts in Belgium towards the maintenance of economic, social, and cultural rights of refugees are related to the 2015 Refugee Crisis occurring all around the European Union (EU). Belgium has not been exempt from this crisis. Dealing with the crisis, Belgium has been determined to uphold the economic, social, and cultural rights of refugees. According to the CGRS, “after recognition, a refugee is entitled to unlimited residence in Belgium” [CGRA]. Furthermore, Belgium guarantees a weekly allowance for each asylum seeker during the review process of his or her application. Work permits are also promoted in order to improve socioeconomic status and overall economic wellbeing [Euronews]. Belgium also relies on the Public Centers for Social Welfare (CPAS), found in every Belgian municipality, for the promotion of dignified living conditions and social integration [Brussels Region]. CPAS locations provide specific advice for refugees on legal, medical, and financial matters [OCMW]. Finally, Belgium is promoting the free exercise of cultural rights so long as doing so does not perpetuate the marginalization of other peoples, especially women [Independent]. Looking to the future, Belgium wants the EU Nation, especially Greece, to focus on the role of countries outside its boundaries. In January of 2016, Belgium’s Minister of the Interior, Jean Jambon, put forward the idea to establish a refugee camp in Athens that would hold 300-400,000 asylum seekers and refugees on behalf of much of the EU [Times of Change]. Furthermore, Belgium intends to resettle Syrian refugees currently in Lebanon in order to alleviate some of the burden that Lebanon carries [Resettlement in Belgium]. Internally, Belgium sees room for improvement in the speed of the registration procedures for asylum seekers and aims to achieve that improvement [Human Rights Europe]. Delegation from The Kingdom of Belgium Represented by University of Idaho Position Paper for the Commission on Narcotic Drugs The issues presented before the Commission on Narcotic Drugs are as follows: Addressing drug trafficking and the financing of terrorism, the role of civil society in addressing the world drug problem, evaluating the impacts of global narcotics drug control. The Kingdom of Belgium is a member of the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL), the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and the UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme (CCP). As a crucial player in the control of narcotics and drug trafficking, The Kingdom of Belgium is dedicated to address the following issues: I. Addressing Drug Trafficking and the Financing of Terrorism I. The Kingdom of Belgium has had devoted attention to addressing drug trafficking issues for decades. Belgium was present at the signing of the International Opium Convention in The Hague that was built into the Treaty of Versailles, expressing concern over the supply and demand of drugs in 1912 [UNODC]. In the 1970s drug trafficking became dangerous on a global level, this led to the formation of many international treaties. As globalization and the open borders in the Schengen area made trafficking and communication simpler, the issue needed to be observed further by Belgium. Abiding by the mandate of the United Nations to create and maintain peace and security, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs became more relevant. Deeply concerned about the universal expansion of acts of terrorism in all its forms, Belgium signed the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, which was produced in 1999 [UN]. This convention included the criminalization of financing acts of terrorism. The typical drug trade involves multiple states, and in 2006, the General Assembly (GA) adopted the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [UN]. This particular strategy was the first agreement of all member states to fully cooperate on the problems arising through the financing of terrorism. Belgium actively participates on an international and regional level by having a national task force against terrorism, and being involved in many UN treaties that fight the issue. Belgium continues to support international cooperation by being a leader on information exchanges regarding acts of violent extremism. Belgium contributes by being actively involved in the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL) by sending air strikes and aid [Global Coalition]. Belgium appreciates the continuation of support in regards to drug trafficking and the financing of terrorism. During the United Nations General Assembly Special Session in 2016 the potential expansion of the terrorism prevention branch of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to include financial activities was mentioned [UNODC]. Belgium urges the action of defining terrorism on an international basis; appropriate guidelines need to be set, understood, and followed to ensure greater safety for all nations. Belgium emphasizes the need to further stress the importance on the issue of financing terrorism, particularly with the threats that are faced today. II. The Role of Civil Society in Addressing the World Drug Problem The Kingdom of Belgium has a record of support from the role of civil society organizations (CSOs), such as, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) that contributes toward goals emphasized by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). Since 1994, the Needle and Syringe Programmes (NSP) have existed in Belgium. In 1998 a law was implemented allowing needle exchanges in pharmacies, to help with the reduction of harm and HIV/AIDS [EMCDDA]. In Vienna, on 13 March 1998, the EMCDDA and the UNODC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) introducing cooperation between the two organizations [EMCDDA]. Cooperation between the two organizations is based on the values of support and complimentary work-sharing. The adoption of this collaboration reaffirms that Belgium adheres to support the UNs operations for diminishing the world drug problem. Recognizing efforts made to promote the regional focus on harm reduction, the reduction of HIV and AIDS, and gender inequality in relation to drug use, Belgium offers further aid on a regional emphasis through its cooperation with the EMCDDA. Belgium has recently implemented programs such as the Epidemiology Unit of the Scientific Institute of Public Health (IPH). The main duty of the drug program includes monitoring, data collection, analysis, and providing drug related information that ultimately contributes towards the world drug problem’s research for the CND [EMCDDA]. This continues the support for the role of civil society. In addition, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has its headquarters based in Belgium, with the overall objective of “building a bridge between Europe and organized civil society” in which Belgium is an active member [EESC]. Having examined the issues and actions taken to foster the role of civil society, and to help solve the issues, Belgium believes the CND and CSOs should further collaborate to address the world drug problem. Expressing appreciation for actions currently taken, both nationally and internationally, Belgium further invites the CND and EMCDDA to maximize their research by implementing equal treatment programs for males and females. With deep concern, CSOs should represent women with drug problems, and provide further information about care. Belgium