By: Zachary Danevicz, Student Reporter*

Member States move their report forward in CPD. Members set the topic to population, food security, nutrition and sustainable development. The body initially decided on a three-pronged approach. The first addresses the struggles Members face with food access during times of conflicts. The second prong focuses on each Member’s ability to sustain food production. The third addressed trade routes and exports. 

Diving deeper into the second prong, the body discussed taking advantage of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) toward food sustainability. Representative Emily Lockwood of Qatar considers replacing monetary compensation given to Members with organizational action in need. 

The aim of the third prong looked at effects of tariffs and export bans. Global food security would not exist without trade. Members expressed concerns over “a rice crisis throughout the world … in southern lesser developed countries, especially in Africa,” said  Representative Matt Jackson of Japan. 

Participation of Members to provide medications and technology was not included in the three prongs. Portugal offered their stem cell research to allow larger, stronger crop yields. Medical technology was also discussed, urging Members to share resources for quicker access and cheaper research.

Prioritizing an initiative called Save Our Soil (SOS) where soil and water conservation efforts allow agriculture to thrive in barren regions. Representative Bob Beckemeier of Libya said “Our [water] reservoirs are being heavily depleted, alongside our neighbors such as Chad which only has one tenth of what it was a few decades ago because of overfarming and climate change.” SOS could provide countries the ability to sustain themselves through an improved ecological environment. 

The body moved away from the three pronged approach, claiming it too constricting. There was no group consensus on the process, rather a recommendation from a singular Member. Representative Ton Traore of Cuba said “Because of the disagreements the [prongs] decided to work in separate ways.” Breaking out into separate groups allowed the body to solidify their opinions and come together in the end to finish their Report.

_{The views and opinions expressed in this article were part of a simulation of the United Nations held from 18 to 21 November 2023 and do not reflect the views and opinions of the American Model United Nations Conference, American Model United Nations International, LLC., *Zachary Danevicz, Grand Rapids Community College or the governing bodies of the states mentioned in the article.}