UBMUN

2023

ECONOMIC
AND SOCIAL
COUNCIL
BACKGROUND GUIDE
 ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL
COUNCIL (ECOSOC)
BACKGROUND GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
WELCOMING LETTER FROM CHAIR 1
WELCOMING LETTER FROM CO-CHAIR 2
RESEARCH AND PREPARATION 3
COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION 5

II. TOPIC OVERVIEW

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 7
MAIN TOPIC INTRODUCTION 9
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER 11
MEMBER STATES ALLOCATION 12

III. CONCLUSION
CRITERIA FOR AWARDS 14
FINAL REMARKS 15
RESEARCH MATERIALS AND LINKS 16
PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES 17
OPERATIVE CLAUSES 19

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 INTRODUCTION

WELCOMING LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Dear distinguished delegates of the ECOSOC,

I’m thrilled to offer a heartfelt greeting to each of you at the

Ulaanbaatar Model United Nations Conference 2023. Brace
yourselves for the three days of demanding discussions that are also
enthusiastic and fruitful. You will have the opportunity to engage
with like-minded individuals and enjoy a marvelous time both
within and outside of the committee.

One of the primary UN organizations, the ECOSOC, holds a distinct

role in steering and orchestrating the versatile fields of economic,
social, humanitarian, and cultural activities conducted by the
organization. It also plays a vital role in shaping the UN’s strategic
direction and enhancing international collaboration to address
global challenges.

With passion and dedication, I extend a warm welcome to all of you

as we delve into the vital realms of the United Nations, the
Economic and Social Council. In this intermediate committee, I am
incredibly excited to witness not only your incredible speeches and
inspiring ideas but also the collaborative efforts that will propel us
forward into the future of international diplomacy, particularly in
shaping the economic landscape of our interconnected world.

Best of luck,
Temuulen Munkhgerel
Chair of the Economic and Social Council

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 INTRODUCTION

WELCOMING LETTER FROM CO-CHAIR

Greetings,

Welcome to UBMUN 2023! I'm delighted to introduce myself,

Batzorigt Ganzorigt, and I'm thrilled to have you join our committee
as a delegate. My journey in Model United Nations (MUN) began
during my freshman year, and this marks my third time working
with the ECOSOC committee. MUN experiences, in general,
promote a collaborative spirit among delegates who come from
diverse backgrounds and hold various viewpoints. Collaboration
among delegates fosters creative thinking, helping expand their
intellectual repertoire, and our team will work tirelessly to make
sure that’s the case for UBMUN.

While me and my chair will do our best to make UBMUN an

unforgettable experience, the heart and soul of the UBMUN
experience lies with the delegates themselves. The true essence of
model United Nations conferences often emerges from the
dynamic interactions, creative problem-solving, and spirited
debates among participants; as such, we encourage all of you to be
as engaged as possible. Our staff members and DAIS team will work
tirelessly to create a collaborative atmosphere in which delegates
can come together to find common ground and build consensus.
Whether faced with a misunderstanding or drafting resolutions, you
can count on us for help.

I wish to make this UBMUN experience unforgettable; at the end of

the day, it’s all about the friendships and memories we create after
the final gavel strikes.

Regards,
Batzorigt Ganzorigt
Co-chair of the Economic and Social Council
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 INTRODUCTION

A NOTE ON RESEARCH AND PREPARATION

Delegate research and preparation is a critical element of attending

UBMUN and enjoying the conference’s intellectual and
cosmopolitan perspective. We have provided this Background Guide
to introduce the topics that will be discussed in your committee.
This document is designed to give you a description of the
committee’s mandate and the topics on its agenda. An essential
part of representing a state in an international body is the ability to
articulate a given state’s views in writing. Accordingly, UBMUN
requires each delegation to write a position paper for both topics
on the committee’s agenda.

To summarize, position papers should be structured into three

sections, described below.

I: Topic Background – This section should describe the history of

the topic as it would be described by the delegate’s country.
Delegates do not need to give an exhaustive account of
the topic background, but rather focus on the details that are most
important to the delegation’s policy and proposed solutions.
II: Country Policy – This section should discuss the delegation’s
policy regarding the topic. Each paper should state the policy in
plain terms and include the relevant statements, statistics, and
research that support the effectiveness of the policy.
III. Proposed Solutions – This section should detail the delegation’s
proposed solutions to address the topic. Descriptions of each
solution should be thorough. Each idea should clearly
connect to the specific problem it aims to solve and identify
potential obstacles to implementation and how they can be
avoided.