highly recommends taking advantage of The Civil Society Day event held in Brussels, Belgium, to promote this issue. The annual event is a symbol of the cooperation between the EESC and its members within the European Union (EU) and its representation of the European CSOs and networks. III. Evaluating the Impact of Global Narcotics Drug Control Global narcotics drug control has always been a constant concern within the UN and to the Kingdom of Belgium. In 1990, Belgium was included in the enforcement of the Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances to set a policy on illicit drug trafficking [UNODC]. Belgium’s inclusion in trafficking activities is mainly focused on the use of ports and terminals as a route to other endpoint countries. Sixty metric tons of cocaine was transported to Europe in 2008. Belgium is home to the second largest port in Europe, Antwerp, and therefore receives a vast majority of containers. In 2009, the comprehensive outline known as the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem was introduced and adopted by Belgium through the General Assembly at its twentieth special session on the world drug problem. This declaration set a framework containing three goals: reduce supply, reduce demand, and create safe alternatives for people affected by narcotics to overcome addiction and live a “life of dignity.” Concerning the trafficking of illicit drugs through Belgium, Antwerp is a critical port with 8.5 million containers passing through in 2010. With intended export to other European countries, synthetic drugs are manufactured in Belgium illegally. This market is strongly linked with the Dutch synthetic drug production market. Adhering to the guidelines set forth by the UN, sixteen facilities manufacturing illicit synthetic drugs were demolished in Belgium in 2013. Belgium’s Antwerp port is also a transport zone for new psychoactive substances, which originate in China and are shipped to Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom. Having examined the issues with searching each of these containers and concluding it would be an impossible task, the UN has implemented the UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme (CCP), in ports known for their illicit drug trafficking, to construct viable enforcement structures and minimize the amount of illicit containers being shipped around the globe, and this is supported by Belgium [CCP]. Belgium will be present at the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on the World Drug Problem in 2016. With deep concern from Belgium, supply and demand reduction tactics will be deliberated at this session. Approaches that focus on individual and environmental influences at different developmental stages and within different social settings, to inform on the horrific effects of drug use, will be purposed. Belgium endorses the expansion of the CCP to contain port control units at particular terminals that work to identify high-risk containers and assisting in the free flow of legitimate trade. Belgium expresses its hope to reduce supply and demand of illicit drugs and encourages the providing of knowledge to make the correct decision about drug use and trade. Delegation from The Kingdom of Belgium Represented by University of Idaho Position Paper for the Commission on the Status of Women The topics before the Commission on the Status of Women are the impact of sexual and gender-based violence on reproductive health, furthering women’s participation in and access to information and communication technologies, and women’s empowerment and the link to sustainable development. The Kingdom of Belgium is honored to be a member of the Commission on the Status of Women, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Belgium is committed to cooperation in hopes of addressing these issues in a meaningful and comprehensive approach. I. The Impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence on Reproductive Health Belgium addresses the issues of gender-based violence and agrees with the actions to end impunity by ensuring accountability, punishing the perpetrators of sexual and gender-based crimes against women and girls under national and international law. Belgium agrees with stressing the need for the alleged perpetrators of those crimes to be held accountable by national justice systems or, where applicable, international justice [A/RES/69/147]. Belgium has a record of support for UN actions towards gender equality through participation in the World Conference on Women and the implementation of the Beijing Declaration [A/RES/50/203]. In 2002, Belgium adopted the draft resolution for the integration for human rights of women and gender perspective, stressing the impact of sexual violence on reproductive health [E/CN.4/2002/L.66]. Belgium continues to support and champion UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and 1820 emphasizing the impact of sexual violence on women and girls throughout conflict [S/RES/1325] [S/RES/1820]. Belgium’s Permanent Mission to the UN calls for active measures to address failures to prevent violence against women and sexual violence. Belgium further supports women and girls in the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism [A/RES/70/674] in the adoption of resolution 70/176 on January 8th, 2016 [A/RES/70/176]. As a member of the Council of Europe, Belgium supports and encourages the education and commitment to human rights including violence against women and reproductive health. Belgium has a National Plan of Action that emphasizes the need to focus on health for reproductive rights and also on gaining justice for sexual violence actions taken against women. Belgium reaffirms its commitment to putting the fight against sexual violence on the political agenda as a national priority through the National Action Plan on gender-based violence in women, peace, and security for 2013-2016 [S/PV.7533]. Bénédicte Frankinet, the Permanent Representative of Belgium, in a speech to the Security Council in 2015 called for developing appropriate mechanisms to assist victims and to facilitate access to justice as a crucial measure [S/PV.7160]. Belgium restates its dedication to Security Council Resolution 1325 and calls on nations to guarantee and respect the protection of reproductive rights throughout an international system. This includes the prevention of sexual violence as it is a major impact on reproductive rights through actions such as female genital mutilation. II. Furthering Women’s Participation in and Access to Information and Communication Technologies Belgium has supported furthering women’s access and education of communication technologies with the direction of the Beijing Declaration since 1995. The original Beijing Declaration stated that there is a need to break women’s stereotypes in narrow opportunities for participation in technical and decision making areas of communication, reaffirmed by Belgian involvement in the European Center for Women in Technology. Belgium has also established Educaid, an organization committed to furthering education that recently held a conference with a focus on promoting female participation in science, mathematics, and technology. In 2011, Belgium showed support for collaboration with other countries to increase information and communication technologies for development through participation in the adoption of draft resolution A/C.2/66/L.80 [A/C.2/66/SR.40]. Belgium continues to recognize the