Position paper for Luxembourg
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures |
| Paper text: | |
| Luxembourg has a long history of involvement with its surrounding countries of Belgium, Germany, and France concerning disarmament and international security. Luxembourg is a founding member of the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as well as an active participant in nuclear non-proliferation talks and United Nations. Luxembourg has financially supported international peacekeeping missions since 1991 and has been deploying troops for peacekeeping missions since 1992. As a small nation, Luxembourg recognizes and understands the importance of ensuring peace through disarmament. International cooperation is essential to make sure that disarmament is practical, though. Luxembourg has been able to maintain a minimal military for decades because of international cooperation with neighboring countries. Luxembourg encourages fellow member states to engage in more international agreements for peacekeeping and humanitarian aid. Military upkeep is, of course, still important for the purposes of defense or deterrence. However, through thee bolstering of bilateral cooperation and larger treaties, practical disarmament is possible and will push the world towards peace. | |
| 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: | |
| The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is fully committed to the global elimination of chemical weapons and to the objectives of the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (CWC). As a signatory and state party to the CWC since 1997, Luxembourg firmly supports the convention's mandate to prohibit the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons, as well as to ensure their complete destruction. Luxembourg recognizes that chemical weapons are indiscriminate and inhumane, posing significant threats not only to peace and security but also to human rights and the environment. Luxembourg is concerned by the reports of recent violations of the CWC, particularly the alleged use of chemical weapons in conflict zones. Luxembourg emphasizes the need for accountability and supports strong verification measures by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to ensure compliance. Luxembourg also believes that international cooperation is critical in assisting states with the implementation of their CWC obligations. In this regard, Luxembourg advocates for increased technical assistance and capacity-building to help countries lacking the necessary resources to safely destroy chemical stockpiles. Looking forward, Luxembourg stresses the importance of reinforcing the universalization of the convention. Luxembourg calls on non-signatory states to accede to the CWC and urges the international community to remain vigilant in preventing the re- emergence of chemical weapons. Through multilateral cooperation, Luxembourg stands ready to work towards a world free of chemical weapons. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Agriculture development, food security and nutrition |
| Paper text: | |
| As noted by the WHO (World Health Organization), about 2.33 billion people experienced moderate to severe food insecurity worldwide in 2023. Despite persistent and strategic efforts to make agricultural production more efficient and sustainable globally, this issue is increasing. Simultaneously, factors like economic and financial conditions, political tensions and disputes, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change contribute to the issue of food insecurity. Financial difficulties impede people from all regions of the world and many cannot afford nutritious food for themselves. This hindrance coupled with war, displacement, and political disputes makes it more difficult to access sufficient food. Economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change effects make food security increasingly difficult. Agriculture production covers about 53% of Luxembourg's land and is a priority and responsibility of the nation to carry out its production in an increasingly sustainable manner. Luxembourg believes that taking measures to increase sustainable development and economic stability in the agricultural sector, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency will help to successfully address and achieve global food security. As explained in Luxembourg's CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) introduced in January 2023, the country aims to financially support agri-producers and encourage their environmental stewardship, increase organic farming to 20% by 2025, and reduce the use of pesticides to 50% by 2030. To combat climate change, Luxembourg's Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan was adopted in 2019 and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase reliance on renewable energies, as well as improve energy efficiency through multiple measures. Luxembourg strives to achieve these goals and encourage other Member States to invest as well to increase food accessibility, nutrition, and production sustainability across the globe. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Development cooperation with middle-income countries |
| Paper text: | |
| The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg seeks enhanced cooperation and partnerships with the UN, MICs, and other economies to address critical and global development needs. As a founding member of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), a World Bank institution of 189 countries focused on providing financial products and policy advice to middle-income countries (MICs), Luxembourg stays committed to supporting MICs. Additionally, Luxembourg allocates 1% of its Gross National Income (GNI) to Official Development Assistance (ODA) annually. According to the World Bank, 75% of the world's population and 62% of the world's poor live in middle-income countries. More than 100 countries are at the critical development stage as they navigate the "Middle-Income trap" on top of multinational challenges such as climate change, aging population, and democracy under scrutiny. Luxembourg encourages the international community to re-evaluate the practice of reductions in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and enhance cooperation regarding investment and innovation. The General Assembly recently adopted resolution A/RES/78/162 in recognition of the interdependence of development cooperation with MICs and international accords such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. Luxembourg reaffirms these judgments and emphasizes the success of partnerships between UN agencies and MICs. For example, UNIDO's fostering of clean energy technologies in small- and medium-sized enterprises in Turkey developed 25 start- ups, incentivized the new policies that created a more conducive environment for clean energy technology companies, and trained 20 policymakers on the topic. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg will address and initiate agreements critical to MIC development such as capacity development, technology transfers, and policy advice, and advocate for greater partnerships between UN agencies and all interested partners. | |
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