Position Papers by Country

Position paper for Austria

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Agriculture development, food security and nutrition
Paper text:
We need to focus on the crucial role of sustainable agriculture in ensuring global food security and improving nutrition. As a country with a rich agricultural tradition, Austria is committed to promoting sustainable farming practices that prioritize environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social responsibility. Our agricultural policy emphasizes organic farming, with over 26% of agricultural land devoted to organic productionthe highest percentage in the European Union. Austria believes that sustainable agricultural development is key to addressing the challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition worldwide. Austria is dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2, which seeks to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture. We advocate for integrating climate-smart agricultural techniques to increase productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Austria supports research and innovation in agroecological practices that enhance soil health, preserve biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Austria acknowledges that climate change significantly threatens food security and nutrition. As such, we call for increased international collaboration to support smallholder farmers in adapting to climate-related challenges. This includes providing financial and technical assistance for sustainable agricultural practices and investing in resilient agricultural infrastructure. In addressing global malnutrition, Austria emphasizes the importance of improving access to diverse, nutrient- rich foods. We advocate for strengthening food systems to ensure affordability and availability of nutritious food for all, especially vulnerable populations. Austria supports international efforts to reduce food waste, as approximately one-third of food produced globally is lost or wasted. Austria is committed to working with other nations to achieve sustainable agricultural development, food security, and improved nutrition. We encourage collaborative action to build resilient food systems that can withstand economic, environmental, and social challenges, ensuring a healthy future for all.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Development cooperation with middle-income countries
Paper text:
Middle income nations demand specialized assistance from the United Nations (UN). Austria argues that the UN should take a nuanced stance in helping these nations by going beyond one size fits all policies that overlook their unique requirements. Austria highlights the importance of the United Nations enhancing its data collection and analysis efforts to comprehend the social and economic challenges faced by different middle- income countries (MIC). This information could support the development of policies and enable the UN to create tailored solutions that align with each country's specific circumstances. Austria emphasizes the significance of sharing knowledge and enhancing capabilities in one area; Middle Income Countries (MIC). MIC should have access to resources from high income countries (HIC) such as expertise and best practices to bridge development disparities effectively. Creating partnerships that enable technical collaboration will empower MIC to drive innovation in key sectors like sustainable farming practices and digital infrastructure while promoting renewable energy solutions. Moreover, Austria highlights the importance of the United Nations (UN) playing a role in providing access, to financing terms and new technology to tackle inequities and foster sustainable development. Establishing a fund that offers specific financial support for projects in middle income countries that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could represent a significant advancement. Austria stresses the importance of collaboration in tackling challenges faced by middle income countries (MIC). The country promotes increased cooperation among MIC countries in the South to address issues and share strategies for development progress mutually beneficial for all involved parties This collaborative approach allows MIC nations to learn from one another and work towards shared objectives effectively Furthermore strengthening triangular cooperation among MIC countries high income countries (HIC) and international organizations is essential, for ensuring that knowledge exchange and development solutions are tailored to the circumstances of MIC nations. Austria is also advocating for trade deals that enhance the market entry of middle income countries (MIC) particularly in industries such as agriculture and manufacturing sectors to facilitate their integration into global markets and promote inclusive and sustainable development trajectories for them. Simultaneously emphasizing the significance of private partnerships (PPPs) to stimulate investments and advancements in infrastructure development as well, as education and healthcare sectors. Austria backs the United Nations efforts to promote private partnerships in tackling development challenges, in middle income countries (MIC) emphasizing projects that adhere to sustainable principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). When it comes to categorizing countries based on their development status Austria acknowledges that solely using income levels to define middle income countries (MIC) may not fully capture the intricacies of their progress. Austria advocates for an approach called Development in Transition (DiT) which takes into account factors like institutional strength, inequality levels and environmental fragility alongside income per person. By adopting this approach MIC nations can avoid getting stuck in situations where they no longer qualify for financial assistance despite still needing support, for their development. Austria is considering the idea of using a Comprehensive Wealth Measure that considers not only financial aspects but also natural resources and social well being to gain a deeper understanding of a nations progress and development goals. Austria advises against removing the MIC category as it could result in (MIC) countries losing vital international assistance. Therefore Austria stresses the importance of conducting an assessment of the potential consequences before making any modifications, to the classification of wealth.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Rights of indigenous peoples
Paper text:
With the rights of indigenous communities becoming ever more prominent on a global scale, we recognize the need to address and affirm the inherent dignity and worth of indigenous peoples. As members of the EU, we supported the UN declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (2007), and have adopted the Outcome Document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (2014). Austria has been a staunch supporter of minority rights issues, encompassing that of indigenous and ethnic communities. In 2005, on Austrias initiative, the UN established the mandate of the Independent Expert on Minority Issues (2005). While we recognize the concerns of land claims and tribal disputes, we seek to find equitable solutions for all parties, ensuring that indigenous populations are given the respect they deserve. We are committed to protecting the rights of indigenous communities, and have and continue to affirm our commitment to indigenous rights through multifaceted frameworks, as proposed by the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (1998). Austria is therefore in favor of solutions that aim to alleviate tensions between states and indigenous communities and promote effective equality of minorities by creating conditions that allow them to preserve and develop their culture. With over 1,500 indigenous languages at risk, Austria seeks to implement solutions that preserve cultural diversity and allow for a respectful society that recognizes indigenous rights.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Literacy for life
Paper text:
We firmly believe in the continued advancement of the cause of literacy for life. Increased literacy rates are linked to, among other things, higher employment rates, greater economic growth, reduced crime, and healthier populations. Literacy is a necessary foundation for further education, leading to higher paying jobs, increased employment, and lower poverty rates. Increased literacy also correlates with an increase in empathy and emotional intelligence. Austria has a population of 8,967,982 and a literacy rate of 98%, with most citizens speaking the official language, German. The education system includes nine years of compulsory schooling, with an emphasis on the UNs initiative for lifelong learning. We support initiatives that help to maintain and improve Austrias current literacy rate. One method Austria has proposed is the Strategy for Lifelong Learners (2011). Goals for this program include increasing funding towards preschool programs and initiatives as well as making sure that equal basic education is provided across the board regardless of an individual students status. This means giving specific and targeted support towards students with learning difficulties, students at higher risk of dropping out, and refugee and asylum seeking students. We believe that increasing the national literacy rate will benefit the country economically as well as increase the opportunities for individual citizens. We also aim to increase the literacy rate among older teenagers and adults by investing funding in programs like StadtLesen (2009), which encourage literacy through the creation of public reading spaces. Our intention is to create lifelong learners who will be able to adapt to the ever changing world both locally and globally. It is in this sentiment that we strive to support literacy for life on a global scale and protect the educational rights of all communities.