disparity between men and women’s access to communication technologies and encourages stakeholders to ensure the full participation of women in information society, as well as women’s access to and use of information and communication technologies for their overall empowerment and benefit [A/RES/68/198]. Belgium recognizes that full and equal access to and participation in science, technology, and innovation for women of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality [A/RES/68/220]. Belgium agrees and underlines that addressing barriers to equal access for women and girls to science, technology, and innovation requires a systematic, comprehensive, integrated, sustainable, multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach [A/RES/68/220]. Belgium is committed to encouraging female participation in science, mathematics, and technology. Belgium will continue to be involved in the European Center for Women in Technology, promoting equality of women in technology throughout Europe. Belgium plans to fund and support Educaid, encouraging the participation of female Belgian students in science and technology. With an already well structured and successful gender equal work and education system, Belgium will remain a safe and welcoming places for girls and women to pursue technology. III. Women’s Empowerment and the Link to Sustainable Development Belgium formed a Fund Committee in 1983 to collect contributions from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the United Nations Decade for Women initiative. During an economic crisis in the early 1980s, Belgian authorities took measures to reduce unemployment among women, increasing their equality with men in the workplace. In 1999, Belgium signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women [A/RES/54/4]. Since 2002, the Kingdom of Belgium’s constitution clearly expresses guarantee for gender equality in principle and action. Belgium has strengthened their anti-discrimination laws by introducing specific provisions on discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression, including the LGBTQ spectrum. Belgium has been the model for the European Union for successful gender equality programs and applications, often representing the EU to the UN on topics of gender equality and empowerment of women. Belgium is represented in the European Union FEMM Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, focusing on communication and women’s contribution in economics and politics. Belgium’s financial and educational resources fulfill their policies, including outreaching to NGOs. Belgium contributes major funding to UN-Women, a sub-commission of the Commission on the Status of Women that focuses on campaigns and awareness. In 2013, Belgium passed a law that provides financial framework to NGOs that support women. Belgium strongly believes that women deserve equality in all economic, social, and political spectrums. Belgium will continue to advocate for the ratification of the Optional Protocol of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women as well as providing resources to effectively implement it in other UN member states [A/RES/64/138]. Belgium desires to continue its successful and close relationship with UN Women in order to encourage the empowerment of women in all UN member states. Belgium plans to adopt gender mainstreaming legislation at all government levels, especially those related to violence against women. Empowering women leaders and increasing participation in all levels of administration, public office, and advisory positions will be encouraged openly by Belgian officials and offices [E/CN.6/2010/L.7]. Additionally, Belgium commits to make it a national priority on political and economic agendas to take specific measures against sexual assault, discrimination, and sexism towards women, thereby empowering women in working environments. Delegation from The Kingdom of Belgium Represented by University of Idaho Position Paper for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East The issues before the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) are: addressing the needs of Palestinian women and girls in Gaza, improving coordination of humanitarian assistance and relief for Palestinian refugees in Syria and strengthening access to education through Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Tolerance (HRCRT) Policy. As member of the European Union, Convention on the Status of Women, The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Kingdom of Belgium is committed to helping the UNRWA see the solutions of these issues through to their fruition. I. Addressing the Needs of Palestinian Women and Girls in Gaza Throughout its history of involvement with the United Nations, Belgium has been committed to combatting the struggles endured by Palestinian women and girls due to the Israel-Palestine Conflict. Belgium supported the establishment of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) by voting to adopt A/RES/302 (IV) in 1949 and has been a member of the UNRWA’s Advisory Commission since 1953 [A/RES/302 (IV)] [UNRWA]. Belgium contributed to the drafting of A/C.4/70/L.15, which calls upon the donors of the UNRWA to increase their funding for the organization [A/C.4/70/L.15]. In a more local sense, Belgium recognizes the rights and importance of women and children by having ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1985 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1991 [Treaties.un.org] [ohchr.org]. As of the spring of 2015, Belgium has pledged to donate a total of €18.75 million to the UNRWA, which is to be divided in supporting education, health care, relief, and many more services in the geographic areas in which the UNRWA works, including Gaza [Unispal.un.org]. With this financial contribution, the total amount of donations Belgium has made to the UNRWA between 2007 and 2015 has amounted to $89 million [UNRWA]. Belgium’s financial contribution to the UNRWA’s General Fund allows for specific programs, such as Community Based Organizations to be supported and to continue to provide services such as skills training [UNRWA]. Services such as this are needed in almost all of the refugee camps in which the UNRWA works in Gaza due to high unemployment [UNRWA]. They further advance the interests of women and girls, providing them with the possibility to earn money that can go towards caring for themselves and their families. Belgium further works to address the needs of women in other UN affiliated organizations; as a current member state of the Commission for the Status of Women (CSW), Belgium demonstrates its support for UN Women’s work in Gaza, including a recent campaign aimed at combatting gender-based violence [Member State List] [UNRWA]. Belgium recognizes the increasing need of donations for the UNRWA and notes in its statement at the annual pledging session that, “Today, even more than last year, the UNRWA needs our support” [Belgium's Statement]. Belgium further notes in this address that due to the challenges faced by the agency, as described to the country by Commissioner General Krähenbül, it is clear that “the agency cannot maintain its services at the same level” without the enlargement of donations [Belgium's Statement]. In recognition of the funding needs of the UNRWA, “Belgium welcomes donors, especially the new ones, and appeals to the entire international community to assume its responsibilities” [Belgium's