1

Index
1. Letter from the Secretary General 3
2. Letter from the Director of the Committee 4
3. Introduction to the topic 5
4. History of the Committee 6
5. Key Concepts 8
6. Statement of the Problem 10
7. Points of Contention 12
a. Industrial disparity and industrialization
b. The ethics of international cooperation (The Right of Development)
c. The uses of technology
8. Bloc Positions 17
9. Questions A Resolution Must Answer (QARMAs) 18
10. Final Remarks 19
11. Blog Posts 20
12. Bibliography 21

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 Letter from the Secretary General

Dear faculty advisors, staff members and fellow delegates,

It is my honor to welcome you to the 10th edition of Carmelitas Model United

Nations 2023. I am more than just euphoric to finally say we are back; after 3 years of
virtuality, Carmelitas School finally opens its doors once again.

We know that virtuality represents a challenge to develop our potential as

delegates. And being back to in-person MUN gives us an opportunity to begin our own
journey apart from developing our skills as delegates.

My journey in Model United Nations started in 2020, when I was just 13 years old. This
space helped me to open my eyes, facing different issues of the world, such as injustice,
poverty, discrimination, and other important global questions. My career is soon to end,
but if you need a small reminder, keep living yours as if tomorrow wouldn’t exist, and most
indispensable of all, be happy doing it.

Is this precisely what CarMUN wants to enlight this year. Nowadays, we live in a
world in which a lot of people decide to close their eyes in front of inequality, injustice;
each of us has the power to do something to face this, but most of us wonder if we could
do it. That's why, the topic of this conference will be focused on how each delegate has
huge power to change the status Quo, to open their eyes and to make a difference to
this world. Therefore, CarMUN 2023 is focusing on converting the words in action.

Hence, I highly encourage taking advantage of each second, not only in CarMUN
or in any other MUN, but in each moment of life to make a difference. This conference will
help you to develop all your skills. I am deeply pleased to form part of your personal
journey and believe me, you will form part of mine. Remember that your participation is
not in vain, each moment that you spend here, take advantage of it. Never forget, this is
the moment where words will meet action,

My best wishes,

Mariagracia Miro Quesada

Secretary General

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 Letter from the Director of the Committee

Dear delegates,

Welcome to UNIDO! My name is Ignacio Ponce and I will be your director for this
year’s edition of CarMUN.

I was first introduced to MUN in 2017 when I was in my 3rd year of highschool. I
joined my school’s delegation that year and was a part of it until 2019, the year in which I
graduated from school. That same year I had the opportunity to be part of CarMUN’s
Secretariat as the Co-Under Secretary General for Logistics, which is to this day one of the
most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had.

I currently study International Affairs and International Business at the San Ignacio
de Loyola University (USIL) Although I have not formally debated in a conference since I
left school, I have not distanced myself from the world of MUN at all due to the fact that I
have been invited to be a director in committees from various national conferences since
2020.

If what I’m studying at university didn’t give it away already, my life completely
changed the moment I got involved in the world of MUN. It allowed me to realize what I
wanted to dedicate my life to and helped me achieve many personal goals, being
working at the British Embassy in Lima the one I’m most proud of to this date. I joined the
Embassy team back in November 2022 and I can assure you that it has been a hell of a
ride so far!

As you may have noticed, MUN had a great impact on me, as I assume it has had
or will have on some of you. While it's only just a hobby, MUN has the unique characteristic
of being one of the most frustrating but at the same time rewarding activities one can be
a part of. Precisely because of this, I would like to finish this letter by letting you know that
MUN is not about winning, but about what a friend once defined as "the true spirit of MUN:
having a good time.

Please make sure to enjoy this committee.

