INDIA’S INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT TO UNITE NATIONS

STUDY GUIDE

COMMITTEE: UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

AGENDA: PROMOTING DURABLE PEACE AND
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA
 MANDATE
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), is the principal deliberative,
policy-making, and representative body of the United Nations. It was established in
1945 under the Charter of the United Nations. Article 13 of the Charter states that
UNGA must initiate studies and make recommendations to aid in implementing human
rights and fundamental freedoms for all without discrimination against race, sex,
language, or religion. It comprises 193 member states, and each member state has one
equal vote. It provides a unique medium for extensive discussion of transnational issues
covered by the charter of the UN. It strives to promote the progressive development of
public international law. It makes pivotal decisions for the UN, such as appointing the
secretary-general on the recommendation of the Security Council and electing the
non-permanent members of the Security Council and the members of other United
Nations councils and organs. It examines reports from the other four organs of the United
Nations, assesses the member states’ assets and financial circumstances, and approves
the UN budget. It works with the Security Council to elect the International Court of
Justice judges. The regular plenary sessions take place from September to December
each year and after that as required.

INTRODUCTION
The UNGA has identified the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in
Africa as a top priority, recognizing the continent's diverse challenges and potential. Home to
1.3 billion people, Africa faces issues like poverty, inequality, conflict, and environmental
degradation. The UNGA, through resolutions and partnerships with entities like the African
Union, is committed to addressing these challenges. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development and the African Union Agenda 20631 serve as frameworks guiding these
efforts.

The UNGA, as the main deliberative organ of the UN, plays a vital role in addressing the
agenda. With functions encompassing discussions, recommendations, studies, and the
approval of budgets, the UNGA exercises its powers to adopt resolutions crucial to Africa's
development. Resolutions like NEPAD2, the 2030 Agenda, and the Addis Ababa Action

1
https://au.int/en/agenda2063/overview
2
https://www.nepad.org/publication/nepad-brief
Agenda exemplify the UNGA's commitment to sustainable development in Africa. The
establishment of subsidiary bodies and the oversight of implementation further emphasize the
UNGA's impact.

Durable peace
Durable peace is described as a lasting state without violence, oppression, or deprivation,
while sustainable development balances human needs with environmental preservation. Other
terms, such as conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction, are
integral to achieving the agenda.

Challenges and Opportunities in Achieving the Agenda

Africa's path to durable peace and sustainable development present both challenges and
opportunities. Challenges include weak governance, poverty, inequality, and conflict.
However, these challenges also provide opportunities for innovative solutions. The UNGA
can play a pivotal role by addressing governance issues and leveraging opportunities like the
Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to implement SDGs and Agenda 2063,
fostering economic development and job creation.

HISTORY
Historical Background and Evolution of the Agenda
Africa has a very complex and varied history. Instances of both conflict and efforts for
peacebuilding can be found here. During the Precolonial period, diverse groups of society
had their own system of governance. They sustainably managed resources and maintained a
balance with nature. During the colonial period, the European powers divided the various
ethnic groups which ignited tensions between them. They also exploited the resources and
completely disrupted the system of sustainable use of resources to fulfil their motives.
Post-independence many plans were made to address social and economic challenges.
Industrialization was prioritized and environmental considerations were overseen. Various
conflicts were also seen between ethnic, religious, and political groups which also resulted in
the Cold War. African Unity was later replaced by the African Union in 2001, aimed to
promote unity and cooperation among African nations. African countries have significantly
contributed to the promotion of the United Nations peacekeeping mission worldwide. The
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)3, adopted in 2000, included goals related to poverty
reduction, education, and health, majorly focusing on sustainable development. While
progress can be seen, challenges still persist.

Causes and Consequences of Conflicts and Instability in Africa

One of the major causes of conflicts would the historical factors where the colonial powers
divided ethnic groups, and exploited the resources were one of the reasons. The second would
be the weak governance where often corruption was seen and there was a lack of
transparency which was also a contributor to social unrest. The next contributor to conflicts
was the demographic pressures due to rapid population growth which strained the resources
and services. All these causes led to different consequences like humanitarian crises,
economic disruption, social fragmentation, and political instability.

Review of Past and Current UN and Other Initiatives

UN initiatives include the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) which looks after
poverty reduction, sustainable economic growth, and improvement of governance. United
Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) facilitated disarmament, demobilisation, and
reintegration efforts. Regional organizations like the African Union (AU), the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) are some of the regional organizations working for peacekeeping,
sustainable development, and stability in the region.

CURRENT SCENARIO
Historical Context and Commitments
The UNGA's commitment to Africa's development is evident through resolutions and
declarations that align with the AU's Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development. This collaborative framework seeks to address the root causes of conflict,
foster inclusive governance, enhance regional integration, and achieve the SDGs. However,
the historical backdrop highlights the persistence of challenges, necessitating a nuanced
examination of the current state of affairs.