Statement]. II. Improving Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance and Relief for Palestinian Refugees in Syria The Syrian conflict continues to subject around 450,000 Palestinian refugees to unfavorable and dangerous living conditions, and as a consequence, 95 percent of the aforementioned refugees depend on services provided by the UNRWA [UNRWA]. The Kingdom of Belgium is committed to improving the coordination of humanitarian assistance and relief for Palestinian refugees in Syria, as it has shown through its involvement in other, more general commitments in the UN in addition to its work with the UNRWA. Belgium signed and ratified the Geneva Convention of 1949 and the Additional Protocol I of the 1949 Geneva Convention, both of which focus on the protection of the victims of international conflict [ICRC]. Since its beginnings in 1951, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has had an office in Brussels, which is the base for the organization’s Bureau for Europe [Unbrussels.org]. Finally, Belgium is one of the 27 member states of the Organization Donor Support Group (OSDG) of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) [OCHA]. In recent years, Belgium ranked in the top twenty donors for the UNRWA’s general fund and the UNRWA’s Syria Appeal [UNRWA Donor Charts]. In December of 2015, Belgium donated €1.5 million in cash assistance to the UNRWA, specifically for the purpose of aiding Palestinian refugees in Syria [UNRWA]. According to the UNRWA, cash assistance is a “critical element in the Agency’s emergency response in Syria” as it “provides Palestinian refugees with the flexibility to address their changing and most urgent needs” [UNRWA]. Belgium fully supports relief programs in Syria through other organizations as well, and was recently thanked by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SRAC) for its involvement in aiding humanitarian convoys to reach Syrian cities such as Zabadani, Foua, and Kafray in January of 2016 [Countries.diplomatie.belgium.be]. Currently, Belgium is the fourth largest donor to the OHCA, pledging a total of $2.4 million [OHCA]. Belgian Consul and Permanent Representative to the UNRWA Geert Cockx summed up Belgium’s support for the UNRWA: “Belgians recognize the growing needs of these people – especially in Syria and the occupied Palestinian territory – and the importance of supporting them as much as possible. We see our partnership with the UNRWA as the best way to accomplish this and to improve stability in the region in difficult times” [UNRWA]. With this in mind, Belgium urges the international community to financially support the UNRWA so that it can in turn address the needs of Palestinian refugees in Syria. III. Strengthening Access to Education through the Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Tolerance (HRCRT) Policy The Kingdom of Belgium is a proponent of initiatives to strengthen access to education through the Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Tolerance (HRCRT) Policy. Belgium was one of the founders of the Council of Europe in 1949, the most prominent human rights organization on the continent [Council of Europe]. In 1966, Belgium voted in favor of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which promoted the proliferation of these rights, including the right to education [UNBISNET]. In 1991, Belgium ratified the Convention on the Rights of a Child, which highlights education as an innate right to all children [UN Treaties]. In 2000, Belgium was present at the World Education Forum, with three members of the official delegation of the Forum being Belgian [UNESCO]. By attending, Belgium agreed to the six goals proposed by the Forum to parallel the MDGs, which include a focus on helping children, girls and ethnic minorities achieve a worthwhile education [UNESCO]. Every year, the Belgian Development Cooperation publishes its annual report, showing how the cooperation allots more than €2 billion every year [Belgian Foreign Affairs]. In the latest report, €102 million went towards education, or 8.4% of the fund, which is the third largest specified area of funding [BDC]. Also indicated in the latest report, the Belgian Development Cooperation did a case study for education in Palestine, where €33 million are being allocated to challenging projects in Area C and East Jerusalem, including the establishment of a school in Hebron, the largest settlement in the West Bank [BDC]. After this project, Belgium took over as the leader in the education sector, a position previously held by France [BDC]. Belgium contributes financially to human rights organizations in the UN, such as The Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (€900,000 in 2009) and the UN International Children’s Emergency Fund (€18.8 million in 2012) [Belgium and Human Rights]. Belgium is currently a member of the UNRWA Advisory Commission and has been since 1953 [UNRWA]. The government has sent a sum of $89 million to the organization over the course of eight years (since 2007), a portion of that money going towards education specifically [Development Cooperation]. Belgium supports every effort towards a better overall standard of education, as well as efforts leading to a better understanding of human rights. Belgium is one of 22 UN member states who has pledged to contribute to a $100 million fund for the UNRWA over the course of 2016, part of which will go towards education for refugees. UNRWA Commissioner-General Pierre Krähenbühl stated about Belgium “Such support allows us to keep our schools open…for communities who may otherwise find themselves unable to access these essential services [UNRWA].” With this in mind, Belgium also encourages other members of the international community to support UNRWA efforts in the field of education, especially when pertaining to HRCRT policy. Delegation from The Kingdom of Belgium Represented by University of Idaho Position Paper for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees The issues presented before the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) are as follows: Transforming refugee camps into sustainable settlements in the case of protracted displacement, strengthening the capacity of refugee host countries, and addressing temporary displacements due to outbreaks and epidemics. Belgium is a member of the European Union (EU), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Human Rights Council, and the Council of Europe (CoE). Belgium fully recognizes and understands the current refugee issues. As a country that is highly concerned about the rights and well-being of refugees, the Belgian government is committed to addressing the following issues: I. Transforming Refugee Camps into Sustainable Settlements in the Case of Protracted Displacement As a founding member of the United Nations, the Kingdom of Belgium is committed to protecting and advancing the human rights of refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) around the globe. Belgian policies and laws regarding refugees abide by the international standards, through the Belgian legislation’s explicit reference to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol [Refugee Convention and Protocol]. The Belgian government is highly concerned about the increasing number of protracted forced displacements due to a number of long-lasting conflicts. Belgium has contributed and assisted the United Nations High Commission for Refugees’ (UNHCR) programs for sustainable