Kind regards,
Ignacio Ponce - unido@carmelitas.edu.pe
Director of UNIDO

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 Introduction to the topic

Over the years, developed countries have acquired an industrial capacity and technical
expertise over the manufacturing of numerous products that developing countries simply
cannot imitate. This is not necessarily something negative, but it is the natural result caused
by years of advantage that the developed countries have in terms of promoting the
growth of their own industries compared to that of developing countries. What happens
currently is that hundreds of companies based in underdeveloped countries rely on the
specialization that exists in developed countries to improve their own production
processes. For example, PepsiCo production plants in Latin America import machinery
that increases the efficiency of their entire production processes from European countries.
PepsiCo is forced to resort to the support of industrialized countries to increase the
profitability of its operations in LATAM because the countries of that region of the world
are just not industrialized and do not have the necessary specialization to create the
machinery that the company needs.

This example serves to demonstrate that 1) developed countries have the monopoly over
the development of industrial technologies and that 2) developed countries, on many
occasions, do not oppose sharing their advancements with developing countries, which
helps the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9. However, openness to
sharing new discoveries made by developed countries rarely occurs when these
advancements are made in fields such as nuclear energy or military weaponry.

Based on this premise, the committee will revolve around two main issues:

- How to encourage developed countries to continue and, to a certain extent,

increase the level by which they share new technologies that will aid with the
industrialization of developing countries?

- To what extent should developed countries share their advancements with the rest
of the world, regardless of the field in which they occur, as long as doing so does
not threaten international security?

Director’s note: Since UNIDO’s mission is to promote industrial development (specially in

underdeveloped/developing countries) for the achievement of Sustainable Development
Goal N° 9, the committee will mainly - not exclusively - focus on the monopolization of
industrial technologies. In an effort to make the committee more entertaining and diverse,
we will also center on the monopolization of other technologies, such as weaponry,
nuclear energy, medicines, etc.

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 History of the Committee

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a specialized agency

part of the United Nations that has the unique mandate to promote, dynamize and
accelerate industrial development. UNIDO focuses on the achievement of SDG N° 9,
which aims to “build a resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable
industrialization and foster innovation”.

UNIDOs vision is to develop a world without poverty and hunger, where industry drives
low-emission economies, improves living standards and preserves the livable environment
for present and future generations, with the goal of leaving no one behind. There are 171
member States that support 4 mandated functions: technical cooperation; action
oriented research and policy advisory service; normative standards related activities; and
fostering partnerships for knowledge and technology transfer. Therefore, the committee as
a whole concentrates on three key areas: ending hunger by helping businesses from farm
to fork, stopping climate change breakdown by using renewable energy and energy
efficiency to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting sustainable
supply chains so that developing countries producers get a fair deal and for the
preservation of scarce resources. The process for the creation of UNIDO was the following:

1966: On 17 November, 1966, the United Nations General Assembly passes resolution 2152
(XXI) establishing the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as an
autonomous body within the United Nations. Its mission is to promote and accelerate the
industrialization of developing countries. The United Nations Secretary-General nominates
Ibrahim Helmi Abdel-Rahman (Egypt) as UNIDO's first Executive Director.

1975: The General Assembly, in resolution 3362 (S-VII), endorses the recommendation of
the Conference that UNIDO be converted into a specialized agency. The new Executive
Director, Abd-El Rahman Khane (Algeria) takes office.

1979: The UN conference on the "Establishment of UNIDO as a specialized agency," at its

second session in Vienna, Austria, adopts the new Constitution.

1985: Following a series of consultations between Member States that have ratified,
accepted or approved the Constitution of UNIDO, the Constitution enters into force on 21
June. The first session of the General Conference of UNIDO as a specialized agency meets
in August and elects Domingo L. Siazon Jr. Philippines) as its Director General.

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1993: This year sees further restructuring of UNIDO, with an emphasis on services geared to
private sector development. Mauricio de Maria y Campos (Mexico) is elected Director
General.

1997: Member States adopt a Business Plan for the Future Role and Functions of UNIDO
that paves the way for its thorough overhaul. The purpose of the Business Plan is to enable
UNIDO to better respond to the changing global economic environment. The seventh
session of the General Conference appoints Carlos Magariños (Argentina) as UNIDO's
Director General.