Committee:	CCPCJ
Topic:	International cooperation in combating transnational organized crime and corruption
Paper text:
Austria is aware of the threats posed by transnational organized crime, which involves arms smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime. In the year 2023, Austria had a 15% increase in drug-related offenses. This illustrates the urgent need for coordinated global response to help aid in the dealing of these challenges. To help improve the international fight against Transnational Organized Crime, Austria advocates for the establishment of a Transnational Crime Task Force, including representatives from various nations to help aid in intelligence sharing and joint operations against organized crime. This task force would help set laws to prevent smuggling from country to country. Austria would also like to recognize the various nature of organized crime particularly in cybercrime. With digital technology advancing many criminal organizations operate digitally. This allows them to take advantage of legal systems internationally. This is why Austria would like to emphasize the importance of cybercrime prevention and response. This would include facilitating international cooperation to deal with the challenges created through cybercriminals. Corruption is a significant barrier to a successful government and justice system which hinders the prevention of organized crime. In 2023 70% of respondents in Austria believe corruption is a major issue affecting the integrity of public institutions. Austria would like to push for transparency and accountability with its government and push for initiatives for reducing corruption worldwide. Australia would like to propose the creation of a International Anti-Corruption Network. This network would provide assistance to member states to create training for law enforcement and judicial officials while also pushing for increased penalties for those convicted with the use of corruption. By working together we can combat corruption effectively. Victims of transnational organized crime and corruption are victims due to the negligence of the government and legal system in said jurisdiction. Austria believes for this very reason that member states should prioritize the rights and needs of victims, making sure they have the resources and support in order to help them get back on their feet. This not only includes money compensation but as well as psychological and legal support. Austria pushes for the establishment of victim assistance programs into nation justice systems. These programs should help victims navigate the legal process and gain the support they require to be able to fully recover. Austria is committed to strengthening international collaboration in the battle against corruption and transnational organized crime. We can develop a more effective and unified response to these urgent global issues by encouraging communication and cooperation among member states. Austria is eager to participate in the CCPCJ's deliberations and collaborate with all delegations to create creative solutions that advance integrity, justice, and security globally. By working together, we can eliminate the dangers of corruption and international organized crime and create a more secure and just society.

