Position paper for Ethiopia
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures |
| Paper text: | |
| I. Consolidation of Peace through Practical Disarmament Measures
The delegation of Ethiopia champions the critical importance of practical
and comprehensive
disarmament measures to ensure long-term peace and stability. The
proliferation of small
arms and light weapons (SALW) remains a salient driver of conflict, hindering
development
efforts, and threatening the safety of civil society. Having faced its conflicts
domestically and
worked towards peace, Ethiopia recognizes the need to implement effective
disarmament
policies to build a secure environment conducive to Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
Ethiopia firmly believes that practical disarmament measures, such as collecting and destroying SALWs, are essential for furthering peacebuilding initiatives. Uncontrolled proliferation of small arms contributes to an atmosphere of insecurity, organized crime, and violence. To address this specific issue, Ethiopia has elevated policies and laws aiming to disarm former combatants. Ethiopia has excelled in this reintegration process, facilitating the difficult transition into civilian life that many contemporaries have found exceedingly difficult. The Pretorian Agreement has granted credibility to commitment, which successfully resolved a two-year conflict that took the lives of over half a million people. Furthermore, the demilitarization and reintegration of combatants is a clear example of Ethiopiaâs commitment to a cohesive disarmament philosophy and how regional stability can be pursued comprehensively. Additionally, Ethiopia has been cooperating regionally with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to battle cross-border violence and arms trafficking in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia is also dedicated to strengthening law enforcement to manage illegal weapon smuggling and directing public awareness campaigns about the gravity and harm of armed conflicts. We have seen, we have experienced, and we have learned. After seeing what has been happening globally, Ethiopia refuses to act complacently when facing the threat of violence and instability. These disciplined, successful efforts aim to create a peaceful society and demand the support of other nations to promote regional harmony. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction |
| Paper text: | |
| II. Addressing the Continued Threat of Chemical Warfare
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) lays out the necessary groundwork to combat the
immense harm that chemical warfare can generate. But it is not enough. With conflicts
raging around the world, chemical weapons have a newfound relevance on battlefields
around the world. Despite the best efforts of the international community to enforce the
CWC, those efforts are not enough as we continue to see the promulgation of this immoral
and illegal tactic in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Syria, and Lebanon.
The delegation of Ethiopia fully supports the objectives of the CWC and stands committed to its principles, recognizing the severe humanitarian and environmental consequences of chemical weapons. Having ratified the CWC in 1996, Ethiopia adheres to the global norm against the development, production and use of chemical weapons under any circumstances. As a country without chemical weapon stockpiles, Ethiopia calls on all states to adopt similar measures to ensure strict compliance with the CWC. Ethiopia stresses the urgency of properly addressing this issue through robust and effective verification measures under the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Improved transparency, enhanced inspections and stricter enforcement of guidelines are essential to hold states accountable. This includes knowledge-sharing and training initiatives. However, the voices of non-state actors in this conversation are growing louder. Acquisition of chemical weapons by terrorist or dissident groups is a growing concern, even within Ethiopia. Ethiopia calls for heightened international collaboration to strengthen border security and to regulate precursor chemicals. Member states must adopt rigorous controls to prevent the diversion of materials that could be used for inhumane ends. Furthermore, Ethiopia advocates the continuation and strengthening of regional cooperation through bodies such as the African Union to bolster disarmament and ensure a world free from weapons of mass destruction. Ethiopia is prepared to continue to work closely with the international community to uphold and reinforce the CWC, advocating for diplomatic engagement and, when necessary, strict punitive measures against violators. It is only by unwavering and collective action that we can achieve the complete eradication of chemical weapons and secure lasting global peace and security. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Agriculture development, food security and nutrition |
| Paper text: | |
| I. Advancing Food Security Through Climate-Smart Agriculture
The tragedy of hunger is one Ethiopia knows well, and across our world of
plenty, billions go
to bed hungry or face systemic food insecurity. With surging populations and
rising rates of
obesity and related diseases, access to nutritious and varied food sources is
as important as
ever. In Ethiopia, over 60% of the population is employed in agriculture, and
as such we are
quite familiar with the challenges associated with food security and
production. Climate
change, military conflict, and economic instability all pose steep threats,
though not
insurmountable ones.