3
https://afdb.org/en/topics-and-sectors/topics/millennium-development-goals-mdgs
Current Situation and Trends
Africa's progress, as outlined in the 2023 Africa Sustainable Development Report4,
showcases commendable strides in health, education, gender equality, energy, and
infrastructure. Despite these achievements, persistent challenges such as poverty, hunger,
inequality, and environmental degradation persist. The Accelerating COVID-19 recovery
report5 has further exacerbated existing issues, revealing vulnerabilities in health systems,
economies, and social protection mechanisms. While armed conflicts and fatalities have
declined since the 1990s, the continent grapples with complex threats like terrorism,
organized crime, piracy, and climate change-induced disasters.

Existing Challenges and Gaps

Efforts by the AU and RECs, though commendable, face hurdles. Challenges include
inadequate financing, weak implementation of frameworks, limited inclusivity in peace
processes, and the persistence of root causes like poverty and governance issues. The
emergence of new challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the digital divide, adds
to the complexity.

Opportunities for Advancing the Agenda

Amidst challenges, opportunities arise. Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade
Area (AfCFTA), alignment of the 2030 Agenda with AU Agenda 2063, the AU Peace Fund,
and strengthened partnerships between the UN and AU offer potential avenues for progress.
Leveraging the demographic dividend, innovation, and cultural diversity, especially among
the youth and women, further contributes to the positive outlook.

Role and Performance of the UN and Other Actors

The UN, alongside entities like the European Union, African Development Bank, World
Bank, and others, plays a crucial role in supporting Africa's peace and development.
However, their performance faces scrutiny. Issues include inequitable representation in the
UN Security Council, lack of coordination among entities, external agenda imposition,
insufficient funding for African institutions, and inadequate monitoring of interventions.

4
https://www.undp.org/africa/publications/2023-africa-sustainable-development-report
5
https://hlpf.un.org/sites/default/files/vnrs/2023/HLPF%202023%20Inputs%20UNHCR.pdf
 PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
Strengthening Regional and Subregional Cooperation
A realistic and feasible solution involves bolstering regional and subregional cooperation and
integration in conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding. Organizations
like the African Union, ECOWAS, and SADC have been pivotal in addressing conflicts in
Mali, Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To enhance their impact,
consistent support from the international community, especially the United Nations, is
essential in terms of financial, technical, logistical, and political assistance. This aligns with
the principles of subsidiarity, complementarity, and comparative advantage, ultimately
contributing to the African Union's vision of "Silencing the Guns" by 20206.

Investing in Education and Infrastructure

Building on this, a multifaceted approach includes investing in education to reduce poverty,
promote gender equality, and improve health outcomes. Additionally, promoting good
governance and investing in critical infrastructure such as transportation, energy, and
telecommunications are essential for sustainable development.

Traditional African Institutions and Integration

Recognizing traditional African institutions and efforts towards continental integration is
crucial. The Secretary-General's report emphasizes their significant role in addressing the
root causes of conflicts and instability. Continued support for measures like debt relief,
improved market access, and private sector development is pivotal.

Engaging Civil Society and Private Sector

Engaging civil society, including non-governmental organizations, community-based
organizations, and the private sector, is indispensable for effective solutions. Civil society
plays a vital role in advocating for human rights, democracy, good governance, and social
justice. Collaboration with the private sector is crucial for responsible business practices and
sustainable development.

6
https://au.int/en/flagships/silencing-guns-2020
Collaboration with African Countries and Regional Organizations
Consideration of stakeholder perspectives involves collaborating with African countries, the
United Nations, and regional organizations like the African Union and ECOWAS, and
acknowledging their specific needs. The 2023 Africa Sustainable Development Report
highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement in achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).

Prioritization of Urgent Issues with Rationale

Addressing the Impact of COVID-19
Recognizing urgent issues, the COVID-19 pandemic emerges as a critical challenge, posing
unprecedented health, social, economic, and humanitarian challenges to Africa. Prioritizing
conflict resolution, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability are imperative for
sustainable development.

Focus on SDGs and Partnership for Goals

The New Africa SDGs report underscores the impact of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine,
and climate change on Africa’s efforts to achieve SDGs. Goals like Quality Education,
Gender Equality, Life Below Water, Life on Land, and Partnerships for the Goals represent
urgent issues that need attention.

