Model Arab League BACKGROUND GUIDE

Transcription

1 Model Arab League BACKGROUND GUIDE Special Summit of Arab Heads of State ncusar.org/modelarableague

2 Topic I: Protecting critical trade routes and expanding trade capacity by improving land, sea, and air links between member states. I. Introduction to the Topic A. General Background The Arab region is at a major turning point when it comes to government and social reform over the past year. These political reforms have continued to overshadow the much needed economic reforms that are necessary to facilitate growth throughout the region. Currently the European Union (EU) and the United States are pushing for reform in this region under the assumption that trade liberalization and investment will continue to be a catalyst for growth and development. There is still some disagreement that continues to surround the process of economic reforms in the Arab world, including controversies over the orientation of the economic systems being put in place, the roles that the state would play in these systems, the relationships between the states and market, and the social dimension of development. B. History of Topic in the Arab World In 1957, the Council of Arab Economic Unity was established by various Arab States to form a sense of economic unity among its members. In 2004, the Agadir Agreement was formed to establish a free trade zone between the Arabic Mediterranean states. Eventually, the Greater Arab Free Trade Area Agreement (GAFTA) was founded in 1997 by 14 Arab countries to develop free trade between them. Nevertheless, these agreements have often fallen short of meeting all of their goals. Recently, Arab countries are beginning to increasingly sign regional, multilateral and bilateral trade agreements. Member states are also increasingly signing trade and economic agreements with countries outside of the Arab world. It is important that as these relationships continue to develop, they are nurtured in a way that not only helps to facilitate growth and development but also serves as a catalyst to bring stability to the current political and social reforms happening within this region of the world. There are currently several organizations, such as the Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND), that are working to help sustain this type of development in conjunction with partnerships from other organizations. C. Finding a Solution to the Problem: Past, Present and Future Currently the Arab World is making great strides towards finding solutions. Some countries are taking steps to increase the strength of already existing agreements, not only with other Arab nations but also by branching out to non-arab countries. There has also been a large amount of success in economic growth within parts of Northern Africa. The Middle East is also showing nominal success in the areas of trade and economic reforms and expansions. Countries like Morocco and Jordan have had good experiences partnering with western nations in order to better their economic, political, and social systems. The successes and experiences of some

3 countries can be used in partnership with other Arab countries that wish to see the same kind of changes within their nations. II. Questions to Consider in Your Research - What are your countries specific needs and interests when it comes to trade? - What trade agreements is your country already involved in? Are they bilateral, regional, or multilateral? -What trade agreements exist or have been proposed in which your country might consider being involved? -What are your country s strengths and weaknesses that need to be addressed when determining potential trade partners? III. Questions a Resolution Might Answer -How might investment in infrastructure be raised? -Will there be ways to suspend individual member-states' access to these mediums of transportation should they fail to uphold their obligations to the agreement that created the mediums? -Where will these trade routes be constructed as to ensure both efficiency and security? IV. Resources to Review Proceedings report of a regional workshop organized by the Arab NGO Network for Development: %20proceedings%20report_FINAL_EDITED.pdf Delegation of European Union to Egypt, List of Free Trade Agreements: Brazil Minister to Continue Forging Closer Ties to Islamic, Arab World - Daily." BBC Monitoring Latin America - Political Supplied by BBC Worldwide Monitoring Print. February Partial text: The Egyptian Center for Studies of Export & Import report on the Greater Arab Free Trade Agreement:

4 Topic II: Preserving Arab cultural traditions while promoting economic diversification, industrialization, and social development. I. Introduction to the Topic A. General Background In the Arab world there is a strong connection to cultural traditions. There is an ongoing issue to maintain the balance of cultural traditions while continuing development. The culture and the ties people have to its traditions express their importance in their world. The traditions of the Arab world are unlike that of any other region. Therefore, it is necessary to identify ways to develop socially, expand economically, and diversify industrialization while maintaining these traditions and beliefs. There will always be those that feel modernization may lead to westernization but there are ways for the Arab world to develop that can be unique. B. History of the topic in the Arab World The Arab world is fearful of losing its cultural identity. There has been the classical debate that modernization in the Arab world will bring westernization. There are ways to determine areas of development while still encouraging the cultures, traditions, religions, and moral values of the Arab world. Islamic Finance is a tradition of the Arab world that could help greatly diversify economic development. There are even organizations that are working to encourage economic growth and competitiveness within the Arab world. For example, the Arab Business Council of the World Economic Forum was established in June The Council s mission is, to be committed to reinforce and enhance competitiveness in the Arab region through focusing on cooperating with the region s governments and organizations towards the development of economic policies; reinforcing the voice of the Arab Business leaders to the international community, specifically on issues affecting the region s socio-economic and development agenda; and serving as the advisory body to the World Economic Forum on its Arab World strategy. The Arab Business Council understands that the Arab world today is at a critical cross-road. They can no longer sustain the status quo unless they hope to widen the gap between themselves and the developed world. This has been identified and reaffirmed in a number of studies which include the UNDP Arab Human Development Report and the Arab World Competitiveness Report. The Arab Business Council aims to galvanize the Arab private sector to play a key role in partnership with governments to enhance the Arab world s competitiveness and the region s potential. The Council initiated constructive dialogue with several Arab Governments to support its business-government partnership initiative Several meetings have been held with key Arab leaders who encouraged the goals and objectives of the Council. Government Ministers have been appointed in various Arab countries to act as the focal point between the government and ABC. 1 C. Finding a Solution to the Problem: Past, Present and Future bmena.state.gov/rls/55664.htm