While these all remain problems, the international community has done much to make progress on the various issues. Ethiopia applauds the UN Food and Agriculture Organizations initiatives and the World Food Programmeâs efforts to deliver food aid to struggling states and the support of sustainable and actionable farming practices. On the local level, the Climate-Resilient Green Economy Strategy and Agricultural Transformation Agenda are efforts by Ethiopia to transform our food systems and economy into ones that are both developed, green, and efficient. We believe our focus on improved market access, climate-resistant farming practices, eliminated bottlenecks and export growth can help enhance local, regional, and international food security and production. Moving forward, the delegation of Ethiopia believes much more can be done to combat food insecurity, development, and nutrition. The delegation believes that our focus on climate- smart agriculture and sustainable energy can be implemented internationally. Funding for climate-resilient agriculture, more sophisticated farming and irrigation techniques, and technology sharing can help promote sustainable and durable food systems for all, regardless of development level. On the human level, Ethiopia believes collaboration between states to better integrate women, minorities, and other marginalized groups into agricultural economies will also aid in both economic and social development. The delegation of Ethiopia believes these strides, combined with previous progress, will ensure progress is made towards a better-fed, more developed world. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Development cooperation with middle-income countries |
| Paper text: | |
| II. Building Resilience for Sustainable Development
Even as a least developed country (LDC), Ethiopia still recognizes the significance that
middle-income countries (MICs) and their development have for the development of an open
and successful global economy. With the vast majority of the global population living in these
states, their development and economic success are vital, yet issues remain. Stagnation,
economic inequality, and natural disasters pose a host of challenges. However, if these
problems can be overcome, a bright global future lies ahead.
Recognition of these challenges certainly is not new, and Ethiopia applauds the international community for the progress it has made so far. The SDGs and the Buenos Aires Plan of Action both represent visionary steps taken by the international community to outline goals and strategies for MIC development. The Rabat Declaration on MICs more recently has set forth a bold new vision for MIC states to cooperate, engage in technology sharing, and build capacity. Despite much new progress, more can still be done. Ethiopia is a state that has dealt quite extensively with both natural disasters and man-made wars. Because of this, the delegation of Ethiopia believes resilience is key to sustainable MIC development. As such, Ethiopia proposes the committee examine the construction of a resilience-based development model aimed at fortifying agricultural, banking, shipping, and other industries from potential shocks. Development is only worthwhile when it is sustainable and ensuring that states like Ethiopia can engage in planned and careful development is therefore a top priority for the delegation. Another priority for Ethiopia is to foster further ties between the developed and developing world, as well as among Global South states. This recognizes the shared challenges globally and regionally and would encourage greater specialization and efficiency in engagements between Member States. ? | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Rights of indigenous peoples |
| Paper text: | |
| I. Indigenous Voices and Heritage as Essential Pillars in Achieving the
2030 Agenda
As a nation deeply rooted in cultural diversity and rich heritage, Ethiopia
recognizes the
urgency of establishing a global standard that protects and uplifts the rights
of all ethnic and
cultural groups as an essential component of the broader goals outlined in
the 2030 Agenda.
Too often, Indigenous peoples around the world remain unrecognized and obscured victims of the injustices that our shared vision for 2030 aims to remedy. For far too long, their voices have been marginalized in international discussions on how to address these critical issues. Ethiopia commends this bodyâs recognition in Resolution 76/459 of the unique challenges faced by indigenous peoples - not only their heightened vulnerability to climate change but also the frequent disregard of their basic human rights by states entrusted to protect them. Ethiopia stresses the urgent need to amplify indigenous voices in discussions of SDGs, recognizing the indispensable first-hand perspective that these communities must offer towards the development of effective solutions to these global inequities. Beyond their immediate vulnerability, Indigenous peoples also face the threat of long-term cultural erasure, often at the hands of apathetic states that overlook the vibrant mosaic of cultural and ethnic heritage cultivated over generations a legacy that, one lost, is irreplaceable. While Ethiopia celebrates this diversity and is dedicated to the preservation of its heritage, Ethiopiaâs status as an LDS necessitates support from member nations to invest in safeguarding this shared world heritage. Despite the commitments made by this body, most states have yet to invest meaningfully in preserving these invaluable cultural treasures. Ethiopia recognizes this diversity as foundational to civic and economic stability and reaffirms the critical need for this body to move decisively to preserve this rich heritage not as a legacy of any single state, but as part of the entire anthropological tapestry we collectively steward. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Literacy for life |
| Paper text: | |
| II. Universal Literacy as a Human Right: A Global Mission for Lifelong
Learning
Our failure to facilitate education, particularly for the next generation in the
Global South, is
an injustice that demands urgent, coordinated action from this body. For this
reason, we
wish to emphasize the overarching importance of SDG 4, which focuses on
achieving quality
education for all per the 2030 Agenda.