2000: UNIDO's reform is hailed as a resounding success by Member States attending the
Millennium Conference at the UN headquarters in New York. UNIDO's efforts to increase
the industrial competitiveness of its client countries are also applauded.

2001: UNIDO adjusts its programmes in the light of the United Nations Millennium
Development Goals.

2003: UNIDO adopts a new corporate strategy based on the premise that productivity
enhancement, driven by improved skills, increased knowledge and upgraded
technology, plays a crucial role in promoting faster growth.

2005: The General Conference, at its eleventh session, elects Kandeh K. Yumkella (Sierra
Leone) as UNIDO's Director General.

2009: Kandeh K. Yumkella is recommended for a second term in office as the Director
General of UNIDO.

2013; The General Conference, at its second special session in June, elects LI Yong
(People's Republic of China) as UNIDO's Director General.

2021: The nineteenth session of the General Conference approved Gerd Müller of
Germany to be the Organization's next Director General.
He took office as the new Director General of UNIDO on 10 December 2021.

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 Key Concepts

Delegates are encouraged to further investigate each of these concepts since it is very
likely that they will come up during the debate. These definitions are taken from the
Cambridge Dictionary:

a. Developed country

A country with a lot of industrial activity and where people generally have high
incomes.

b. Developing country

A country that is less developed economically than most others, with little industry
and little money spent on education, health care, among others.

c. Exports

To sell goods to other countries

d. Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

Is a bilateral or multilateral treaty under which countries agree to certain benefits

for developing commerce amongst the parties involved.

e. Imports

To buy or bring in products from other countries

f. Industrialization

The process of developing industries in a country.

g. Industry

The companies and activities involved in the process of producing goods for sale,
especially in factories or special areas.

h. Monopolization

In business, complete control of something prevents other people or companies

having any share or influence.

i. Production process

The process that a product has to follow in order to be made.

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j. Specialization

To be extremely good at doing some particular activity. In business, it relates to the

ability of more efficiently developing a certain product.

k. Supply chain

The system of people and organizations that are involved in getting a product from
the place where it is made to the customers.

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 Statement of the Problem

The rapid advancement of technology has played a pivotal role in shaping the global
economic landscape, driving innovation, and transforming industries. Technological
breakthroughs have the potential to propel nations towards greater development and
prosperity, yet the distribution of these advancements has not been uniform. The
monopolization of technology refers to the concentration of technological capabilities,
knowledge, and resources within a limited number of entities, often leading to disparities in
access, economic power, and influence.

Throughout history, the process of industrialization has been closely linked to technological
innovation. The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, marked a
turning point in human history, leading to significant advancements in manufacturing,
transportation, and communication. As industrialization spread across nations, it brought
about profound changes in societies and economies, leading to both unprecedented
progress and significant challenges.

In the modern era, the divide between technologically advanced countries and those
lagging behind remains a critical issue. While some nations have positioned themselves at
the forefront of technological innovation, many others continue to struggle with limited
access to essential technologies. This technological divide is often characterized by:

- Access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Disparities in ICT

infrastructure and internet connectivity hinder the ability of certain regions to fully
participate in the digital economy and benefit from the knowledge-sharing
potential of the digital age.

- Research and Development Disparities: Uneven investments in research and

development (R&D) contribute to variations in technological capabilities.
Advanced economies tend to allocate greater resources to R&D, resulting in a
knowledge gap.

- Intellectual Property and Patents: Intellectual property rights and patent systems
can inadvertently contribute to the monopolization of technology. Patent
restrictions may limit the diffusion of knowledge and hinder technology transfer to
developing nations.

