Day two in the ECOSOC committee witnessed engagement among the delegates which resulted in them breaking and forming new alliances. A series of failed moderated caucus was observed in the beginning of the session. Delegate of Germany, Norway Sudan, all failed to gain votes in favor of their motion. The delegate of Singapore changed the pace of events by having its motion passed.
With this began the first moderated caucus; the role of circular economy in economic and environmental sustainability. Delegate of Singapore, France, Sudan, Morrocco, Kenya, Norway, USA, and Germany all voiced their stance. The delegates were highly engaged as they raised point of inquiries to one another. The event was then followed by the motion to introduce the draft resolution. With Germany, USA, and Sudan forming the strongest alliance these 3 countries form a draft of resolution together called the “Banana Split.”
They requested all countries to work collectivity towards achieving SDGs number 7.8, and 13 stating, “Affordable and clean energy,” “Decent work and economic growth,” and “Climate action.” The Delegate of Germany, USA, and Sudan together believe that their draft resolution will allow other countries to switch from being oil dependent and use more renewable resources. They also support funding from the UNEP and Legal systems of economically strong countries to be used by nations with smaller GDPs for the purpose of shifting to renewables.
Egypt, France, Australia, Iceland, Portugal, Singapore, and South Korea all spoke in favor of the draft resolution. They agreed, and believe that the resolution is country-centric, and covers a wide variety of topics which not only help developed countries, but also underdeveloped countries.
The ‘Banana Split’ encountered no opposing viewpoints from the delegates. However, he delegate of Australia introduced a second draft resolution with the sponsors Australia, UAE, and Norway, the topic being, “technological polices and regulations as a path to environmental sustainability.”
Their draft resolution targeted mainly wealthy countries (MEDC), it benefited certain countries and economies whereas every other country with a low GDP(LEDC) or high nonrenewable export suffers. Countries associated with oil and petroleum will suffer because of the heavy taxes the people associated with nonrenewable resources face. The delegates of Germany, USA, and Sudan were quick to oppose the passing of this draft resolution.
In order to decide which draft resolution passes, the delegates of the committee voted on their pick. With a vote of 19 to 16 the ‘Banana Split’ draft resolution passed.
The passing of the resolution showed a decisive air in the committee – although the vote was fairly close, one draft resolution clearly won over the other, showing that delegates had a very specific goal in mind – furthering economic stability without compromising sustainability. This draft resolution is certainly a step in the right direction, and is the first milestone in the path to what may be a promising future. However, it remains to be seen whether the resolution is followed or not.
