International Model United Nations on Trade for Peace
Integration of Peace and
Trade
The
overarching objective of the Trade for Peace Programme is to support nations in
transitioning from fragility or conflict to stability and economic prosperity.
It operates through four key pillars:
1. Political
Engagement and Partnerships
Under this pillar, initiatives like Future
Leaders aim to amplify youth engagement in trade and peace discussions,
recognizing the pivotal role of young voices in shaping the future. Through
dialogue and action channels, youth are provided platforms to voice their
experiences and innovative ideas, fostering partnerships with organizations for
on-the-ground implementation.
2. Outreach and
Public Dialogue
This pillar
focuses on incorporating diverse perspectives into the discourse on trade for
peace. Through public outreach events and platforms like the Trade for Peace
Podcast, the programme invites input from all stakeholders interested in the
intersection of trade and peace.
3. Research
The T4P
Programme prioritizes generating tangible outputs to deepen understanding of
the trade-peace nexus. Initiatives such as the Research and Knowledge Hub and
the Trade for Peace Index, developed in collaboration with institutions like
the Institute for Economics and Peace, aim to provide insights into the
relationship between trade and peace, informing policy and decision-making.
4. Training and
Capacity Building
This pillar aims to equip practitioners in
trade and peacebuilding with the necessary knowledge and skills to leverage
trade and economic integration for inclusive and sustainable peace. By bringing
together experts from various fields, the programme fosters a learning
environment to harness trade as a tool for peace promotion.
Through
strategic partnerships with international organizations, private sector
entities, civil society organizations, and academic institutions, the Trade for
Peace Programme seeks to leverage collective expertise and resources towards
its overarching goal of fostering peace and prosperity through trade. By
addressing the unique challenges faced by LDCs and fragile states, the
programme endeavors to contribute to a more inclusive and resilient global
trading system.
JSS Law College and Trade for Peace
Amidst the
backdrop of the Trade for Peace initiative initiated virtually by the WTO in
November 2022, our conference took place on March 15, 2024, marking a significant
step towards fostering dialogue and understanding on the crucial nexus between
trade and peace in conflict-affected regions.
Throughout
the conference, emphasis was placed on fostering constructive dialogue and
collaboration, mirroring the principles of partnership and engagement
championed by the Trade for Peace Programme. By harnessing the collective
intellect and passion of young leaders, the conference aimed to generate
actionable insights and recommendations to advance the goals of trade for
peace. As we reflect on the outcomes of this historic event, we are filled with
optimism for the future. The participation and commitment demonstrated by the
delegates reaffirm the importance of youth engagement in shaping the trajectory
of trade and peacebuilding efforts globally. Moving forward, we remain
steadfast in our commitment to amplifying youth voices and driving positive
change in conflict-affected regions through the transformative power of trade
for peace.
Background Guide
In this
millennium, a significant challenge for the WTO will be not just aiding the
economic growth of impoverished nations but also supporting their transition
from fragility to economic success. It's worth noting that more than two-thirds
of WTO members are classified as developing or least developed countries
(LDCs).[1]
The multilateral trading system faces significant challenges due to fragility,
instability, and weak economic systems. While the WTO can support economies by
extending transition periods to fulfill commitments, it cannot bring peace to
fragile states like Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, and Sudan. In 2017, the WTO
launched a program aimed at achieving its objectives through political
engagement, public dialogue, research, and capacity building.[2]
The WTO has
traditionally focused on the relationship between trade and peace, but most of
its members have not actively engaged in its peace program. This Model UN
conference assesses how trade and peace are integrated within the WTO's
framework. Unlike preferential trade deals, which are not addressed here, the
conference aims to highlight the opportunity costs of certain rules in terms of
enforceable WTO law. In doing so, it seeks to analytically differentiate
between the peace-oriented and trade-oriented approaches of multilateral
trading systems. The WTO must adopt a
more direct approach to address the complex realities faced by
conflict-affected states such as Afghanistan. This approach entails engaging
with all relevant parties, including those not formally recognised by certain
governments, in dialogues and negotiations. By involving all stakeholders,
including conflicting parties, the WTO can play a crucial role in facilitating
peace negotiations and fostering inclusive economic development.
