Forum: Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Question of: The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)

Main submitter: Republic of Poland

The General Assembly,

Emphasises the historical context of the Nile River and the inequities in water allocation
agreements during the colonial era.

Recognises the legitimate developmental aspirations of Ethiopia and the concerns of

downstream nations, Egypt, and Sudan.

Acknowledges the efforts of the African Union (AU) and other mediators in facilitating
negotiations among the concerned parties.

Affirms the importance of fair and equitable water-sharing agreements in ensuring regional
stability and sustainable development.

1. Encourages all member states, within the framework of international law and norms, to
recognise Ethiopia's sovereign right to harness the Blue Nile for development projects,
including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

2. Calls upon all member states to actively participate in negotiations to reach a

comprehensive, legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD,
considering the interests and concerns of all parties involved, including environmental and
socio-economic factors such as:

a) Agricultural Impacts: Member states should explore solutions to guarantee

sustainable water usage for irrigation and reduce disruption in agricultural practises,
given the significance of agriculture in the downstream regions.

b) Livelihoods: Considering the potential effects on the livelihoods of communities

dependent on the Nile, member states should strive for solutions that promote
economic stability and resilience, especially in regions directly impacted by changes
in water availability

3. Welcomes the role of the African Union in mediating the GERD negotiations and urges the
involved parties to cooperate fully in the AU-led negotiation process.
4. Recognises the potential environmental consequences of the GERD and calls for a
thorough assessment of these impacts.

5. Encourages the riparian states (states situated on the banks of a river) to collaborate on
mitigating potential environmental risks and implementing sustainable practises in the
management of the Nile River.

6. Recommends a gradual and phased approach to filling the GERD reservoir

to minimise downstream impacts while ensuring the timely development of the
hydroelectric facility, so that the dam is still built on time for use.

7. Acknowledges the security implications of the GERD for the region and encourages the
riparian states to engage in regional cooperation on security matters, calling for confidence-
building measures such as joint security workshops to help build mutual understanding and
trust amongst the nations and to ensure peace in the Nile River basin.

8. Urges the riparian states to explore alternative energy solutions and water resource
management strategies that address the needs of all Nile Basin countries without
compromising independence and development goals.

9. Calls for international support in sharing best practises and promoting sustainable
development, which lasts a long time without causing harm to the environment or people,
in the Nile River basin.