The ability to receive an education is a human right that provides all people with opportunities to prosper throughout their lives. This right must become the global standard inequitable access to higher education amplifies the monumental task we share in achieving the 2030 Agenda. We call upon all member nations, particularly those who have already indicated domestic success in realizing SDG 4, to honor their commitment to this agenda by making a good-faith effort to achieve this essential effort globally by supporting countries who struggle to make sufficient progress. A monumental effort is needed to achieve this worldwide goal. We acknowledge General Assembly Resolution 73/145 which recognizes the high number of non-literate young people and adults in the Global South. We support its suggestions that member states enhance policies, systems, and laws that promote literacy for all people, regardless of race, age, or gender. Although progress has been made in the effort to provide education for young children, we acknowledge the lack of opportunities to continue their learning into the later stages of life. This is why we commend Ghanaâs Free Senior High School policy which makes secondary and vocational education in Ghana significantly more accessible by reducing or removing many of the costs including textbooks, boarding, and meals that inhibit students around the world from receiving the education and training that they require. We commend Ghanaâs efforts toward providing accessible education into the adolescent and young adult years but insist that more comprehensive, actionable solutions be pursued by this body. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment |
| Paper text: | |
| I. Global Commitment to Food Security and Sustainability
Ethiopia champions the SDGs agreed upon by the full body of the United
Nations. Issues of
human rights such as food security, education, and economic stability are
keys to our shared
future, though it is equally important to achieve these goals in a responsible
manner.
Ethiopia has spearheaded this effort regionally through the implementation
of several
programs that have not only shown considerable success but show promise
as potentially
effective strategies globally for achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Deforestation has been a significant issue, particularly throughout the Global South. To combat this issue, we have instituted the Green Legacy Campaign which seeks to replant billions of trees where vast forests once stood. These trees will offer several benefits, such as increasing both biodiversity and the amount of carbon being recaptured, reducing overall atmospheric warming. In addition to planting new forests, Ethiopia has introduced agricultural methods focused on increasing yields of existing farmland, which reduces the need to cut down more trees. These methods, such as crop rotation, diversification, and agroforestry, have improved both Ethiopiaâs food security and its environment. Issues of food insecurity and the degradation of the local environment are not unique to Ethiopia rather, they are issues of universal human rights. Every person has the right to live in a healthy environment while not facing food insecurity. Ethiopia calls upon all member nations, particularly those whose irresponsible economic practices have led to the culmination of the crisis, to support the dire need among Global South countries to combat climate change. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel |
| Paper text: | |
| II. Upholding Safety Standards for Humanitarian and UN Personnel
As a founding member of the United Nations, Ethiopia has a long and deliberate history of
involvement in the international community. We have participated in various peacekeeping
missions and numerous initiatives aimed at development and humanitarian assistance. The
delegation of Ethiopia understands the critical importance of ensuring the safety and
security of humanitarian and United Nations personnel. As global conflicts and natural
disasters increase, the need for humanitarian assistance continues to grow. However, this
necessity has also brought about heightened risks for those on the front lines, including
targeted strikes, abductions, and threats that undermine the ability of these individuals to
carry out their essential work.
Our country is in full support of adequate measures being taken for the safety, security, and support of the United Nations personnel in their humanitarian missions. As a host country to numerous humanitarian organizations and a longstanding contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, Ethiopia is fully committed to upholding the safety and security of all personnel engaged in these vital efforts. We believe that the international community must prioritize this issue and work to collectively provide a secure environment for those who risk their lives to assist vulnerable populations. Our great nation is amid several complicated challenges and needs the continued support of the United Nations in the face of these trials. Amid threats to human rights in Ethiopia's northernmost region, as well as persistent challenges related to food security, displacement, and access to essential services, we urgently need the United Nations to actively deploy personnel to help alleviate the crisis while ensuring that those personnel are given the proper protections. Therefore, we call for member states to strengthen their legal frameworks, adopt and implement laws that protect humanitarian and United Nations personnel, and ensure that attacks against them are criminalized to the fullest extent under international law. We also call for more unity among all member states and continued coordination between the United Nations Agencies and all relevant nations. This would lead to better risk assessments and the provision of better-quality security training that incorporates elements of local ingenuity and particular regional insights into the threats and their ability to respond to such security incidents. Let us build each other up in selfless concern and seek the safety and welfare of all. | |
Back to the list of countries