settlements of protracted refugees as one of the oldest members of the Executive Committee (ExCom) since 1951 [EXCOM]. Of the refugee solutions that the UNHCR suggests, Belgium is particularly committed to resettlement projects and has made contributions towards providing sustainable settlements for refugees since 2009. The UNHCR provides resettlement, local integration, and repatriation as baseline solutions for refugees, and Belgium puts every effort towards providing those solutions to refugees. Belgium was elected to the chairmanship of the Council of the International Organization for Migration (IOM); Belgium cooperates with the IOM to seek sustainable solutions to the refugee crisis and held a panel debate in 2015 [IOM]. Belgium also developed a structural resettlement program in 2011 that grants protections to refugees in vulnerable environments around the world. The program’s quota was set to increase to 250 resettlements by the year 2020. However in 2015, Belgium decided to resettle 300 refugees considering the recent high refugee flow. Nationally, in order to make resettlements successful, Belgium will support better integration of refugees. The Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (FEDASIL) and other partnered organizations assist resettled refugees with the local integration process [FEDASIL]. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding refugee human rights, Belgium suggests the promotion of sustainable solutions to forced displacements such as resettlement, local integration, and repatriation. Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development Cooperation, Alexander De Croo, said at the IOM’s November 2015 panel debate, “In every successful strategy the role of host countries is fundamental. Host countries should be reinforced with capacities to ensure protection, local integration, and access to services” [Panel Debate]. Thus, Belgium calls upon the fellow member states of the United Nations to take further initiative towards developing safe and sustainable settlements for refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and IDPs alike. II. Strengthening the Capacity of Refugee Host Countries In the past year, 264,000 asylum applications were recorded in 38 countries in Europe. This number has increased by 24 percent. Belgium received 4,199 applications in November of 2015 alone [UNHCR]. The Kingdom of Belgium, along with 147 other parties, supports the 1951 Refugee Convention, which outline the protocols and policies nations should take when approaching crisis regarding refugees. Signed by Belgium in 1951, the convention focuses on issues like the human rights of refugees and the assimilation, resettlement, or return of all refugees. The Belgian Refugee Council is an NGO that partners with the UNHCR to coordinate with different organizations that deal with asylum and refugees matters within Belgium. The current goals of the Council focus on legal aid for asylum seekers and reunifying refugee families. Within Belgium and the Belgium Refugee Council, refugees are of the utmost importance. Currently the Council focuses on protecting the asylum seekers by giving legal aid to people who are not detained and, as a special separate project, giving legal guidance and aid to asylum seekers that are detained [CBAR-BCHV]. The Council can give advice and give assistance to refugees by connecting them with social workers and lawyers for any and all legal needs they would have while in Belgium. Regarding the project pertaining to detained refugees, Belgium and many other countries are having issues with illegal immigrants entering their borders. Many refugees are being detained within countries due to having incorrect documents permitting them to entire countries. The places and facilities which are being used to detain these people were not created to hold as many people as they are and they were not made to hold asylum seekers. With this issue in mind, the Belgium Refugee Council is making an effort to help connect refugees to lawyers that are prepared to monitor every case clients have. This is all in an effort to release the detainees and to help find a more efficient and helpful substitute for detainment. The Council, with the help of the UNHCR, the Belgium Foreign Affairs Office, and any social services concerned with the issue has an objective of facilitating full family reunification for refugees. The Council and the Belgian Government recognize that the issue of refugees being detained cannot be ignored and it must be given the necessary aid and attention to make a difference in this issue. In response to the recent increase in refugees, Belgium makes a point to provide a quick and high quality procedure for making decisions on asylum applications. The Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration commits to getting all applications through their process in three to six months. Belgium urges all other counties that have had an increase in the amount of refugees to do the same, and to ensure that every application has a final decision in a timely matter [Asylum in Europe]. Belgium calls this process the LIFO principle, which stands for “Last in – First out’ and means that priority is given to the most recent applications to ensure that they are processed in a timely matter. Having a process in place to help the asylum seekers that come to Belgium is important to the Belgian government, and they encourage all other governments that are taking in refugees to adopt the LIFO principle. III. Addressing Temporary Displacements Due to Outbreaks and Epidemics As a state that is highly concerned about outbreaks and epidemics and the refugees that they create, Belgium has been at the forefront of support for major epidemics. Among the refugee crisis due to outbreaks, the Kingdom of Belgium is particularly focused on disaster prevention, disaster preparedness, and post disaster response, as a signing member of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. During the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, Belgium was involved in researching vaccines and sending aid in the form of mobile laboratories to Guinea. During its presidency of the Council of the European Union, Belgium came up with the concept of “Host Nation Support” (HNS), that created prepared international teams to support states that have experienced a disaster and requested aid from the international community [Conference Disaster Risk Reduction]. Showing its support for this particular matter, Belgium attended the 2015 Sendai Framework for Action from the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. Belgium’s mechanism for supporting disaster relief around the world is called Belgium First Aid and Support Team (B-FAST), which provides emergency response to countries facing disasters. B-FAST operates in coordination with international partners such as the UN, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) of the European Commission. B-FAST has met and is still keeping up with the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) standards developed by the United Nations [B-FAST]. In coordination with the European Union (EU), Belgium is participating in the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership Programme (EDCTP2) to help fight infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa over the next ten years [European Commission]. Realizing the importance of addressing displacements due to outbreaks and