5 The Arab Business council is continuing to help bring diversification in economics to the Arab world and in doing so helps to further facilitate diversification in other areas with the Arab society. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as well is focusing on development goals in the context of Islam as a culture. In the introduction to its 10-Year Programme of Action (to Meet the Challenges Facing the Muslim Ummah in the 21 st Century), the OIC says, In the economic and scientific fields, the Ummah needs to achieve higher levels of development and prosperity, given its abundant economic resources and capacities. Priority must be given to addressing issues related to globalization, economic liberalization, environment, and science and technology...in implementing the new vision and goals for the Muslim world, the role of the OIC is central, which requires its reform in a way that meets the hopes and aspirations of the Ummah in the 21st Century. 2 II. Questions to Consider in Your Research -What are the valued traditions of your country? -What countries share similar traditions to yours? How could partnering with these countries improve you countries social, economic, and industrial diversification? III. Questions a Resolution Might Answer -What are ways to simultaneously help to facilitate development while encouraging cultural traditions? -Which scholars, authors, and contemporary thinkers promote development but maintain their values of Arab culture, and how can their ideas be propagated and encouraged? IV. Resources to Review -Arab Cultural Awareness: 58 Facts Sheet Report/Summary of the Arab Business Council: Class Structure and Social Change in the Arab World By: Samih K. Farsoun oci.org/page_detail.asp?p_id=228

6 Topic III: Determining the viability of increased participation of non-member states in Arab League activities, and revisiting Arab participation in multilateral organizations as a means of improving diplomatic, economic, and security relations I. Introduction to the Topic A. General Background As one of the oldest multilateral organizations, the Arab League has a long history of involvement, or at least interaction, with various other multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations, NATO, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and has dealt with accepting new members and awarding observer status to some states, namely, Brazil, Eritrea, Venezuela, and India. 3 The Pact of the League of Arab States, Annex 2, in regards to nonmember states, says that,... the Council has to take into account the aspirations of the Arab countries which are not members of the Council and has to work toward their realization. 4 B. History of the Topic in the Arab World The current member states were not all original signatories, so there is precedent for the accession of a state to membership in the League of Arab States. Most recently, South Sudan, after seccesion, was not offered membership in the League, despite being, territorially, under the Arab League prior to seccesion. In terms of the Arab League participating in other multilateral organizations, the Arab League has been an obersver at UN General Assemblies since November 1 st, C. Finding a Solution to the Problem: Past, Present and Future In the context of political unrest and seccessions and appeals leading to new states, it may be helpful for the Arab League to have formally established a list of criteria by which applicants to the Arab League for various statuses can be admitted or rejected by an objective assessment, taking into consideration the shared traits of the current member states. According to the Charter, [t]his Charter may be amended with the consent of two thirds of the states belonging to the League, espec[ially in] order to regulate the relations of the League with any international bodies to be created in the future to guarantee security and peace. Interactions with the UN serve as examples of both the setbacks and the successes of interaction with other intergovernmental organizations. The Telegraph touches on the importance of such interaction, noting that, Arab backing for an international no-fly zone is considered essential by Britain and France, which are battling to overcome fears in America and among other European Union members that its imposition would be portrayed by Gaddafi as Western military meddling in 3 league dds ny.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/nr0/060/75/img/nr pdf?openelement

7 Libyan affairs. 6 In a separate article, The Telegraph also pointed out the importance of observers' and members' statuses, as opposed to just interaction between the two multilateral organizations, saying, Other regional groups such as the Arab League, African Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) may now seek a similar extra observer rights at the global body, diplomats said, 7 in reference to the European Union gaining super-observer status. II. Questions to Consider in Your Research -What international organizations does my country participate in? -What problems and/or benefits has my country encountered or derived from involvement with multilateral organizations? -What is my country's stance toward various non-member states or organizations that might be seeking greater participation in the Arab League? III. Questions a Resolution Might Answer -Which states and kinds of organizations should be permitted to or barred from participating in Arab League activities? -When advancing the level of Arab League interaction with other multilateral organizations, what voting procedures are prequisite to any formal declaration, and how do countries not wishing to associate with a certain multilateral organization, one which the Arab League may maintain relations with, seek recourse to halting their relations with these organizations while still maintaining membership in the League? IV. Resources to Review A 1996 report on UN-LAS relations: Arab League callsfor United Nations no fly zone.html 7 wins super observer status at UN.html