BLOC POSITIONS
India
India is a developing country with a lower middle-income economy. It is the largest
democracy in the world. India is one of the prime suppliers of troops for UN peacekeeping
missions. It ranks 126th in the global peace index of 2023 and has seen improvements in
violent crimes, neighbouring country relations, and political instability. India has made
significant progress towards achieving sustainable development goals. India has been one fo
the strongest supporters in terms of the development and recognition of the African Union
and its member nations. India during its G20 Presidency lobbied and made the African Union
a permanent member of the G20.
Nigeria
Nigeria is a lower-middle-income economy located on the western coast of Africa. It is the
largest economy in Africa and is abundant in natural resources. Often conflicts can be seen
due to a diverse population consisting of various ethnic and religious groups. The country
faces a lot of problems like deforestation, water scarcity, pollution, and much more. Based on
the Multidimensional Poverty Index, 63% of people are multidimensionally poor. Efforts are
being made to improve infrastructure, quality of health care, and education. They are also
working towards enhancing agricultural productivity to address food security.

Cote d'Ivoire
Cote d’Ivoire is a country on the western coast of Africa. It has shown the fastest growth in
economy compared to other African countries. Internal conflicts among different groups have
hampered peace in the country. It has planned to triple its forest cover by 2030. The country
is slowly making progress towards poverty reduction, health, education, equality, drinking
water, and electricity.

Kenya
Kenya officially known as the Republic of Kenya is a country in East Africa. Kenya's vision
for 2030 is to create a globally competitive and prosperous country with a high quality of life
and to transform it into a newly industrialising middle-income country. According to the
Global Peace Index 2023, Kenya has ranked 117th most peaceful country in the world. There
is inequality in wealth distribution, poverty level, and human rights aspect. It is ranked as the
8th poorest nation in the world

United Kingdom
According to the report of the UN on the progress towards completion of sustainable
development goals, the UK ranks 11. The United Kingdom is slowly progressing towards
becoming a peaceful country year by year. UK International Development, or ‘UKDev’ –
signals the country's commitment to advance development progress, build shared prosperity,
and work through a diverse range of partnerships. The government of the UK in 2023 has
been very vocal in emphasising and conducting dialogues between the union and the
government officials.
 SUGGESTED MODERATED CAUCUS TOPICS
1. Analyzing underlying issues contributing to instability.
2. Collaborating among African nations for stability and growth.
3. Focusing on gender equality for sustainable development and peace.
4. Strategies to improve education and healthcare for development.
5. Emphasizing effective governance for peace and development.
6. Sustainable practices for food security and developmental support.
7. Developing robust infrastructure for connectivity and development.
8. Exploring tourism's role in economic development and peace.
9. Strategies to address disasters and build resilience to climate change.
10. Widening access to sustainable energy for widespread development and peace.

RESEARCH LINKS

(Note: Delegates, some of the links are only meant for light reading and thus are not
highlighted, Only refer to the highlighted sources as valid proof as others may or may not be
accepted as a source of proof in the Council. The decision of the Presiding Officer regarding
the acceptable sources is Final and Binding.)

1. https://au.int/
2. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda#:~:text=We%20resolve%2C%20between%20now%2
0and,protection%20of%20the%20planet%20and
3. https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/africa
4. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/past-peacekeeping-operations
5. https://www.undp.org/africa/news/strengthening-peacebuilding-efforts-across-africa-k
ey-achieving-inclusive-sustainable-development
6. https://www.unodc.org/romena/en/unodcs-strategic-vision-for-africa-2030.html
7. https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa
8. https://www.britannica.com/place/Africa
9. https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/01/12/africa-conflicts-violence-threaten-rights
10. https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/10/3/african-health-care-poses-challenges-to
-startups-filling-the-gaps
11. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/07/building-resilient-healthcare-systems-in-af
rica-with-a-focus-on-outbreaks-and-epidemics/
12. https://www.unesco.org/en/culture-peace-africa
13. https://www.un.org/osaa/reports-and-publications/secretary-generals-reports/causes-c
onflict-and-promotion-durable-peace
14. https://www.uneca.org/stories/africa%E2%80%99s-progress-towards-achieving-the-s
dgs-and-targets-needs-strategic-acceleration-%E2%80%93-2020
15. https://www.undp.org/africa/stories/6-africa-focused-conversations-not-miss-during-u
nga78
16. https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/195102/promoting-peace-through-the-sdgs---pages.pdf.
17. https://www.un.org/osaa/reports-and-publications/secretary-generals-reports/causes-of
-conflict-and-durable-peace-2021.
18. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10726-016-9511-9.
19. https://www.undp.org/africa/news/strengthening-peacebuilding-efforts-across-africa-k
ey-achieving-inclusive-sustainable-development.
20. https://www.un.org/africarenewal/sites/www.un.org.africarenewal/files/A-69-162-
Secretary%20General%20Report%20on%20the%20causes%20of%20conflict