epidemics, Belgium finds that further recognition and assistance to the matter is very important. As Mr. Christophe de Bassompierre, the Minister-Counselor at the embassy of Belgium in Japan, said, “At every instance, Belgium tries to align its assistance to disasters, as transversally as possible, across the disaster management cycle” [Statement]. Belgium continues participating in disaster prevention and preparedness, and post-disaster response through strengthening its polices and supporting the UNHCR’s emergency response programs. Belgium urges its fellow members of the UNHCR, international organizations, and NGOs to actively show support for emergency response programs within and outside their territories. Delegation from The Kingdom of Belgium Represented by University of Idaho Position Paper for the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons Biennial Meeting of States The issues before the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA SALW) Biennial Meeting of States are: Measures to increase national reporting of member states, incorporating gender-sensitive approaches in the implementation of the programme of action, and adapting to recent developments in small arms and light weapons technology. The Kingdom of Belgium is an innovative player in the PoA SALW, having signed countless resolutions regarding the illicit trade of SALW and ratifying the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in 2014. Belgium finds it imperative to closely collaborate with NGOs, IGOs and other UN committees in resolving these pressing issues; I. Measures to Increase National Reporting of Member States The Kingdom of Belgium celebrated the successful United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) in 2015, addressing the grave threats presented to human beings in regards to the illicit trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) [Security Council (SC) 7442]. According to the Programme of Action Implementation Support System (PoA-ISS), Belgium submitted national reports in 2003, 2010, 2011, and 2014, providing a ‘heavy’ scope of reporting and detailed plans of national implementation efforts and global/regional activities undertaken to support the PoA [Small Arms Survey (SAS) 2006]. Because of their push for consistent, detailed reporting, Belgium is ranked as one of the top states in SALW trade transparency [SAS Transparency Barometer]. This transparency is in part due to Belgium’s consistent cooperation with NGOs, such as the Small Arms Survey, in providing export data and participating in transnational conversations on increasing worldwide reporting [SAS]. Belgium fully supports the mandates and priorities of the European Union’s initiative to control SALW through the signing and support of the 2013 EU Protocol on Firearms [EU Non-Proliferation Consortium (NPC)]. Belgium has consistently been recognized by organizations, like the SAS, for their well-structured regulations to deter illicit SALW activities. Belgium is working to improve global reporting by assisting in information collection, participating in action-oriented research and seminars, and providing support to regional organizations to ease the effects of ‘reporting fatigue’ in states that may lack the funds, resources, or infrastructure to collect adequate data [SAS Analysis of Reporting 2010]. In accordance with the 2006 EU Strategy to Combat Illicit Accumulation and Trafficking of SALW and their Ammunition, Belgium advocates for a more active, coherent and capable Europe through the utilization of a multi-faceted approach to military and nonmilitary threats [EU Strategy 2006]. Belgium calls for greater attention to be paid to the issue of stockpiled weapons, which are often left untraced and under reported, that later appear on illicit markets, and urges the international community to improve stockpile management procedures and to encourage a more lengthy evaluation on risks of transactions and borders among exporters [SC 7442]. Belgium urges the international community to implement Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP. Additionally, through the European Union, Belgium promotes the device mechanisms approved by member states for the exchange of information on SAWL trafficking networks [EU Strategy 2006]. Belgium stresses the importance of consistent and detailed submissions of National Reports by Member States to allow organizations like the PoA SALW and UNIDIR, as well as the General Assembly, to have a complete and accurate picture of the current status and progress of PoA efforts. Belgium will continue to act as an example for the global community, and strongly encourages other Member States to improve the consistency of national reporting to facilitate the success of the PoA SALW [EU Strategy 2006]. II. Incorporating Gender-Sensitive Approaches in the Implementation of the Programme of Action The Kingdom of Belgium has taken the stance that residual conflicts sustained by the illicit spread of SALW blur the lines between armed conflicts and criminality that leads to total warfare, which is frequently responsible for serious violations of humanitarian law and human rights against women and children [EU Strategy 2006]. Belgium is a forerunner in developing innovative methods of promoting gender equality within their borders, and continually emphasizes the value of gender-mainstreaming PoA SALW areas such as weapons disarmament, demobilization, reintegration (DDR), data collection and analysis. Belgium’s National Action Plans (NAPs) in 2009 and 2012 have derived efforts to improve this equality from resolutions within the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda [UNSCR 1325] [UNSCR 2106] [Belgium WPS NAP 2009] [Belgium WPS NAP 2012]. Such efforts include, protecting women and girls against violence and pushing for the participation of women in peacebuilding activities [UNSCR 2242 Meeting Coverage 2015]. Belgium also ratified the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in 2014, and has committed to efforts such as banning the export of any Belgian made SALW to countries that are known to solicit the use of child soldiers [ATT]. Belgium is committed to integrating aspects of the four Gender entry points outlined in the 2006 and 2010 UN Coordinating Action on Small Arms (CASA) ‘Guidelines for Gender Mainstreaming for the Effective Implementation of PoA’ into policy making. This includes continual efforts to encourage women to get involved with DDR and peacebuilding missions, and opening interagency meetings on SALW to civil society and industry [CASA 2006] [CASA 2010]. Furthermore, in support of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN WOMEN), Belgium has committed to adhering to guidelines set down in the WPS: Guidelines for National Implementation, such as engaging women in identifying indicators (and warning security forces about) impending conflict such as increased in gender based violence, as well as overserved increases in SALW illicit trafficking [UN WOMEN 2012]. Belgium emphasizes that the participation of women increases the overall effectiveness of humanitarian aid efforts, sustainability of peace agreements, and credibility and quality of peacekeeping efforts, but does take note of the challenges faced with increasing and promoting participation [UNSCR 2242 Meeting Coverage 2015]. Belgium will continue to implement, reflect and amend their NAPs in order to develop a more gender-mainstreamed PoA SALW plan, and take into