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 INTRODUCTION

Position Paper Format

3-4 pages double spaced
Size 12, Times New Roman
1-inch /2.54-cm/ margins, justified

Reminders and Warnings:

No inclusion of a country’s profile, title page, the delegate’s
name, or the school the delegate is from with the paper
submission.
All papers must follow the format outlined here, if not the
chair may choose to detract points or disregard the paper
entirely.
Blatant plagiarism of position paper will result in immediate
disqualification.

Each delegation is responsible for sending a copy of its papers to

this mail ([email protected]) on or before the 18 of
October, 2023. If a delegate wishes to receive feedback from the
committee’s dais, please feel free to contact us through our social
media.

Delegations that do not submit position papers to directors will be

ineligible for awards.

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 INTRODUCTION

COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION

OVERVIEW OF ECOSOC
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) stands as a pivotal
organ within the United Nations (UN), holding a distinct role in
steering and orchestrating the multifaceted fields of economic,
social, humanitarian, and cultural activities conducted by the
organization. As one of the six principal organs, ECOSOC plays a
vital role in shaping the UN's strategic direction and fostering
international collaboration to address global challenges. This
intermediate-level committee background guide delves into the
functions and significance of ECOSOC, offering insights into its
contributions toward promoting sustainable development and
fostering a more equitable and inclusive world.

HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF ECOSOC

ECOSOC was established by the United Nations Charter in 1945 to
facilitate international economic and social cooperation. Over the
years, it has undergone significant reforms. Notable milestones
include amendments to its membership to enhance global
representation, the emphasis on development promotion and
poverty eradication during the 1960s and 1970s, and reforms in the
1990s to clarify its role in coordination and policy implementation.

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 INTRODUCTION

RECENT ECOSOC INITIATIVES

In recent years, ECOSOC has been instrumental in promoting
inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. Resolutions like 72/305
reinforce these principles, guiding ECOSOC's interactions with
member states and stakeholders. ECOSOC has embraced its role as
a policy forum for global leaders, facilitating discussions on
emerging global challenges through the High-Level Political Forum
on Sustainable Development (HLPF) and supporting monitoring and
reporting on universal commitments.

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 TOPIC OVERVIEW

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINE CONFLICT

The Russian-Ukraine conflict is a multifaceted and ongoing dispute
with deep historical roots. It began in 2014 with Russia's
controversial annexation of Crimea and escalated further in 2022
with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This conflict has had far-
reaching and complex impacts on both countries and the
international community. The conflict encompasses political,
economic, humanitarian, and security-related effects, making it a
critical global concern.

CURRENT SITUATION.
As of 2023, the Russian-Ukraine War persists with ongoing military
confrontations, territorial disputes, and political tensions. This
conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of
Ukrainians displaced, facing food shortages, and lacking access to
healthcare. The international community continues to provide
humanitarian aid and support to alleviate suffering. Efforts to
negotiate a peaceful resolution are ongoing but face significant
challenges.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT.
The conflict's historical context dates back to Ukraine's
independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Tensions escalated in
2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, leading to pro-Russian separatist
movements in eastern Ukraine. This armed conflict has resulted in a
significant humanitarian crisis, with casualties, displacement, and
human rights concerns. International sanctions and diplomatic
efforts, such as the Minsk Agreements, have been implemented to
find a resolution, but the situation remains tense and unresolved.

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 TOPIC OVERVIEW

WHERE EVERY COUNTRY STANDS ON THE RUSSO-

UKRAINIAN WAR?
During an Emergency Session, held on March 2, 2022, a United
Nations resolution was put forth demanding that Russia
"immediately, completely, and unconditionally" withdraw its military
forces from Ukraine. The outcome of the vote was as follows:
In favor: 141 countries; Against: 5 countries; Abstain: 35 countries, etc.
To pass, the resolution required a two-thirds majority of yes/no
votes. Notably, China, India, Iran, and South Africa were among the
35 countries that chose to abstain from voting. On the other hand,
five countries, namely Belarus, Eritrea, North Korea, Syria, and
Russia, voted against the resolution. Additionally, twelve countries,
including Venezuela, which had been suspended from UN
participation for two years due to unpaid dues, were absent from
the vote. This vote outcome reflects the international community's
response to the situation between Russia and Ukraine at that time.

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 TOPIC OVERVIEW

MAIN TOPIC INTRODUCTION

Topic: Sanctions and the Trade Disruptions caused by the

conflict between Russia, and Ukraine

BLACK SEA GRAIN INITIATIVE

As a critical region for global grain production and trade, the Black
Sea area, including Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey, plays a pivotal role
in shaping agricultural dynamics. The conflict has introduced
challenges to the agricultural sector, impacting food production
and supply chains. Against this complex backdrop, the Black Sea
Grain Initiative emerges as a collaborative effort to address shared
challenges, enhance regional cooperation, and navigate the impacts
of the conflict on grain production and trade. This initiative seeks to
promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance food security,
and mitigate the adverse effects of geopolitical tensions on the vital
grain sector in the Black Sea region. Despite the complexities of the
Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the Black Sea Grain Initiative has
emerged as a vital collaborative framework addressing specific
challenges in the region's grain sector. Market volatility, influenced
by the conflict, is a key concern, prompting strategies within the
initiative to stabilize prices and ensure fair returns for farmers.

INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT AND POST-CONFLICT

RECONSTRUCTION
In the aftermath of conflicts, the role of international investment
becomes pivotal in facilitating post-conflict reconstruction and
recovery. International investment plays a crucial role in rebuilding
war-torn economies, providing much-needed capital for
infrastructure development, job creation, and the restoration of
essential services. The infusion of foreign capital contributes to

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 TOPIC OVERVIEW

economic growth by catalyzing industries, fostering innovation, and

improving the overall business climate. Beyond the economic
sphere, international investment has the potential to enhance social
stability by creating employment opportunities, promoting
community engagement, and supporting initiatives that address
the social fallout of conflict, such as education and healthcare.
However, the success of international investment in post-conflict
reconstruction depends on effective governance, transparency, and
collaboration between international investors, local governments,
and communities. Striking a balance between economic recovery
and social stability remains a complex challenge, emphasizing the
need for comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted
dimensions of post-conflict societies.

WTO'S VIEW ON GLOBAL IMPACT OF RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN

CONFLICT
The backdrop of the that topic underscores the interconnectedness
of the global economy amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
With the Russian-Ukrainian conflict exerting profound effects on
trade dynamics, the World Trade Organization also known serves as
a critical arbiter in assessing the collective economic fallout. The
conflict has introduced disruptions in supply chains, fluctuations in
commodity prices, and uncertainties in international markets.
Against this backdrop, the WTO's perspectives become paramount,
offering a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by
member nations. As the delegates engaging in the Model United
Nations, you all will navigate the complexities of balancing
economic interests with the imperative for global stability, all while
considering the nuanced insights provided by the WTO on the wider
ramifications of the conflict on the international trade landscape.

,
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 TOPIC OVERVIEW

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. What is your country’s stance on the Russian Ukrainian War.

2. How has the war affected your country, both socially and
economically?
3. Changes in your country’s economy as a result of the war.
4. How can global economic stability be achieved again?
5. What diplomatic efforts can be used to come to a resolution?
6. What diplomatic and political initiatives can be taken to
alleviate tension?
7. Humanitarian rights of the refugees from Ukraine.

The questions above simply serve as a starting point for delegates to

start their research. The delegates must conduct extensive research
on their countries and relevant topics to work towards a peaceful
and sustainable resolution. The delegates are tasked with unraveling
the intricate socio-economic impacts of the conflict on their nation,
reflecting on the changes witnessed within their country's economy
as a result of the war. The call for diplomatic efforts and political
initiatives becomes integral in seeking a resolution that ensures not
only economic equilibrium but also alleviates tension and upholds
humanitarian rights. The questions eserve as an initial guide,
prompting extensive research and enhancing a collaborative spirit
among delegates as they work earnestly toward a peaceful and
sustainable resolution within the framework of Economic and Social
Council. We’ve done our best to provide you all with useful research
links and materials; however, note that they are only meant to
provide you a basic understanding of the situation and we urge you
to conduct further research.

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 INTRODUCTION

MEMBER STATES ALLOCATIONS

Algeria Belarus China Estonia

Finland France Germany Hungary

Iran Ireland Italy Latvia

Lithuania Moldova Mongolia Poland

Portugal Russia Somalia Sudan

Sweden Tunisia Ukraine UAE

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 INTRODUCTION

United Kingdom USA Yemen Zimbabwe

Australia Afganistan

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 CONCLUSION

CRITERIA FOR AWARDS

BEST DELEGATE:
The best delegate award is given to the most knowledgeable and
best performing delegate in the room.
OUTSTANDING DELEGATE:
The outstanding delegate is awarded to harbors great debating
skills and influence within the committee.

Award criteria:

1. Foreign policy accuracy: there are no exact rules; however, the

underlying logic behind alliance and divergences must be
strong and logical.
2. Substantive knowledge: not only must the winner have a
profound understanding of their own country, they must be
familiar with the agenda topics through and through.
3. Negotiation skills: a diplomat’s job is to represent their
countries and negotiation skills are a big part of that. The ability
to use their country’s given set of resources to protect their
countries interests is a key to winning the best delegate award.
Rhetorical skills: the winner must have strong communication
4. skills, persuading others with the validity of their argument and
constructing effective solutions to pressing problems, despite
their differences.
Use of procedures: must strictly abide by the committee’s rules
5. and procedures.
Resolution drafting: Award winners are always an integral part
6. of the negotiations at this stage, as it's considered consensus-
building.