Committee:	WHA
Topic:	Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health
Paper text:
Regardless of the number of recent medical advancements made by the global community that have been groundbreaking in preventing disease and unnecessary complications, there are still a number of disparaging factors endangering the standards of life of women, children and adolescents. Combined, about 67 percent of the world population consists of women and minors, meaning that out of the almost 8 billion people, 5.36 billion individuals are experiencing abnormal healthcare, resulting in a variety of complications. In the past year alone, 6 million children under the age of 15 and over 89,000 women died from a multitude of causes and medical conditions, the majority of which were preventable diseases and/or injuries. When a region suffers from a lack of resources, the mortality rate of their marginalized populations skyrocket as a direct result of inequities. This leads to the fact that underdeveloped/3rd world countries are experiencing mortality at a grossly higher average than developed/1st world countries. This issue is only on an increasing trend, as the disparities in healthcare and economic states between developed and underdeveloped states continues to exponentially increase, and it is pertinent the United Nations is called upon to exhaust every possible trail to mitigate the number of deaths experienced per year. While it is necessary to recognize the individual sovereignty of each state in determining the healthcare regulations within their respective boundaries, from a wider angle, the global community must come together to mitigate these different violations and gross negligence of patients. The international community must work in tandem with organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Global Health Council (one of the largest member based organizations focused on preventing premature deaths), or the International Medical Corps (a humanitarian aid, nonprofit focused on healthcare in underdeveloped regions. While this is not an extensive list, these are three organizations that have been detrimental in decreasing the healthcare gap, and continue to lead the global community in finding manners in which to treat patients. While respecting the international power of this body, we have an inherent duty to call upon the globe to reduce these numbers. It is also highly important to recognize these numbers are not proclaimed with certainty, as marginalized communities often experience a number of unreported deaths and injuries. One of the root causes of healthcare disparities stems from the lack of healthcare resources, and a decreased efficiency of the nations economy. To reduce these disparaging factors, the Republic of Austria calls on member states to collaborate with international organizations such as the aforementioned to provide humanitarian relief to countries with unusually high levels of mortality. Additionally, we recommend a committee brought forth by the United Nations that consists of doctors vetted by an international process that can treat particularly difficult conditions or diseases. To accurately fund such a project, each member state is called upon to contribute a portion of internal revenues allowing for the proper resources to be allocated towards communities in need.

Committee:	WHA
Topic:	Public health dimension of the world drug problem
Paper text:
In accordance with the growing global population, there is a simultaneous increase in the percentage of individuals who use psychoactive drugs. While it is commonly known the effect of the aforementioned drugs provide the capacity for a number of healthcare complications or deaths, over 66 percent of such are preventable. With over 538,000 annual reported deaths from drug use, over two thirds of that are from overdose. The breakdown of these statistics per country reveal that they are heightened in regions enthralled in poverty as a result of a number of different marginalizing and disparaging factors. It is pertinent that the global community comes together to prevent the unnecessary mortality of these individuals and ensure that they receive proper health care. The United Nations is called upon to increase funding towards drug prevention, and similarly they are called upon to collaborate with international prevention organizations. This would allow for the number of drug related incidents to decrease in a medical sense and overall ensure that all individuals receive proper and efficient healthcare. When referring to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime it becomes evident that there are a number of different implementable paths available allowing for the mitigation of these issues. It is the responsibility of member states to reduce the number of fatalities and casualties within their borders, so the United Nations requests member states to implement these paths and further healthcare development. The United Nations recognizes that there is not a set regulation that can be enforced when the matters are domestic due to the individual sovereignty of all nations, but if the problem were to evolve and become an international affair, the Republic of Austria recommends a special hearing committee be formed to rule on the cases.

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