consideration the challenges faced by low participation. Belgium will also continue to adhere diligently to policies outlined within the ATT, and take full responsibility for assessing importing states for risk of traded SALW being utilized in increased violence against women and children [ATT]. Belgium recognizes that women and girls have the potential to be one of the most effective voices in combatting violent extremism, DDR and peacebuilding, and encourages other Member States to adopt documents such as the ATT, as well as resolutions supported within the WPS agenda to facilitate their integration in PoA efforts. III. Adapting to Recent Developments in Small Arms and Light Weapons Technology The Kingdom of Belgium has emphasized the need for improved small arms and light weapons tracking and management through a joint initiative with the Kingdom of France on small arms trafficking by air since 2007. Furthermore, Belgium readily participated in an EU conference on tracing in the OSCE area in May of 2013 [EU NPC 2013]. Belgium has also supported the adoption of a legally binding international instrument on the tracing and marking of SALW ammunition, and promoted the strengthening of the machinery for sanctions and sanction monitoring [EU Strategy 2006]. Belgium recognizes the negative consequences of unmanaged trade in SALW. Although Belgium prohibits the export of weapons into conflict zones, the importance of tracing Belgian manufactured SALW for the purpose of peacekeeping and monitoring is acknowledged. Belgium’s tracing methods are in line with International Tracing Instrument (ITI) standards such as conspicuous marking and coding on all SALW [SAS 2015]. Belgium, being one of the world’s most prominent exporters of SALW, recognizes and stresses the importance of implementing strict regulations regarding End-User Certificates (EUC) and improved tracing and marking requirements [UNIDIR 2012]. At the Open-ended Meeting of Governmental Experts on the Implementation of PoA SALW (MGE2), Belgium, in collaboration with Austria and Germany, presented a working paper recommending future international cooperation in order to find the most efficient and cost effective tracing and marking methods [MGE2 WP 2015]. Belgium continues to encourage widespread collaboration with organizations such as INTERPOL to help collect data and information for programs such as the Illicit Arms Records and Tracing Management System (iARMS) to assist in the global tracing of SALW [GRIP 2014]. Belgium also supports a number of other initiatives supported by the European Union and the United Nations promoted action plans such as supporting capacity-building and assisted development of new legislation within high-risk, conflict prone regions. Further, Belgium aims to meet the requests of states seeking to reduce their surplus stocks of SALW and their ammunition, either by employing stockpile reduction policies or by participating in DDR operations [EU Strategy 2006]. Belgium has also introduced a strict control of the possession of arms by private citizens in the country, requiring all weapons and weapon owners to be registered within the national Register of Arms [Arms Act 2006]. Belgium, being one of the first countries to integrate the European Union Code of Conduct on arms exports into its national laws and being highly regarded for enforcing strict tracing and marking policies, hopes to continue to act as a role model for the international community. Delegation from The Kingdom of Belgium Represented by University of Idaho Position Paper for the United Nations Environment Program The issues placed before the United Nations Environmental Program are as follows: Corruption and environmental governance, improving sustainable forest management practices, and plastic debris in the world’s oceans. Belgium holds membership within the European Union (EU), the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and the World Bank. Belgium is a signer of the COP 21 at the Paris Climate Conference and has worked side by side with environmental programs and organizations such as Ocean Clean Up and Pro Silva Movement. As a major actor within the European community and the global community, the Kingdom of Belgium is committed to addressing the following issues: I. Corruption and Environmental Governance The Kingdom of Belgium has been at the beginning of several initiatives and organizations that collaborate to improve world governance. Belgium was one of the original signers of the charter forming the United Nations (UN) in 1945. In 1949, Belgium signed the North Atlantic Treaty thus, becoming a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); headquartered in Brussels since 1967. In 1951, Belgium became a founding member of The European Union (EU). Since the formation of the EU, Belgium has worked to find solutions to environmental problems within and across its borders. Since 2001, Brussels has also been home to the UNEP for Europe Regional office. This role was enlarged in 2001, when Belgium became the conduit between the UNEP and the EU. Belgium’s geographical placement amongst so many European neighbors put it in a unique position dealing with environment issues across borders. Belgium acknowledges that, tackling the negative consequences of corruption and poor environmental practices will also take transnational solutions. Belgium continues to be in the forefront of cooperative programs counteracting the effects of climate change. This cooperation starts within the European community with programs such as Financial Instruments for the Environment [LIFE], an EU financial instrument supporting environmental, nature conservation and climate projects. Since 1992, Life has contributed 3.4 billion euros to the protection of climate and environment. LIFE launched “Science for a Sustainable Development” in 2005 with the following objectives: preserve and develop scientific knowledge in areas of environmental importance. This included energy, health, environment and climate programs. The aim is to develop and validate science and then to exchange its results with other scientists and decision makers at regional, national and international levels [BELSPO]. Belgium believes in the importance of increasing awareness and sharing this new knowledge to make climate change initiatives effective and lasting. Belgium believes multinational cooperation is key in implementing UNEP initiatives in the future. Successful implementation will require cooperation on regional, national and international levels. Belgium proposes that on the historic signing of the Paris COP 21, the UN take this opportunity to change the outlook of climate change. Belgium supports UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner’s claim that “Nations of the world have underlined that climate change is a threat to the security and prosperities of all societies, and can only be addressed through unity of purpose” [UN].It is estimated that countering the effects of climate change will cost up to $300 billion annually [UNEP]. Belgium proposes that the UN use these funds wisely to ensure that it is spent for its intended purposes. II. Improving Sustainable Forest Management Practices Belgium’s perspective on forests has changed over time; in 1973 The Law for Nature Protection began this change by instituting a “paradigm switch from forests as a source of primary production to provider of multiple environmental goods and services”[INTEGRATE]. The Flemish Forest