8 Topic IV: Addressing cross-border population shifts resulting from political, economic or social hardship I. Introduction to the topic. A. General Background The current political, economic, and social hardships being experienced throughout the Arab world have created large cross-border population shifts. A large number of refugees are fleeing from the chaos of famine, war, political unrest, and low job availability, for example. The current situations in conflict areas have caused numerous shifts of people throughout the world as refugees scatter to neighboring countries and even as far as Europe. The World Bank has stated that more than half of North Africa s migrants are now in Europe. There has been a large jump in Muslim populations in past years in countries like France, for instance. In 2010 the Muslim population in Europe was around 44 million, and is expected to rise up to 58 million by B. History of the Topic in the Arab World The refugee crisis that was already being experienced in the Arab world has only been fueled by the current social, economic, and political hardships that are being faced within the Arab world. It is important that as the Arab world continues to change and develop in ways that temporarily force people from their land and home, that these cross border populations be given basic, internationally accepted human rights. This starts a classical argument on what rights the host country has responsibility for, and the treatment of refugees in comparison with that country s nationals. This topic can address the means to both handle immigrants and repatriate emigrants. C. Finding a Solution to the Problem: Past, Present and Future The League of Arab States can benefit from reviewing successful actions taken by other organizations such as the United Nations, who have previously passed resolutions that that would help protect refugees and displaced populations as well as to work to return them to their countries of origin. Delegates should consider looking at organizations such as the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR and what they are doing to see what methods are being used and whether or not they are effective. II. Questions to Consider in Your Research -What is the current economic, social, and/or political situation in your country and/or region? -What is the current number of cross-border populations within your country and/or region? How has this changed since current events in the Arab world (e.g. famine, war, repression)? -What current refugee agreements and border management policies does your country currently have? III. Questions a Resolution Might Answer 8 population projections worldwide fast growth

9 -Do the rights of refugees come before, after or alongside that of the host country s own citizens? -What NGOs and multilateral organizations are already place, and how can they be, if beneficial, best utilized, and, if detrimental, prevented from operating within member-states? IV. Resources to Review -Study on Cross Border Population Movements between Afghanistan and Pakistan: The ECOWAS Cross-Border Initiatives Programme: UNHCR Middle East and North Africa Page:

10 Topic V: Discussing the present and future prospects of the member states' youth in light of ongoing shifts in demographics and geopolitical dynamics I. Introduction to the Topic A. General Background According to the Pew Forum, youth from the ages of make up the about 29 percent of the population in the Arab world. 9 Dorothea Schmidt from the International Labour Organization estimates that 23.4 percent of youth in the Arab world are unemployed. 10 For this reason it is important to encourage education and responsible involvement of youth within economic, political, and social aspects of life. Currently, various organizations, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), are working in conjunction to improve education for youth within this region. Over the last few decades, school enrollments have risen remarkably throughout the region. Primary education is rapidly becoming universal in most countries and the gap between boys and girls enrollments in secondary school has nearly disappeared in many countries. Higher education has even grown as well. B. History of the Topic in the Arab World Through the use of social media the youth of the Arab world opened the minds of the outside world to the issues at hand within their countries. The pivotal role that the youth of this region has played in issuing changed has not gone unnoticed. The youth population of the Arab world has made a cry for change and has shown that it is willing to do what it takes to bring it about. With the youth making up such a large part of the Arab population it is important that they be encouraged to develop themselves in a way that will not only benefit themselves but also their country and fellow citizens. It is especially crucial now as we are continuing to deal with the Arab Spring and its aftermath. The youth will be the ones to help build a new way. For this reason education and involvement in different aspects of government will allow them to succeed in the tasks ahead of them. C. Finding a Solution to the Problem: Past, Present and Future MENA countries are at different stages of economic development. As a result, their governments may choose different approaches to improve educational and job opportunities for youth. Every MENA government has its own specific reform needs and must tailor their process to their own circumstances in order to achieve their desired outcomes. Some countries frequently take recourse to providing extensive subsidies, but these can be extremely costly. Some governments also boost employment by creating jobs within government agencies for people to be hired into, but these tend to not be highly productive and still do not pay enough. II. Questions to Consider in Your Research 9 of the global muslim population regional middle east.aspx# the ilo/press and media centre/insight/wcms_154078/lang en/index.htm

11 -What types of educational programs would my country be willing to implement? What does my country already have? -How does my country's government subsidize or lower the cost of living, or fortify or inflate income, in order for its populations to be able to purchase living essentials? III. Questions a Resolution Might Answer - How can reforms and greater engagement of civil society effect future prospects of Arab youth? -What ways are available to effectively invest in secondary and higher education, and reduce dropout rates for youth in member states to successfully maintain progress in education? IV. Resources to Review -United Nations Development Programme: Arab States You-Empowered lives. Resilient nations. -Pew Forum: The Future of the Global Muslim Population