The monopolization of technology has profound implications for industrialization and

economic growth. It leads to the establishment of economic dependency, where
countries that lack access to advanced technologies may become economically

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dependent on technology-producing nations. This can lead to trade imbalances,
vulnerability to price fluctuations, and limited economic diversification. It also exacerbates
disparities in skills and employment opportunities, since without access to cutting-edge
technologies, certain regions may struggle to provide their workforce with relevant skills for
the modern job market.

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 Points of Contention

a. Industrial disparity and industrialization

The issue of industrial disparity and its relationship to the monopolization of technology is a
pressing concern that requires the attention and cooperation of the international
community. Industrialization has been a driving force behind economic growth, poverty
reduction, and technological advancement. However, the unequal distribution of
industrial development and access to technology has led to disparities that exacerbate
existing global inequalities.

Industrial disparity refers to the unequal distribution of industrialization and technological

advancements among countries and regions. This divide can be attributed to a variety of
factors, including historical legacies, economic policies, technological barriers, and
access to resources. The consequences of industrial disparity are far-reaching and impact
various aspects of human development:

- Economic Inequality: Disparities in industrial development can lead to unequal

economic growth, trade imbalances, and income inequality between countries.
Countries with limited industrialization may struggle to compete in the global
market, hindering their ability to achieve sustainable economic development.

- Technological Divide: Unequal access to technology and knowledge perpetuates

a digital divide between advanced and developing nations. This not only affects
economic opportunities but also limits the capacity of marginalized regions to
address pressing social and environmental challenges.

- Social Challenges: Industrial disparity can exacerbate social challenges, including

unemployment, poverty, and inadequate access to healthcare and education.
The lack of diversified industries in certain regions can contribute to
overdependence on specific sectors, making economies vulnerable to fluctuations.

Industrialization has the potential to serve as a catalyst for equitable development,

fostering economic growth, technological innovation, and improved living standards.
Delegates are encouraged to consider the following aspects when addressing the
relationship between industrialization and the monopolization of technology:

- Inclusive Innovation: Promoting policies that encourage inclusive innovation and

technology transfer can help bridge the technological gap between developed

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 and developing nations. Ensuring that intellectual property rights do not hinder
access to essential technologies is crucial.

- Capacity Building: Facilitating skill development, knowledge sharing, and capacity

building programs can empower nations to harness technology for their
industrialization efforts. Collaboration between governments, academia, and the
private sector can foster a conducive environment for technology adoption.

- Sustainable Industrialization: Emphasizing environmentally sustainable industrial

practices is essential to avoid replicating the negative environmental impacts often
associated with early industrialization. Delegates should explore strategies to
balance economic growth with ecological preservation.

b. The ethics of international cooperation (The Right of Development)

Do developed countries have the obligation to aid developing countries? The answer to
this question is complicated.

The United Nations adopted in December 1986 the Declaration on the Right of
Development, by which they recognized that development is a human right that should
be implemented, promoted and protected as if it were a civil, political, economic, social
or cultural right. In that same document, the UN arguably implies that developed countries
are meant to help developing countries achieve rapid development. As Article 4.2 of the
declaration states, “sustained action is required to promote more rapid development of
developing countries. As a complement to the efforts of developing countries, effective
international co-operation is essential in providing these countries with appropriate means
and facilities to foster their comprehensive development” (United Nations, 1984).

When the UN asks for “effective international cooperation” in order to contribute to the
development of developing countries, it can be understood that they are referring to
developed countries. However, as Ahmad Masum (2020) explains, the right to
development (RTD) is not a legally enforceable right since it comes from a non-binding
instrument. Masum explains that the RTD can be considered a soft law, which are all
human rights that have been generally accepted by the international community in
declarations and resolutions but are not legally binding.

Besides not being a legally binding tool to ensure development, the RTD has raised
concerns from countries that promote completely different views on it. Some developed
nations, such as Germany for example, support the concept of the RTD but emphasize
that the actors who play a more prominent role on its completion are developing

13
countries. Germany, alongside many other developed nations, are convinced that it is the
duty of developing countries to create environments fit to the promotion of development
and that international cooperation should not be in charge of enforcing it, effectively
saying that developing countries should not rely on foreign aid to achieve their
development goals.