Decree of 1990 sought to achieve sustainable multifunctional forestry. By 2002, the Natura2000-areas were put in place in Belgium to enhance and evaluate the status of conservation sites within the country. Applying the triad of working with nature, conservation and sustainability, Belgium increased its forest areas by 30,000 hectares. Continuing on from the success of this program in 2006, Belgium merged its Forest and Nature Conservation administrations. Belgium believes that nature, forest sustainability and forest conservation can only be sustained when each leg of the triad is supported. Belgium is a leading state involved in the Democratic Republic of Congo to assist in managing just over 1.5 million sq km of forests [CIA]. Belgium’s ability to rally other nations led to obtaining support from the World Bank, the United Kingdom and France; this collaboration produced the Declaration of Brussels, on Sustainable Forest Management in the Democratic Republic of the Congo [WBO]. This recognized that forests must be managed whilst bearing in mind the importance of social equality and durability of ecosystems and resources. Belgium simultaneously collaborated in the Congo Basin Forest Partnership, bringing together African countries, NGOs, scientific institutions and private sector entities to enable the peoples of Congo in the improvement of sustainable forest management practices. Today, Belgium has implemented numerous studies and supports various programs within its country in the name of sustainable forest management. Belgium has the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) project in Wallonia to assess the current ecosystem services within the region. TEEB is under the direction of the UNEP and gives valuable insight into forestry management practices within Belgium. Belgium is taking steps to ensure that all wood products coming into Belgium are certified by the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). This organization certifies that the wood comes from sustainable sources. Belgium set a target for having 35% of imports be PEFC certified by 2018 [PEFC]. III. Plastic Debris in the World’s Oceans Litter in oceans is a rising environmental, economic, and health problem in the world. Nearly 8 million tons of plastic debris enters the oceans annually [theoceancleanup]. Some of the repercussions of the 268,940 current tons of marine litter in oceans are; 100,000 marine mammal deaths annually, 13 billion U.S. dollars of damage to industries in fishing, shipping, tourism per year and health effects to humans who are consuming marine life that have ingested plastic debris containing toxic chemicals [UNEP]. Belgium’s past and present partnerships with the Bureau of International Recycling and the European association Seas at Risk have for decades shown initiative and commitment to cleaning up plastic debris in oceans [BIR]. On April 23, 2007, Belgium wrote a joint letter that included World Wildlife Fund, Seas at Risk and other EU states to encourage global regulations banning the use of Tributyltin (TBT) based antifouling paints. This convention has now been signed by 34 states, who represent 53% of the worlds shipping tonnage [SAR]. In January of 2012, four Belgian plastic organizations joined 54 other global plastic organizations in 33 countries to sign The Declaration for Solutions on Marine Litter. This declaration has a twofold purpose; first, to hold up the principal of refraining from allowing plastics in the world’s oceans. Secondly, the four plastic organizations agreed to contribute solutions to decrease the amount of plastic debris in oceans, help spread awareness of this rising problem and promote science based policies on pollution in oceans to prevent it [MDS].The current efforts in the Belgian environmental community are to end plastic debris in the oceans and North Sea with the following tactics: increasing studies on health effects, creating awareness programs and better enforcement of current laws on plastic debris in oceans. A study from Ghent University earlier this year found micro-plastics in mussels and oysters collected at six coastal locations along the French, Belgian and Dutch coastal areas [NCBI]. Researchers in Belgium and around the world are finding chemicals in micro-plastics to be cancer-causing agents and can remain in biological systems for long periods of time. Another effective effort utilized to inform the Belgian public of the importance of a clean ocean is the Ocean Film Festival 2014. The Ocean Film Festival Belgian Tour was created to develop a public awareness over the pollution that exists in the ocean and the impacts it has on the oceanic environment, coastal cultures, marine creatures and ocean related sports [Ocean]. Belgium has been working alongside the Ocean Clean Up organization to create new technologies to improve the efficiency of how the ocean is being cleaned. The new technological advancements for Ocean Clean-up will be launched in 2020 in the Pacific Ocean. The new technology that Belgium is funding includes a 171ft mother ship and a fleet of close to 30 vessels that will attempt to clean the Pacific Garbage Patch and calculate the remaining plastic debris in the other oceans [BLUE]. Belgium liquid waste incineration devices are an old technology, but still relevant, that have been effective in reducing the waste volume and destruction of potentially harmful substances. Belgium encourages other EU states to also adopt this technology to reduce plastic debris in the oceans. Belgium spends just over 11 million U.S. dollars per year on clean up. Belgium and 17 states have put in place practices to reduce harmful plastic waste from entering the oceans ecosystems. Belgium strongly encourages other states to strengthen this initiative to make a difference in the oceans [ICUN]. Delegation from The Kingdom of Belgium Represented by University of Idaho Position Paper for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization The Kingdom of Belgium is in support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization committing to a global partnership to assist in UNIDO’s mission to expand and diversify trade in developing countries, promote international cooperation in industrial development through technology, investment...
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Running head: ACHIEVING THE ARAB DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK

Achieving the Arab Development Outlook
Institution Affiliation
Date

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ACHIEVING THE ARAB DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK

Delegation from
Lebanon

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Represented by
My name
I. Achieving the Arab Development Outlook

The United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) came up with the
vision 2030(2016) so that the Arab Development Outlook can be achieved and that they attain the Sustainable
Development Goals. Lebanon which is among the Arab countries has faced various challenges that have made the
country to fail to achieve its Millennium Development Goal. It is a middle-income country that has an estimated
population of about 4.55 million people. However, Lebanon highly supports the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) since this is the regional plan. The Vision 2030 development focuses on improving on five major areas
which they are; Peac...


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