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 CONCLUSION

FINAL REMARKS

The Position Paper is to be written in the third person.

To be eligible for an award, you must submit a position paper. The
instruction on how to write a position paper is in the delegate
handbook.

The submission deadline is: October 19th, 2023

You must send your position paper to the following email addresses
according to the deadline: [email protected]

We highly recommend our delegates do further research on the

topic and initiate viable solutions to propose to the committee. The
dais team is excited to see how the delegates will solve the issue.
Do not forget that delegates should represent the belief of their
Member State correctly, and not prioritize their personal political
beliefs, as it is common for delegates to forget about their nation’s
beliefs as the committee sessions progress. Please remember to
have your own voice when it comes to debating or dividing into
blocs since in beginner or intermediate committees the new
delegates tend to follow the louder and more active delegates.
Have your own principles and policies.

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 CONCLUSION

RELEVANT RESEARCH MATERIALS AND LINKS

The conflict and its timeline:

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9476/
The link entails the general consensus regarding the war:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/16/mapping-where-every-
country-stands-on-the-russia-ukraine-war
The link correlates to one of the subtopics: Black sea Grain Initiative
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/20/what-was-the-
black-sea-grain-deal-and-why-did-it-collapse
Economic effects of the war:
https://www.economicsobservatory.com/how-has-the-russian-
invasion-of-ukraine-affected-global-financial-markets
https://www.rand.org/blog/2023/03/consequences-of-the-war-in-
ukraine-the-economic-fallout.html
The war and its effects on Humanitarian rights:
https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15292.doc.htm
Global Financial Markets amidst the war
https://www.economicsobservatory.com/how-has-the-russian-
invasion-of-ukraine-affected-global-financial-markets

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 CONCLUSION

PREAMBULTORY CLAUSES

Preamble clauses state the reasons for why the committee is acting
on a given topic. It should highlight relevant legal precedents,
former relevant United Nations resolutions and past international
actions on the issue.

Acknowledging Determined
Acting Emphasizing
Affirming Encouraged
Alarmed by Expecting
Alarmed Expressing appreciation
Appreciating Noting with approval
Approving Expressing concern also
Aware of Expressing concern
Bearing in mind Expressing its appreciation
Believing Expressing its satisfaction
Cognizant Expressing satisfaction
Concerned Fulfilling
Confident Fully alarmed
Conscious Fully aware
Considering Fully believing
Contemplating Further deploring
Convinced Further recalling
Declaring Guided by
Deeply concerned Having adopted
Deeply conscious Having considered
Deeply convinced Having considered further
Deeply disturbed Having devoted attention
Deeply regretting Having examined
Deploring Having heard
Desiring Having received

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Having reviewed Viewing with appreciation

Having studied Viewing with apprehension
Noting Welcoming
Welcoming also
Noting further
Noting with regret
Noting with satisfaction
Observing
Reaffirming
Reaffirming also
Recalling
Recalling also
Recognizing
Recognizing also
Recognizing with
satisfaction
Referring
Regretting
Reiterating
Reiterating its call for
Reminding
Seeking
Seized
Stressing
Taking into account
Taking into consideration
Taking note
Taking note also
Taking note further
Underlining

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 CONCLUSION

OPERATIVE CLAUSES

Operative clauses are actionable solutions to the problems raised in

the preambulatory clauses. Operative phrases are action oriented.
They should be written in italics and with numbers before each
operative clause.

Accepts Demands
Acknowledges Deplores
Adopts Designates
Advises Directs
Affirms Draws the attention
Also calls for Emphasizes
Also recommends Encourages
Also strongly condemns Endorses
Also urges Expresses its appreciation
Appeals Expresses its hope
Appreciates Expresses its regret
Approves Further invites
Authorizes Further proclaims
Calls Further recommends
Calls for Further reminds
Calls upon Further requests
Commends Further resolves
Concurs Has resolved
Condemns Instructs
Confirms Introduces
Congratulates Invites
Considers Notes
Decides Notes with satisfaction
Declares Proclaims
Declares accordingly Reaffirms

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 CONCLUSION

Recalls
Recognizes
Recommends
Regrets
Reiterates
Reminds
Renews its appeal
Repeats
Requests
Requires
Solemnly affirms
Stresses
Strongly advises
Strongly condemns
Strongly encourages
Suggests
Supports
Takes note of
Transmits
Trusts
Underlines
Underscores
Urges
Welcomes

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