Most developing nations have the completely opposite view on the matter, which can
lead to the creation of dependency between them and developed nations. In other
words, developed countries fear that the RTD could be perceived as the “right to
development assistance”, which is something that is already happening. Some
developing countries are pushing to mainstream the RTD into the current international
policies and defending its legal enforceability in an effort to have a solid foundation from
which they can demand assistance from developed countries with the “excuse” of it
being needed to promote and achieve the RTD.

Masum (2020) explains that “developed countries are reluctant to concede this
demand, arguing that they have no legal obligation to provide assistance to
developing countries for their economic development (Iqbal, 2007). While developing
countries called on developed countries to alter both their international policies and
the international economic order, developed countries stressed the need for
developing countries to change their internal structures in order to fulfill the right to
development for their citizens (Kirchmeier, 2006).”

The harsh truth is that the achievement of the RTD requires an environment built upon fair
and functional economical, political and social systems, which clearly are nonexistent in
developing countries. These nations need the help from third party actors to be able to
construct said environments, which is why they so desperately seek to get aid from
developed countries. Developed and developing countries should find the middle ground
on this pressing matter.

c. The uses of technology

Technology and ingenuity undoubtedly are the key to development and progress.
Nonetheless, the technology can have both a positive and/or negative impact
depending on how and in which field it is used:

- Farming: Technology can be used to optimize the use of resources that are
imperative for farming and reduce the environmental impact of this economic
sector. Farmers can make informed decisions based on real-time data and
analytics, enhancing crop management and resource allocation, as well as help

14
 them adapt to changing climate conditions through advanced forecasting, risk
assessment, and adaptive practices. Innovation in this field however could lead to
the creation of genetically modified crops that could end up being harmful to
other living organisms.

- Healthcare: Technology enables doctors to make more accurate diagnosis and

treat their patients more efficiently. It also aids in medical research, drug discovery
and analysis, which can lead to the development of innovative therapies. The
biggest and most recent example of the benefits of the implementation of
technology in healthcare could be seen during CODIV-19’s pandemic. Scientists
from all across the world used technology to develop a vaccine extremely quickly,
something that was accomplished also because of their openness to share their
discoveries with each other. Sadly, technology could also be used to genetically
engineer diseases with war applications or even deadly viruses that might be able
to threaten the survival of our species.

- Nuclear energy: While nuclear energy offers a promise of substantial power

generation, it carries a suite of significant drawbacks that demand careful
consideration. The haunting specter of nuclear accidents, as witnessed in
Chernobyl and Fukushima, serves as a stark reminder of the potential catastrophic
consequences associated with nuclear energy. The long-lived and harmful nature
of radioactive waste generated by nuclear reactors presents a challenge in terms
of responsible disposal and containment. Beyond environmental concerns, the
spread of nuclear technology raises the specter of nuclear weapons proliferation.
The dual-use nature of nuclear materials and knowledge can lead to their misuse
for military purposes, potentially destabilizing regional and global security. The
security of nuclear facilities and materials is a constant concern, with the looming
threat of theft, sabotage, or even terrorism. Additionally, the costs associated with
building, maintaining, and eventually decommissioning nuclear power plants can
be substantial, with potential financial burdens passed on to future generations.
Public perception, often influenced by past accidents and the shadow of nuclear
weapons, can further complicate the feasibility and public acceptance of nuclear
energy as a viable and sustainable power source.

- War: The integration of advanced technology in warfare introduces a host of

ethical concerns and potential pitfalls. As nations deploy drones, autonomous
weapons, and cyberattacks, questions of morality and civilian welfare loom large.
The precision of these technological tools can paradoxically lead to unintended
civilian casualties and collateral damage, raising serious ethical dilemmas.
Moreover, the rapid development of sophisticated weaponry can spark a

15
dangerous escalation of conflicts, as each side rushes to counter the other's
technological advantage. The rise of autonomous weapons, in particular, amplifies
the risk of human control slipping away, potentially initiating actions without direct
human intervention. The interconnected nature of digital warfare also exposes
vulnerabilities, with the susceptibility of digital systems to cyberattacks and hacking
adding a layer of strategic uncertainty.