Themes
The
conference will focus on various aspects of trade in conflict-affected states,
aiming to enhance economic stability and peacebuilding efforts. Discussions
will revolve around reducing trade barriers and promoting free trade to
stimulate economic growth. Humanitarian trade will be emphasised, ensuring the
smooth flow of aid and essential goods in conflict zones, while preventing
their misuse. The role of trade in reconciliation and confidence-building among
conflicting parties will also be explored, highlighting its potential as a
peacebuilding tool. Additionally, the conference will address transitional
justice mechanisms, emphasising how trade can support these processes and
address the economic grievances of conflict victims. Private sector engagement
will be encouraged, with a focus on its role in post-conflict reconstruction
and development through trade investments and partnerships.
Objectives
1. Evaluate the
effectiveness of WTO programs aimed at promoting economic development and peace
in conflict-affected states.
2. Discuss ways to
enhance political engagement, outreach, dialogue, research, and capacity
building to support peace-building efforts through trade.
3. Explore the
role of the WTO in facilitating peace negotiations and conflict resolution in
fragile states.
4. Examine the
relationship between trade rules and peace-building efforts, particularly in
the context of enforceable WTO law.
5. Address
challenges and opportunities for integrating trade and peace approaches in
multilateral trading systems.
Expected Outcomes
1. A comprehensive
understanding of the challenges and opportunities for promoting peace through
trade in conflict-affected states.
2. Policy
recommendations for the WTO and its member states to enhance the effectiveness
of trade policies in supporting peace-building efforts.
3. Increased
awareness among WTO members of the importance of integrating trade and peace
approaches in multilateral trading systems.
Rules of Procedure
The
committee will follow the standard rules of procedure of the WTO, including the
use of parliamentary procedure, points of order, and the submission of formal
proposals (resolutions) for debate and adoption.
Additional Information
1. The committee
will have access to expert briefings and resources on trade, peace-building,
and conflict resolution.
2. Delegates are
encouraged to conduct thorough research and engage in diplomatic negotiations
to achieve consensus on proposed solutions.
This agenda
aims to address the complex relationship between trade and peace in
conflict-affected states, highlighting the role of the WTO in promoting
economic development and stability through trade policies and programs.
The Flow of Debate
In a Model
UN conference, the procedure is crucial for the effective conduct of debates
and decision-making. After roll call, delegates can submit motions, such as the
Motion to Set the Agenda, which requires a 2/3 majority vote. Once the agenda is set, delegates can propose
the Motion to Open the Speakers’ List, typically approved unanimously, followed
by setting the Speaker’s Time, usually between 60 and 90 seconds per
delegate. The flow of debate in a traditional Model UN conference follows a
structured process that allows for formal and informal discussions on various
topics.
Roll Call
The Chairperson calls out each country's name,
and delegates respond with "present" or "present and
voting" to indicate their presence.
General speaker list
Formal
debate (Formal debate revolves around the speakers' list. Each speaker can
speak maximum for 90 seconds)
"Delegates
of India/ Brazil/ USA/UK/ Germany, wish to raise a motion for the
establishment of a general speaker list."
Moderated caucus, (Each speaker can speak
maximum for 60 seconds)
Syntax
"Delegates
of India/ Brazil/ USA/UK/ Germany, wish to suspend formal
debates and propose a motion for moderated caucuses on the topic ‘TRADE
FOR PEACE IN THE CONFLICT AFFECTED STATES,’ for a time period of 20
minutes per speaker, with a total time of 60 seconds."
Unmoderated
caucus, (In an unmoderated caucus, the delegates informally meet with other
delegates for discussions) followed by passing the resolution
Closing
debate
"Delegates
of India/ Brazil/ USA/UK/ Germany, propose a motion to
adjourn the meeting and move for voting."
Drafting
Resolution (with the requisite number
of sponsors and signatories is submitted to the dais for approval and once
approved becomes a draft resolution)
Friendly
amendments: Friendly amendments are changes or revisions made to the draft
resolution that is approved by all sponsors.
Unfriendly
amendments: Unfriendly amendments are not supported by all sponsors and must be
voted on by the committee.
Preambulatory clauses:
These
clauses are substantive, begin a resolution and cannot be amended.
Preambulatory clauses provide an overview of the problem and remind member
states of past actions taken on the issue.
Operative clauses
These
clauses contain the real content and action of a resolution and can be
amended.
How to Write a Resolution?
A
resolution is the primary outcome of a committee's work in a Model UN
conference, aiming to "resolve" the problem at hand. It serves as the
UN's decision-making document, crafted collaboratively by Member States.
