UNDP: UN Development Programme

About the committee

The United Nations Development Programme is the UN’s global development network. The organ serves as an advocate for change and a forum to connect countries to the knowledge, resources and experience necessary to enhance the lives of their citizens. Since the introduction of the Millennium Development Goals in 2000, the UNDP has coordinated its efforts to cut poverty in half by 2015. Other priority areas include democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, the environment and energy, and HIV/AIDS.

Topics

Topic A: The question of building digital bridges: Information and communication technology for development

Information technologies, such as the Internet, have been hailed as great social equalisers for their enormous capacity to provide information and advancement to even the most remote communities. However, too often this is a promise that fails to eventuate. While increasing attention is being paid to the role ICT can play in economic and social development, such policies and programs often suffer from lack of coordination, limited infrastructure and poor planning. Critics of Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) initiatives argue that such projects are costly and unsustainable; focus money away from pressing issues such as food, water and healthcare; and are culturally imperialistic. Yet through greater public, private and informal partnerships, and a renewed focus on innovation and problem solving, particularly in line with the Millennium Development Goals, ICT4D can still play a key role in fighting global poverty. The potential for change remains so long as there is international will.

Topic B: The question of the responsibilities of multinational corporations acting in developing countries

In an era defined by globalisation, the influence and impact of multinational corporations (MNCs) is undeniable: international actors with the power to shape economies, politics, and the livelihoods of people throughout the world. Business therefore, carries enormous potential both for good and for abuse. This is especially the case in developing countries, where the opportunity to advance human development is great, yet weak governance and economies often mean that significant exploitation remains. Despite operating budgets often exceeding some national GDPs, and what some label as a power beyond the state, the obligations of MNCs remain largely undefined and undertapped. No international treaty exists regulating MNC behaviour. While some developments have been made in identifying the responsibilities of these organisations, such agreements remain voluntary or ignored. There remains an outstanding need to develop binding legal and moral norms to which they are held accountable.