16
 Bloc Positions

There are no clear positions on this matter, but the following general distinction can be
made to guide delegates for their preparation for the committee:

- Developed countries: These countries currently have, to a debatable extent, some

sort of monopoly over technologies across the world. Since their economies are
industrialized, they are able to produce goods with added value, which then leads
to them being able to earn and spend more money on the development of new
technologies. These countries already have the systems required to guarantee the
achievement of the RTD to their citizens, but do not want this right to be used as an
excuse by which developing countries can demand an absurd amount of
resources from them. Some developed countries are more keen than others to
provide assistance to developing nations and some are open to share more of their
advancements with these countries than others.

- Developing countries: These countries do not have the capacity to develop new
technologies and are forced to import it from developed nations. A vast majority of
them believe that it is the obligation of developed countries to provide them with
the resources necessary to be able to correctly develop and bridge the gap that
currently separates them from said nations. They face the challenge of not having
industrialized economies, which only makes it more difficult for them to be able to
achieve sustainable growth.

17
 Questions A Resolution Must Answer (QARMAs)

- How can developing countries seek industrialization? Should developed countries

help them achieve this objective? If so, how?

- How can the international community promote sustainable development

practices?
- Should developed countries aid developing countries achieve the RTD? If so, to
which extent?

- Should developed countries share their advancements with the rest of the world,
regardless of the field in which they occur, as long as doing so does not threaten
international security? If so, to what extent?

- Should the RTD be modified in order to make it less ambiguous (maybe even legally
binding) and therefore make it a guiding principle in the race for development? If
so, how?

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 Final Remarks

This topic might seem complex and difficult to understand at first, but you will find it very
challenging and fun to debate as long as you do an extensive research. Allow the
QARMAS to guide you on your preparation to the debate as we expect the committee to
revolve around these ideas. However, please feel free to bring different topics to the table
and discuss them as much as you think it is necessary. Be diplomatic, negotiate smartly
and make sure to have fun.

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 Blog Posts

In this year’s conference we will replace position papers for blog posts. Through this
system, delegates will receive 2 questions, as we approach CarMUN!

The questions MUST be answered , before the deadline in order to be awardable, with a
maximum of 500 words per question. Chairs will be able to comment on Blog Posts if they
consider it necessary.

The first question will be posted on October the 2nd and must be answered before
October 9th 11:59pm. The second question will be posted on October the 9th and must
be answered before October 16th 11:59pm.

We highly encourage you to check the Delegates Handbook for a step-by-step

explanation on how to answer a blog post.

Blog posts can be found at carmunperu.org/blog. If there is any complication or inquiry

regarding the blog posts, we encourage you to write an email to
carmun@carmelitas.edu.pe

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 Bibliography

1. Who we are | UNIDO. (2023). Unido.org.

https://www.unido.org/about-us/who-we-are
2. A brief history | UNIDO. (2013). Unido.org.
https://www.unido.org/who-we-are/brief-history
3. Capello, R., & Cerisola, S. (2022). Industrial transformations and regional inequalities
in Europe. Annals of Regional Science, 70(1), 15-28.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-021-01097-4
4. OHCHR. (s. f.). Declaration on the Right to Development.
https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/declaration-right-d
evelopment
5. Masum, A. (2020). The right to development and its corresponding obligations on
developing countries. Journal of international studies, 9.
https://doi.org/10.32890/jis.9.2013.7934
6. Yu, Y., Huang, J., & Zhang, N. (2018). Industrial eco-efficiency, regional disparity,
and spatial convergence of China’s regions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 204,
872-887. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.09.054

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