Resolutions serve two main purposes: to determine the UN's actions regarding
the issue and to recommend or request actions from individual Member States to
address the problem. Resolutions adhere to a specific format, consisting of
three main sections: the header, the preamble, and the operative section.
The Header
Committee: Identifies the committee you
represent.
Topic: States the topic under discussion.
Sponsors: Lists the main authors who wrote
the resolution.
Signatories: Includes delegates who want the
resolution introduced for debate, though they may not support its content.
The Preamble
Sets the
scene for the resolution, explaining why it's being written and the issue's
significance.
Can
reference past UN resolutions, treaties, and international actions related to
the topic.
Begins each
paragraph with "preambular phrases," italicised in the resolution and
ending in a comma.
The Operatives:
Determine
the UN's action on the issue, such as funding solutions or requesting actions
from Member States. Start with italicised operative phrases, are numbered, and
end in a semicolon, except the final operative, which ends in a period. If an
operative is broken into sub-operatives, use a colon to introduce them,
starting with lowercase letters.
Operative Phrases
Begin
operative paragraphs, should be italicised, and include phrases like.
Key Dignitaries:
Chief Patron
Prof. K.S Suresh
Chief
Executive
JSS
Law College, Autonomous
New
Kantharaje Urs Road, Kuvempunagar,
Mysuru,
Karnataka, India 570023.
Website: https://jsslawcollege.in
Email: suresh@jsslawcollege.in
Dr. S Nataraju
Principal
JSS
Law College, Autonomous
New
Kantharaje Urs Road, Kuvempunagar,
Mysuru,
Karnataka, India 570023.
Website: https://jsslawcollege.in
Email: principal@jsslawcollege.in
Shri. Venugopal Padavu
Associate Director, International Affairs,
St. Joseph
University, Bengaluru, India
Web: https://www.sju.edu.in/sjuoiacontactus
Former, esteemed Senior Director ICCR, Bangalore
Indian Council for Cultural Relations
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
https://www.iccr.gov.in/regionalcenter/bengaluru
Guest of Honour
Prof.
Daniel Hamilton Fernandes de Lima
Professor
of Law,
Faculdade
Princesa do Oeste, Crateús, Ceará,
Rua
Zacarias Carlos de Melo, 1000, São Vicente,
Crateús-CE,
63700-190- Brazil
Website:
https://fpo.edu.br/
Mr.
S.Q. Hashimy
CEO
and Founder,
Institute of Legal and
Policy Research,
(Virtual NGO)
Website: www.ilpraf.org
Email: info@ilpraf.org
Ms. Madhura Mohan Nikalje
Secretary
- General
Model United Nations Conference &
Advocate of Delhi High Court
Delhi, India
Judges
Mr.
Jally Willy Mongo
Faculty of Law
Department of Public and Private Law
University Of Iringa, Tanzania
Website: https://www.uoi.ac.tz/
Mr. Jackson Simango
Magoge
Advocate of the High
Court of Tanzania &
Assistant Lecturer in
Law,
National Institute of
Transport – Tanzania
Nyamwero Bwire Nyamwero
Advocate of the High
Court of Tanzania &
Assistant Lecturer in Law
Mzumbe University
Web: https://site.mzumbe.ac.tz/
End Notes
[1] Daneil
Bethlehem and others (eds), The Oxford Handbook of International Trade Law
(First, Oxford University Press 2009) 482.
[2] ‘WTO
| Accessions - Trade for Peace’ (World Trade Organisation)
<https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/tradeforpeace_e.htm> accessed
26 August 2023; ‘WTO | A Trade for Peace Perspective on Women’s Empowerment in
Fragile and Conflict-Affected States’
<https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/tfp_3103202313_e/tfp_3103202313_e.htm>
accessed 26 August 2023.
Sources:
JSSLC & ILPR (2024) International
Model United Nations on Harmonizing Trade for Peace [March 15]: Register by
March 13, lawctopus.com. Available at: https://www.lawctopus.com/international-mun-harmonizing-trade-peace/ (Accessed: 16 March 2024).
JSSLC & ILPR (2024) International Model
United Nations on Harmonizing Trade for Peace [March 15]: Register by March 13,
latestlaws.com. Available at: https://www.latestlaws.com/fests-muns-and-other-competitions/international-model-united-nations-on-harmonizing-trade-for-peace-213251 (Accessed: 16 March 2024).
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